The Welder's Guide to Williston, North Dakota

As someone who's watched Williston's economy ebb and flow from the oil boom to a more stabilized market, I can tell you this city offers a unique proposition for welders. It's not the bustling hub of Fargo or the state capital of Bismarck, but it's a place where skilled tradespeople can build a solid, if not spectacular, living. This guide is for the welder who’s pragmatic, values honest numbers, and wants to understand the real day-to-day reality of working in northwestern North Dakota.

We’re going to cut through the hype. Williston isn't for everyone, but for the right person—someone who values low cost of living, a straightforward lifestyle, and work that’s always in demand—it can be a smart move. Let’s dive into the data, the neighborhoods, and the local scene.

The Salary Picture: Where Williston Stands

Let's get the most important number out of the way first. The median salary for a welder in the Williston metro area is $48,548 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.34. This is slightly below the national average for welders, which sits at $49,590. However, this single number doesn't tell the full story. Your earning potential is heavily influenced by your experience, the specific type of welding you do, and the industry you’re in.

Here’s how wages typically break down by experience level in the Williston area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Williston)	Key Factors
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $43,000	Often starts as a helper or apprentice. Basic MIG welding in fabrication shops or support roles in oilfield services.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$45,000 - $55,000	Certified in one or more processes (SMAW, GTAW). Works independently on complex projects in construction or manufacturing.
Senior	8-15 years	$55,000 - $70,000+	Master of multiple processes. May lead a crew or specialize in high-pressure systems (ASME B31.3). Often in pipeline or refinery work.
Expert/Supervisor	15+ years	$70,000 - $90,000+	Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), NDT Level II, or supervisor. High demand in critical infrastructure and specialized fabrication.

Comparing to Other ND Cities:
Williston's median of $48,548 sits below the state's major hubs. Fargo, with its diverse manufacturing base (John Deere, Bobcat, and numerous metal fab shops), typically sees welder salaries closer to the national average or slightly above, often in the $50,000 - $55,000 range. Bismarck, the state capital and a hub for government and healthcare construction, also tends to have a slightly higher median. Williston's strength is not in topping the wage charts but in its combination of steady work and a very low cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The $48,548 median salary is a gross figure. To understand your financial reality in Williston, we need to look at net income after taxes and essential expenses. Using standard deduction for a single filer and accounting for federal, FICA, and North Dakota state taxes (which is a flat 2.5% across all income brackets), a welder earning the median salary would take home approximately $40,200 per year, or $3,350 per month.

Now, let's factor in housing, the largest monthly expense. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Williston is $837 per month. This is significantly lower than the national average. Let's build a monthly budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Welder Earning $48,548/Year (Take-Home: $3,350)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$837	This is for a standard apartment. Older buildings or shared housing can be cheaper.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$180	Can be higher in winter due to heating costs. Insulated buildings help.
Groceries & Household	$400	No major city premium here. Stocking up at Costco or local markets is economical.
Transportation (Gas, Insurance)	$250	Highly variable. Williston is a car-dependent city. Work commutes are rarely long.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$150	Assuming a reasonable employer contribution. Individual plans vary widely.
Miscellaneous (Phone, etc.)	$200	A buffer for personal expenses, subscriptions, and small repairs.
Savings & Discretionary	$1,333	This is the key. After essential spending, you have over $1,300 left. This is the real advantage of Williston.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
With over $1,300 in monthly surplus after a conservative budget, buying a home is a very realistic goal. The median home price in Williston is around $220,000. A welder earning the median salary could comfortably afford a 20% down payment ($44,000) over a few years of disciplined saving. A mortgage on a $176,000 loan at current rates (around 6.5%) would be roughly $1,100 per month, plus taxes and insurance—well within reach. This is arguably the biggest financial advantage of living and working in Williston.

