Here is a comprehensive career guide for Physical Therapists considering a move to Williston, ND.

Physical Therapist Career Guide: Williston, ND

As a career analyst who tracks the healthcare market in North Dakota, I’ve watched Williston evolve from an oil boomtown into a more stable regional hub. For Physical Therapists, this means a unique market: a smaller city with a surprisingly robust need for rehab services, fueled by an aging population and a high rate of work-related injuries from the energy and agriculture sectors. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you the data-driven, local perspective you need to decide if Williston is the right place to build your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Williston Stands

When evaluating any market, the first question is about compensation. For Physical Therapists in the Williston metro area, the numbers are solid, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

The median salary for a Physical Therapist in Williston is $97,616/year, with an hourly rate of $46.93/hour. This positions Williston slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, a common trend for many non-metropolitan areas. However, this is where context is critical. The 10-year job growth for the metro is a healthy 14%, indicating sustained demand, and the current 55 jobs in the metro suggest a competitive but not oversaturated market.

Here’s how compensation typically breaks down by experience level in this region:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$80,000 - $90,000	Direct patient care under supervision, basic documentation, assisting with outpatient and post-surgical cases.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$92,000 - $105,000	Independent caseload management, specialty focus (e.g., orthopedics, neuro), potential for student supervision.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$100,000 - $115,000	Clinical leadership, program development (e.g., starting a vestibular rehab program), mentorship, complex case management.
Expert/Consultant (15+ years)	$110,000 - $125,000+	Specialized consulting for employers or clinics, teaching, high-level administrative roles, private practice ownership.

When comparing to other North Dakota cities, Williston holds its own. It typically sits between Fargo and Bismarck in terms of pay scale, but often offers a slightly lower cost of living than both. For example, a PT in Bismarck might earn $5-10k more, but rent in Williston is notably cheaper than in Fargo's competitive market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $97,616 looks good on paper, but what does it mean for your daily life? Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single Physical Therapist earning the median salary, factoring in Williston's favorable cost of living.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,135	$97,616 / 12 months
Estimated Taxes (25%)	-$2,034	Fed, State, FICA. Actual rate varies.
Net Take-Home Pay	$6,101
Rent (1BR Average)	-$837	$837/month is the city average.
Utilities & Internet	-$150	Electricity, gas, water, internet.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$400	Essential in Williston; public transit is limited.
Groceries & Household	-$400
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	-$150	Post-tax contribution.
Retirement Savings (401k)	-$600	7% pre-tax contribution.
Remaining Discretionary	$2,564	For dining, entertainment, travel, student loans.

Insider Tip: Williston has a very low sales tax (1.75% city + 5% state = 6.75% total), which helps stretch your discretionary income further than in many other states. The biggest variable here will be your student loan payment, which can significantly impact that discretionary amount.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a Cost of Living Index of 93.0 (where the US average is 100), housing is a major advantage. The median home price in Williston is approximately $220,000. With your take-home pay and a reasonable down payment, a mortgage would be far more manageable than in most US cities, making homeownership a realistic goal within a few years of arrival.

Where the Jobs Are: Williston's Major Employers

Williston’s healthcare landscape is dominated by a mix of regional hospital systems, private clinics, and specialized facilities. Hiring trends show a steady demand for PTs, with a particular need for those willing to work in both outpatient and skilled nursing settings.

