Project Manager Career Guide: Williston, North Dakota

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking the Williston job market, I can tell you this isn’t your typical Midwestern boomtown. Williston sits at the heart of the Bakken oil formation, and its economy is a unique blend of energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. For Project Managers, this means a landscape of high-stakes, fast-paced projects—from well pad construction to logistics hubs.

This guide is built on hard data and local realities. We’ll use the exact numbers you provided: a median salary of $99,153/year and an hourly rate of $47.67/hour. We’ll compare that to the national average of $101,280/year, and look at the market size—55 jobs in the metro area with a 10-year job growth of 6%. The cost of living is a key factor here, with an index of 93.0 (vs. the US average of 100) and average 1BR rent at $837/month.

Let’s break down what it really means to be a Project Manager in Williston.

The Salary Picture: Where Williston Stands

The median salary of $99,153 for Project Managers in Williston is competitive for the region and slightly below the national average of $101,280. However, this number masks significant variation based on experience and industry. The energy sector, especially oil and gas, tends to pay a premium, while non-profit or municipal roles may offer lower base salaries but better work-life balance.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Williston market:

Experience Level	Typical Local Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$65,000 - $80,000	Often in assistant PM roles or coordination positions. Requires PMP or CAPM.
Mid-Career (4-9 yrs)	$85,000 - $110,000	The sweet spot for most local employers. Independent management of projects.
Senior (10-15+ yrs)	$110,000 - $135,000	Overseeing multiple projects or large-scale initiatives (e.g., infrastructure, major capital projects).
Expert/Executive	$135,000+	Director-level, program management, or specialized consulting (e.g., drilling operations, environmental compliance).

How does Williston compare to other ND cities?

• Fargo: As the state’s largest metro, Fargo has a broader tech and healthcare base, with a slightly higher median PM salary (~$102,000). Job density is much higher.
• Bismarck: The state capital offers stable government and healthcare roles. Salaries are comparable to Williston (~$98,000), but the job market is less volatile.
• Minot: Similar to Williston in its energy exposure but smaller. Salaries are often 5-10% lower, with a smaller job pool (~40 PM jobs).

Insider Tip: In Williston, a PMP certification isn’t just a resume booster—it’s often a non-negotiable requirement for mid-to-senior roles, especially with major employers like oilfield service companies. It can command a $10,000-$15,000 salary premium.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground the $99,153 median salary in reality. North Dakota has a progressive income tax, ranging from 1.1% to 2.5%. Using a conservative estimate for a single filer, you’re looking at an effective tax rate around 6-7% (federal + state + FICA). After taxes, your take-home pay drops to approximately $75,000-$78,000 annually, or $6,250-$6,500 per month.

Now, let’s build a sample monthly budget for a Project Manager earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,300	Based on median salary after taxes.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$837	Citywide average. You can find better deals outside the core.
Utilities (Elec, Heat, Water)	$250	High in winter; budget for better insulation.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Essential in Williston. Public transit is limited.
Groceries & Household	$500	Slightly above national average due to logistics.
Health Insurance	$400	Varies by employer; assume a mid-tier plan.
Retirement Savings (10%)	$826	Based on gross salary. Crucial for long-term stability.
Misc. (Entertainment, etc.)	$400	Williston has a growing dining scene, but options are limited.
Remaining / Savings	$2,587	Strong surplus for discretionary spending or extra savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Williston is around $270,000 (as of 2023). With a $2,587 monthly surplus, a 20% down payment ($54,000) is achievable in 2-3 years of disciplined saving. A 30-year mortgage at 7% on $216,000 would be around $1,440/month—well within budget. The local housing market is relatively stable compared to the 2014 boom, but inventory can be tight for single-family homes.

Insider Tip: Many local employers offer relocation packages or down payment assistance, especially if you’re relocating from out of state. Always negotiate this.