Where the Jobs Are: Williston's Major Employers

Williston's job market for welders is heavily tied to the energy sector, but it's diversified more in recent years. The "boom" days are over, but the demand for skilled trades remains steady. Here are the key players:

1. Bauer Welding & Fabrication: A local powerhouse in custom fabrication. They work on everything from agricultural equipment to structural steel for commercial buildings. They often hire for steady, year-round shop work. Hiring trends are stable, focusing on experienced techs who can read blueprints and work with multiple processes.
2. Mosaic: A global leader in potash and phosphate mining. Their nearest potash mine is a significant employer. Welders here are maintained in critical infrastructure, conveyor systems, and processing equipment. It's known for offering strong benefits and a focus on safety. Hiring is cyclical but generally consistent.
3. Tioga Journeys (and other pipeline contractors): While the massive pipeline projects have slowed, maintenance and integrity work continues. Companies servicing lines for EOG Resources, ConocoPhillips, and others still need certified welders for repairs and small-scale projects. This work often pays a premium but can be less stable.
4. Williston State College: The college has a reputable Welding Technology program and also employs welders for campus maintenance and in their training programs. It's a stable, public-sector job with good hours and benefits.
5. City of Williston & Williams County: Public works departments need welders for maintaining city vehicles, water infrastructure, and public facilities. These are municipal jobs with excellent job security, pensions, and a predictable 8-5 schedule.
6. Northland Truck & Trailer: Serves the heavy-duty trucking industry essential to the region's logistics. Welders here work on trailer repairs, custom builds, and truck frame modifications. It's a busy shop environment with consistent demand.
7. Independent Oilfield Service Companies: Dozens of smaller companies provide specialized services to the oil operators. These can be great places to gain experience quickly, though they can be more sensitive to oil price fluctuations. Look for companies with diverse service offerings to hedge against volatility.

Insider Tip: The most stable jobs are often with Mosaic, the City/County, and large fabrication shops like Bauer. Oilfield-specific welding can pay more per hour but is more susceptible to layoffs. Many welders in Williston work for a larger stable employer and take on small side jobs for extra income.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota does not have a state-level journeyman welder license. This is a common misconception. Your "license" is your certification, which is typically tied to a specific welding process and position, and often to a specific employer's or client's quality control standards.

Key Requirements and Costs:

• Certification: The most common path is through the American Welding Society (AWS). A Certified Welder (CW) credential is portable and recognized nationwide. Certification tests are administered by accredited testing facilities. In Williston, Williston State College and some private testing agencies offer certification tests.
• Cost: Expect to pay $150 - $400 per test, depending on the process (e.g., Flux-Cored Arc Welding, Shielded Metal Arc Welding) and position (e.g., 6G pipe certification). Many employers will pay for certification if you're already an employee, but you'll likely need to prove basic competency first.
• Specialty Certs: For pipeline work, you'll need certifications from the American Petroleum Institute (API) or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for pressure vessels. These are more advanced and often require on-the-job training.
• Timeline: If you're starting from zero, a 6-12 month welding program will give you the foundational skills. Getting your first AWS certification can happen within that program or shortly after. Becoming a senior-level, multi-process certified welder typically takes 2-4 years of consistent work and testing.

Insider Tip: Don't just get one certification. The most versatile welders in Williston have AWS certifications in at least two processes (e.g., MIG and Stick) and can pass a basic pipe test. This opens doors to fabrication shops, construction, and light oilfield work.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Williston is a spread-out city, and your choice of neighborhood can affect your commute and lifestyle. Here are the top areas to consider, based on commute, amenities, and rent estimates.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Welders
Central Williston	Walkable to downtown shops, restaurants, and the Missouri River. Most jobs are within a 5-10 minute drive.	$750 - $900	The most convenient location. You're central to everything. Older buildings, some with character. Easy access to the main employment corridors.
Southside / South Williston	Quieter, more residential area with newer developments. Home to Target, Walmart, and major grocery stores.	$800 - $950	Great for families or those who want modern amenities close by. Commute to industrial areas (north and west) is still very manageable, usually under 15 minutes.
East Williston / Fairview	A mix of older and newer homes. Closer to the Mosaic potash mine and agricultural areas.	$700 - $850	Ideal if you work for Mosaic or in agricultural fabrication. Offers a more suburban feel with lower rents. A bit more of a commute to central Williston (10-15 mins).
Williston Heights / West End	A developing area with new apartment complexes. Close to the airport and some hotel/restaurant clusters.	$850 - $1,000+	Good if you value brand-new amenities and don't mind being on the edge of town. Commute times vary but are generally under 20 minutes to most job sites.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Williston is minimal. The "rush hour" might add 5 minutes to your commute, not 50. Don't overpay for location. An apartment in a quieter, older building on the Eastside can save you $150-$200/month compared to a new complex in the Southside, which adds up to $1,800-$2,400 per year—a significant amount for savings or a house down payment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Growth for a welder in Williston is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about increasing your skill set and earning potential. The 10-year job growth for welders in the metro area is a modest 2%, according to BLS projections. This means steady demand, not explosive growth. To advance, you need to specialize.