1. Mercy Medical Center (CHI): The largest hospital in the region, part of CHI Health. They have a robust inpatient rehab department and an outpatient clinic. They are the primary employer for hospital-based PTs. Hiring is consistent, and they often seek PTs with orthopedic and neurological experience.
2. Sanford Health Williston: A major competitor and growing presence. Sanford’s outpatient clinics focus heavily on sports medicine and orthopedics. They have been expanding their footprint, making them a source of new jobs, especially for PTs with specialty certifications like OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist).
3. Essentia Health: While smaller than Sanford and Mercy in Williston, Essentia operates a clinic that often requires PT services. They tend to have a strong focus on family medicine and chronic disease management, which can involve PT for conditions like COPD and diabetes.
4. Williston Basin Senior Living (and other SNFs): With an aging population, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) like Williston Basin are consistent employers for PTs and PTAs. This setting is crucial for post-acute care, especially following joint replacements and strokes. These roles often offer stable, predictable schedules.
5. Private Practice & Outpatient Clinics: Williston has several locally-owned physical therapy practices. These clinics are often more agile and may offer more flexibility or a closer-knit team environment. They frequently specialize in sports rehab or manual therapy, catering to the region's active population, including oil field workers and farmers.
6. Williams County Public Health: While not a primary employer for PTs, they often collaborate on community health initiatives. This can be a pathway for those interested in home health or public health-focused PT roles.
7. Employer-Specific Occupational Health: Given the industrial nature of the area, some larger companies in the oil, agriculture, and construction sectors contract directly with PT clinics for occupational health and injury prevention programs. Building relationships with these clinics can lead to consulting or specialized contract work.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a noticeable shift towards PTs who are comfortable with telehealth for follow-ups and education, a trend accelerated by the pandemic. Williston’s geographic isolation makes this skill valuable.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota’s licensing process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. The North Dakota Board of Physical Therapy regulates all practice in the state.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Education: A graduation from a CAPTE-accredited PT program (which all US programs are).
2. Examination: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs, administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
3. Jurisprudence Exam: You must complete North Dakota’s online jurisprudence exam, which tests your knowledge of state laws and regulations. The fee is $50.
4. Application & Fees: Submit an application through the North Dakota Board of Physical Therapy website. The initial licensing fee is $150. You will need to provide official transcripts, NPTE scores, and complete a background check.
5. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal history check is required, processed through the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This will cost approximately $75.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you are already licensed in another state: You can apply for licensure by reciprocity. North Dakota is part of the PT Compact, which allows licensed PTs from other compact member states to practice in North Dakota without going through the full licensure process. This can reduce the timeline to 4-6 weeks.
• If you are a new graduate or coming from a non-compact state: The process takes longer. Allow 2-3 months from submitting your application to receiving your license, assuming you have passed the NPTE. Start the process as soon as you have your diploma and NPTE score.

Insider Tip: The North Dakota Board website is clear and user-friendly. However, always double-check for any recent changes in fees or requirements, as they can update annually.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Williston is a driving city. Your neighborhood choice will primarily impact your commute and access to amenities. Here are four key areas to consider:

1. Central/Surrounding (Downtown & East Side):

   • Vibe: Historic charm, walkable to local cafes and the Missouri River. Older homes mixed with new developments.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to Mercy Medical Center and most downtown clinics.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR apartment or older house.
   • Best For: Those who want a true community feel and don’t mind an older home.

2. Northwest (Near 42nd Street NW):

   • Vibe: Modern, suburban feel with newer apartment complexes and single-family homes. Close to retail and restaurants.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Mercy and Sanford clinics. Easy highway access.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a newer 1BR/2BR apartment.
   • Best For: Professionals who prefer modern amenities and a quiet, family-friendly environment.

3. Southwest (Near Williston State College Campus):

   • Vibe: Residential, quiet, and close to the college, which offers some community events and sports.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most clinics. A bit more isolated from the main retail hubs.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month. Often more affordable with older housing stock.
   • Best For: Those seeking affordability and a peaceful setting, possibly with a family.

4. East Side (Near the Williston International Airport):

   • Vibe: Very modern, with large apartment complexes and new subdivisions. Geared towards transient workers and young professionals.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to central hospitals; easy access to Highway 2.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month. Newer construction means higher rent.
   • Best For: New arrivals who prioritize convenience and modern living spaces over a historic neighborhood.

Insider Tip: Traffic is minimal in Williston, so a "bad" commute is rarely more than 20 minutes. However, winter weather can extend drive times. If you’re not used to driving in snow, consider a neighborhood with easier access to main roads that are plowed quickly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Williston may not have the same volume of sub-specialists as a major metropolis, but focused career growth is absolutely possible.

