Project Manager in Jamestown, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Jamestown Stands

As a local, I’ve watched Jamestown’s job market evolve from a quiet, agricultural hub to a more diversified economy with steady demand for skilled project managers. The median salary for a Project Manager in Jamestown is $99,153/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.67/hour. This figure, sourced from local market data and aligned with Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) trends, sits just slightly below the national average of $101,280/year. For a mid-sized prairie city, that’s a competitive wage, especially when you factor in our lower cost of living.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Jamestown Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $80,000	Coordinating tasks, maintaining schedules, support on small projects.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $105,000	Leading small-to-medium projects, budget management, team coordination.
Senior (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $130,000	Managing complex, multi-phase projects, strategic planning, stakeholder management.
Expert/Leadership (15+ years)	$130,000+	Portfolio management, departmental leadership, enterprise-level initiatives.

How Jamestown Compares to Other ND Cities:

• Fargo: The state’s largest metro offers more specialized roles (tech, healthcare) with higher salaries (average ~$105,000), but a significantly higher cost of living.
• Bismarck: As the state capital, government and insurance projects drive demand. Salaries are comparable to Jamestown, but with more bureaucratic roles.
• Grand Forks: Anchored by UND and aerospace, salaries are competitive (~$100,000), with a focus on research and defense projects.

Insider Tip: Jamestown’s salary is deceptively powerful. While $99k might seem modest on paper, the local purchasing power is strong. A Project Manager earning the median salary here has more disposable income than a peer earning $110k in Fargo or Minneapolis after housing and taxes.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. Using the median salary of $99,153/year, here’s a practical breakdown for a single Project Manager in Jamestown.

Assumptions:

• Taxes: Federal (22% marginal), State (ND has a progressive tax, avg ~2.5%), FICA (7.65%). Total effective tax rate ~27%.
• Housing: Average 1BR rent of $837/month.
• Utilities: $150/month (electric, gas, internet).
• Other Essentials: Car payment/insurance ($400), groceries ($350), health insurance ($200), misc. ($300).

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$8,263	$99,153 / 12
Net Pay (After Taxes)	~$6,030	Approx. 27% deducted
Housing (1BR Rent)	$837	Average for the city
Utilities	$150
Transportation	$400	Car is essential in ND
Groceries	$350
Health Insurance	$200	Employer-subsidized
Misc. / Savings	$2,093	Left for savings, debt, travel

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With a median home price in Jamestown around $180,000, a 20% down payment is $36,000. A Project Manager earning $99,153/year could save for a down payment in 2-3 years while renting. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,100-$1,250—well within the 30% of gross income guideline. This is one of the biggest advantages of living here: financial stability and the ability to build equity early.

Where the Jobs Are: Jamestown's Major Employers

Jamestown’s job market is anchored by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and agriculture. The metro area has an estimated 31 active Project Manager roles at any given time, with steady demand. Here are the key players:

1. Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC): The largest employer in the region. They constantly have projects for facility upgrades, IT system implementations (like Epic), and process optimization. Hiring trends show a preference for PMs with healthcare PMP certification and experience with regulatory compliance (HIPAA).
2. Stutsman County Government: Manages infrastructure, public works, and community development projects. Roles here are stable, offer great benefits, and often require experience with government contracting and public stakeholder management.
3. Jamestown College (University of Jamestown): Campus construction, IT infrastructure, and accreditation-related projects. They value PMs who can navigate academic timelines and work with faculty committees.
4. Heartland Grain Fuels / Ag Processing: As a major agricultural processor, they need PMs for plant expansions, safety compliance projects, and supply chain logistics. This is a niche but growing area for PMs with an operations background.
5. Knutson Construction (Regional Office): While based in the Midwest, their Jamestown office handles local commercial and public projects. They hire PMs for construction management roles, requiring knowledge of local building codes and subcontractor networks.
6. North Dakota State Hospital: A state-run facility with ongoing modernization and patient care projects. Requires PMs comfortable with state bureaucracy and sensitive environments.
7. Local Banks & Credit Unions (e.g., First Federal Bank, Dakota Community Bank): Often have internal projects for digital transformation, branch renovations, and compliance initiatives.

Insider Tip: Many PM jobs here aren’t advertised on national boards. Your best bet is to connect with the HR departments of these employers directly or work with a local recruiter who knows the market. Networking at the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce events is crucial.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers, which is common. However, professional certifications are highly valued and often a de facto requirement for senior roles.

Key Certifications & Requirements:

• Project Management Professional (PMP): The gold standard, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Cost: ~$555 for members, ~$405 for non-members (exam fee). Requires 35 hours of project management education and either a bachelor’s degree + 3 years of experience or a high school diploma + 5 years of experience.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): A great entry-level cert from PMI. Cost: ~$225 (members) / ~$300 (non-members). Requires 23 hours of project management education.
• State-Specific Consideration: For public sector projects (government, education), understanding North Dakota’s procurement laws and grant management is a plus. No formal license, but knowledge is key.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you already have experience: Studying for the PMP can take 3-6 months. The exam is offered online and at testing centers in Fargo (a 1.5-hour drive).
• If you’re new to the field: Start with the CAPM and gain experience. You can be job-ready in under a year.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, like JRMC and the county, offer tuition reimbursement for certification. It’s worth asking about during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Jamestown is a compact city, so commutes are short—usually under 15 minutes. Your choice depends on lifestyle.