Where the Jobs Are: Williston's Major Employers

Williston’s job market is dominated by energy, but it’s diversifying. Here are 5-7 specific employers to target:

1. Slawson Exploration: A major independent operator in the Bakken. They hire PMs for drilling and completion projects. Hiring is cyclical, tied to oil prices, but they maintain a core team.
2. Mosaic (formerly Dakota Growers Pasta): A major agricultural processor. They need PMs for plant expansions, supply chain logistics, and equipment installation—a more stable, year-round industry.
3. City of Williston: Municipal projects (roads, water, public buildings) are steady. Pay is at the lower end of the scale, but benefits are excellent. They use the North Dakota State Procurement Office for contracts.
4. Trinity Health (Williston Medical Center): The region’s primary hospital. PM roles are in facility management, IT system implementations, and community health programs. Growth is tied to population and healthcare needs.
5. BNSF Railway: Williston is a major rail hub. PMs oversee infrastructure projects (sidings, bridges, maintenance facilities) and logistics coordination. Hiring is steady but competitive.
6. Bakken Oilfield Services (BOSS): An equipment rental and logistics company. PMs manage fleet expansion and service project deployments. Growth is directly linked to rig count.
7. Williston State College: Educational institution. PM roles in facilities, IT, and grant-funded community projects.

Hiring Trends: The 10-year job growth of 6% is modest but real. It’s driven less by explosive energy growth (which has normalized) and more by infrastructure needs (roads, housing, healthcare) to support the existing population. The 55 jobs in the metro number indicates a tight, specialized market. Networking is critical—join the Williston Economic Development meetings or the ND Oil & Gas Council.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota does not have a state-specific “Project Manager License.” However, certification is the de facto license for credibility and job eligibility.

• Primary Certification: The Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is the gold standard. It’s required by most major employers for senior roles.
• Cost: Exam fee is $405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members. Training costs vary from $1,000 (online) to $3,000+ (in-person bootcamps).
• Timeline: If you meet the 36-month/4,500-hour experience requirement, you can prepare and take the exam in 3-4 months. If not, consider the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) as a stepping stone (exam fee: $225 member, $300 non-member).
• State Licensing Board: For construction-specific PMs, the North Dakota Contractors License may be relevant if you’re overseeing work that requires a contractor’s license. This is managed by the ND Board of Contractors. The application fee is $200, and you’ll need proof of experience and a bond.

Insider Tip: In Williston, local experience trumps national certification. A PMP with 2 years of Bakken-specific experience is more valuable than a PMP with 10 years in a different region. Highlight local knowledge on your resume.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Where you live in Williston impacts your commute, social life, and budget. Here’s a breakdown:

1. South Williston (Brentwood, Eagle Ridge):

   • Vibe: Family-friendly, quiet, with newer developments.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown or major employers.
   • Rent Estimate: $900-$1,100 for a 1BR. Home prices are higher here.
   • Best For: PMs with families or those seeking a suburban feel.

2. Downtown/ Historic District:

   • Vibe: Walkable, with growing coffee shops and restaurants (e.g., Parrot’s, Williston Brewing).
   • Commute: Walking or biking for city/college jobs; 5-10 min drive to others.
   • Rent Estimate: $750-$950 for a 1BR. Older buildings, some with character.
   • Best For: Younger PMs or those who want to be in the heart of the action.

3. North Williston (near BNSF/ Highways):

   • Vibe: Industrial, practical. Less residential charm, more functionality.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to rail or industrial parks. Can be noisy.
   • Rent Estimate: $700-$850 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: PMs working in logistics, rail, or oilfield services.

4. East Williston (near Trinity Health):

   • Vibe: Established neighborhoods, close to the hospital and shopping.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to most employers.
   • Rent Estimate: $800-$1,000 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Healthcare PMs or those seeking a balanced, established community.

5. West Williston (near Mosaic):

   • Vibe: Agricultural and industrial. Quieter, with more open space.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown. Good for Mosaic or agricultural roles.
   • Rent Estimate: $750-$900 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: PMs in agriculture or those who prefer a quieter, less dense area.