Specialty Premiums and Advancement Paths:

• Orthopedics (OCS): High demand, especially with the manual labor population. A certified OCS can command a 5-10% salary premium and is often a pathway to clinic leadership or lead therapist roles.
• Sports Rehabilitation: With local high school sports and amateur leagues, there’s a niche. Experience with athletes can lead to roles with school districts or specific clinic track.
• Geriatrics & Vestibular Rehab: With the aging population, this is a growing need. Sanford and Mercy both have outpatient neuro/geriatric programs. Becoming a specialist here can make you indispensable in SNFs and outpatient settings.
• Industrial/Occupational Health: This is a unique, high-value niche in Williston. PTs who can design and implement injury prevention programs for oil, agriculture, and construction companies can move into lucrative consulting roles. This path often offers the highest earning potential outside of management.

10-Year Outlook:
The 14% job growth is a strong indicator. Williston is diversifying its economy, but healthcare remains a constant. The aging Baby Boomer generation will ensure demand for PTs in outpatient, SNF, and home health settings for the next decade. For the ambitious PT, Williston offers a lower cost of living to take financial risks, such as opening a private practice, which can be a highly rewarding long-term play.

The Verdict: Is Williston Right for You?

Williston is not for everyone, but for the right PT, it offers a compelling combination of financial stability, career opportunity, and a unique quality of life.

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable demand with 14% projected growth.	Limited cultural and dining options compared to larger cities.
Low cost of living (index 93.0) and affordable housing.	Harsh winters with significant snowfall and cold temperatures.
High take-home pay relative to living expenses.	Geographic isolation; travel requires driving or connecting through Denver or Minneapolis.
Opportunity to be a big fish in a small pond—specialize and become a local expert.	Population is transient in parts due to the energy industry, which can affect community feel.
Outdoor access for hunting, fishing, and hiking.	Limited professional networking within the PT field locally; must build connections nationally.

Final Recommendation:
Williston is an excellent choice for early- to mid-career Physical Therapists who are financially motivated, value a lower cost of living, and are self-starters. It’s ideal for those willing to drive in snow, embrace a smaller community, and potentially specialize in a high-demand niche like industrial rehab or geriatrics. It’s less ideal for those who crave a bustling urban environment, direct access to major sports or cultural events, or who are not comfortable with winter driving.

FAQs

1. Is there a demand for Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) in Williston?
Yes. The demand for PTAs is solid, as they are essential in both outpatient and skilled nursing settings for implementing care plans. While the median salary is lower than for PTs (typically in the $50k-$60k range), the cost of living makes it a viable career. PTAs have good mobility between clinics and hospitals.

2. How are the clinical facilities and equipment?
Williston’s major employers (Mercy, Sanford) have well-equipped, modern facilities. They invest in current technology for modalities and exercise equipment. Private practices may vary but are generally up-to-date. The main limitation is the lack of hyper-specialized equipment found in major academic medical centers (e.g., for complex neurorehab), but for standard orthopedic and geriatric care, facilities are excellent.

3. What is the work-life balance like?
Typically good. Most PTs work a standard 40-hour week in outpatient clinics (8-5 or 9-6) or hospital/ SNF settings with more predictable shifts. Weekend work is rare unless you work in an on-call hospital role. The slower pace of life outside of work contributes to a better overall balance, but be prepared for occasional busy seasons tied to local industry (e.g., more ortho injuries post-harvest or during oil field projects).

4. Will my family enjoy living in Williston?
It depends on your family’s preferences. It’s a great place for those who love the outdoors and a quieter, safe community. The public schools are adequate, and there are youth sports and activities. However, families used to the variety of museums, zoos, and large-scale events in a big city may find it limiting. The lack of traffic and short commutes are major positives for family life.

5. Do I need to know a second language?
While English is the primary language, having Spanish language skills is a significant asset. A portion of the local population, including workers in the energy and ag sectors, are Spanish speakers. Being bilingual can make you a more attractive candidate to employers and improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.