1. Downtown / Historic District: Walkable, full of character, close to restaurants and the Arts Center. Best for younger PMs who want a social scene. Rent for a 1BR apartment: $750 - $950/month.
2. South Hill: A quiet, residential area with older, well-maintained homes. Popular with families and professionals seeking a peaceful setting. Close to the university. Rent for a 1BR: $700 - $850/month.
3. North Hill: More affordable, with a mix of older homes and apartments. A 5-minute drive to downtown or JRMC. Good for budget-conscious PMs. Rent for a 1BR: $650 - $800/month.
4. Westside: Near the college and the James River. Offers newer apartment complexes and a suburban feel. Easy access to I-94 for travel. Rent for a 1BR: $800 - $950/month.
5. Country Living (5-10 min outside city limits): For those who want space. You can find a small house or acreage for similar rent to a city apartment. Requires a reliable vehicle.

Insider Tip: Parking and storage are non-issues in Jamestown. When apartment hunting, prioritize walkability to your preferred employer—most are clustered in the downtown, medical park, or college areas.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Specialty Premiums:

• Construction/Engineering PMs: Can command 10-15% above median due to the demand for infrastructure projects.
• IT/Software PMs: Scarce locally; may require remote work for a national firm, but can earn a premium.
• Healthcare PMs (PMP + CPHQ): With JRMC’s size, this is a stable path with premiums for quality-focused certifications.
• Agribusiness PMs: Niche but growing, with salaries tied to commodity prices and expansion cycles.

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical PM → Program Manager (overseeing multiple related projects) → Director of Operations/PMO Lead.
2. Industry-Specific PM (e.g., Healthcare) → Consultant for regional clinics or practices.
3. Public Sector PM → City/County Administrator (requires additional public administration knowledge).

10-Year Outlook (6% Job Growth):
The 6% growth over 10 years is modest but stable, driven by:

• Aging Infrastructure: Ongoing public works projects.
• Healthcare Expansion: JRMC’s continued growth.
• Renewable Energy: Potential for wind/solar projects in the region.
• Remote Work: Jamestown’s low cost of living makes it attractive for companies hiring remote PMs for national roles.

Insider Tip: To grow beyond the local ceiling, consider specializing in a high-demand niche (like IT or renewable energy) and be open to hybrid roles with regional travel or remote work for a national company.

The Verdict: Is Jamestown Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: $99,153 goes much further here than in larger cities.	Limited Specialization: Fewer cutting-edge tech or creative industry roles.
Low Cost of Living: Rent at $837/month and a low tax burden.	Smaller Network: Fewer PM peers for local networking; you must be proactive.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by healthcare, education, and government.	Cultural & Entertainment Options: Limited compared to Fargo or Minneapolis.
Short Commutes: Under 15 minutes to most employers.	Weather: Harsh winters can be a barrier for some.
Tight-Knit Community: Easy to build a professional network.	Career Ceiling: Top-tier salaries may plateau unless you go remote or into leadership.

Final Recommendation:
Jamestown is an excellent choice for a Project Manager seeking financial stability, a manageable pace of life, and a chance to own a home early. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals who value community and affordability over a fast-paced urban lifestyle. If you’re a senior PM in healthcare, construction, or public works, you’ll find rewarding, impactful work. However, if you’re an IT or tech-focused PM seeking a vibrant startup scene, you may feel limited and should consider a hybrid remote role while living here for the cost savings.

FAQs

Q: What is the job market like for Project Managers in Jamestown right now?
A: It’s stable but specialized. With only 31 jobs in the metro, openings are not constant. The best time to look is during budget planning cycles (late winter/early spring) for government and healthcare employers. Networking is key—many roles are filled through referrals.

Q: Is a PMP certification mandatory in Jamestown?
A: Not by law, but it’s a strong preference for most mid-to-senior roles, especially at JRMC, the county, and larger construction firms. It can be the deciding factor between two candidates.

Q: How do I find a Project Manager job in Jamestown if I’m not local?
A: Start by targeting the major employers listed above. Contact their HR departments directly with a tailored resume highlighting local-relevant experience (e.g., compliance, infrastructure). Also, connect with recruiters from Fargo-based firms that serve the Jamestown area.

Q: Can I work remotely as a Project Manager and live in Jamestown?
A: Absolutely. This is a growing trend. Jamestown’s low cost of living makes it attractive for remote workers. Companies in Fargo, Minneapolis, or even national firms may hire you. Ensure you have reliable, high-speed internet (check providers like Consolidated Communications or Starlink).

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for new Project Managers moving here?
A: Adjusting to the small-town pace and building a network quickly. The community is welcoming, but you must put yourself out there—join the Chamber, attend industry meetups, and volunteer on local boards to connect with decision-makers.

Sources: Salary and job growth data are synthesized from local market reports, BLS ONET data for Project Management Specialists (13-1061), and North Dakota Job Service statistics. Cost of living and rent data reflect 2023-2024 local market averages.*