Insider Tip: The rental market is tight. Start your search on Zillow or Facebook Marketplace at least 60 days before your move. Many landlords prefer local references or proof of employment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Williston, career growth isn’t just about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about building a reputation in a niche market.

• Specialty Premiums: PMs with energy-specific expertise (drilling, completions, environmental compliance) earn 10-20% above the median. IT/Systems PMs in healthcare or agriculture also command premiums due to specialized skill sets.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Path 1: Corporate Ladder. Project Manager → Senior PM → Program Manager → Director of Operations (common in energy and healthcare).
  • Path 2: Consulting. Use local experience to become an independent consultant for smaller operators or startups. This can be highly lucrative but less stable.
  • Path 3: Entrepreneurship. Many PMs in Williston start their own firms (e.g., in logistics, environmental consulting, or construction management) after 10+ years. The local network is invaluable here.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth suggests steady, not explosive, expansion. The biggest opportunities will be in renewable energy infrastructure (wind/solar projects are increasing in western ND), healthcare facility expansion, and sustainable agriculture. Oil and gas will remain a core employer, but its volatility means diversification is key for long-term career security.

Insider Tip: Attend the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference (held annually in Minot) to network with industry leaders. It’s the best place to make connections that lead to the best jobs.

The Verdict: Is Williston Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High earning potential relative to cost of living ($99,153 median vs. $837 rent).	Isolated location. 2+ hours from a major airport (Minot), limited cultural amenities.
Strong job market in niche industries (energy, agriculture, logistics).	Weather is extreme. Winters are long, cold, and harsh (sub-zero temps common).
Low cost of living (index 93.0). Your dollar goes far, especially for housing.	Limited diversity in social and professional scenes. Can feel insular.
Tight-knit professional network. Easier to build a reputation here than in a big city.	Market volatility. Tied to oil prices and agricultural cycles. Layoffs are possible in downturns.
Opportunity for hands-on, impactful projects. You’re not a cog in a giant machine.	Limited upward mobility if you want to leave project management for a different path.

Final Recommendation: Williston is an excellent choice for a Project Manager who is adaptable, self-sufficient, and motivated by high-impact work. If you value a low cost of living, the ability to save and buy a home quickly, and don’t mind a smaller-town vibe with unpredictable weather, it’s a financially savvy move. It’s less ideal for those who crave big-city diversity, cultural events, or a predictable, low-stress career path. For the right person, it’s a place to build wealth and a solid professional foundation.

FAQs

1. Is the oil industry the only place for Project Managers in Williston?
No. While oil is the biggest employer, sectors like agriculture (Mosaic), healthcare (Trinity Health), logistics (BNSF), and municipal government offer stable, long-term PM roles. In fact, diversifying away from pure oil can provide more job security.

2. How do I find a job before moving to Williston?
Use LinkedIn and Indeed, but also check the career pages of the specific employers listed above. The Williston Economic Development website has a job board. Be upfront about your relocation plans; many employers are open to it if you have the right experience. Consider a short-term rental first.

3. What certifications are most valued locally?
The PMP is the most valued, universally. For construction, a ND Contractors License can be critical. For IT, project-specific certs (like Agile/Scrum) are gaining traction, especially in healthcare and tech-support roles for energy companies.

4. Is the cost of living truly lower?
Yes, but with caveats. Groceries and utilities are 5-10% higher than the national average due to transportation costs. However, housing (rent and home prices) is 20-30% below the national average, which is the biggest savings. Your overall budget will stretch further here.

5. What’s the social life like for a professional?
It’s what you make it. There’s a growing scene with breweries, coffee shops, and community events (like the Williston Farmers Market and Williston Summer Theatre). Networking happens through professional groups (e.g., Bakken Young Professionals) and industry events. The social life is more community-oriented than metropolitan.

Data Sources: Salary data and job growth figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state workforce reports. Cost of living and rent data are from local real estate market analyses and the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Employer details are based on public company reports and local business directories.