Specialty Premiums:

• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): This is a game-changer. Inspectors can earn $75,000 - $95,000+ in this region. You’ll need years of experience and must pass a rigorous AWS exam.
• Certified Welding Educator (CWE): Teaching at a school like Williston State College is a stable, rewarding path.
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Getting Level II certifications in Magnetic Particle (MT), Liquid Penetrant (PT), or Ultrasonic (UT) testing can move you into quality control, often with a pay bump into the $65,000 - $80,000 range.
• Specialized Processes: Mastering high-alloy steels, aluminum, or exotic materials used in specific industries (like aerospace or specialized food-grade equipment) can command premium rates.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is stable but requires adaptability. The oil and gas sector will remain a key employer, but it's less volatile than a decade ago. Growth areas include renewable energy infrastructure (wind turbine fabrication and maintenance), agricultural technology, and the ongoing need to maintain and upgrade existing industrial infrastructure. The welder who combines traditional skills with new certifications (like CWI or NDT) will be the most resilient and highest-paid.

The Verdict: Is Williston Right for You?

To make a clear decision, weigh the pros and cons against your personal priorities.

Pros (The Upside)	Cons (The Reality Check)
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further. Homeownership is within reach.	Harsh Winters: Bitterly cold, long winters with heavy snow. Not for everyone.
High Demand for Skilled Trades: Steady work for certified welders.	Limited Cultural Scene: Limited dining, shopping, and entertainment compared to larger cities.
Short, Easy Commutes: 5-15 minute drives to work are the norm.	Isolation: It's a 2.5-hour drive to Fargo. Can feel remote.
Outdoor Access: Excellent hunting, fishing, and ATV/snowmobiling right outside your door.	Oil & Gas Dependency: While diversified, the local economy is still tied to energy prices.
Strong Community Feel: A "big small town" where people know each other.	Limited Public Transit: You will need a reliable vehicle.

Final Recommendation:
Williston is a fantastic choice for a welder who is practical, self-sufficient, and values financial stability over urban amenities. If you love the outdoors, don't mind cold winters, and your primary goal is to build equity in a home and enjoy a high quality of life on your salary, this could be your ideal spot. It's less suitable for someone who craves a vibrant nightlife, a diverse food scene, and the energy of a major metropolitan area.

For the right person, Williston offers a rare opportunity in today's economy: a stable, skilled career where you can afford a comfortable life without being house-poor.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own welding truck to get jobs in Williston?
No, you don't need one to get started. Most fabrication shops and large employers (Mosaic, City, Bauer) provide all equipment. Owning a truck with a generator and welder is a major advantage for side jobs or if you go out on your own, but it's not a requirement for entry-level employment.

2. Is the work seasonal?
Not really. While some outdoor construction slows in the deep winter, indoor fabrication, maintenance, and repair work continue year-round. Companies like Mosaic and the City have consistent internal projects. You might have a slower week or two, but layoffs are not common for certified, reliable welders.

3. What's the best way to find a welding job in Williston?
Start with the big employers' career pages (Mosaic, City of Williston, Bauer). Local job boards like the Williston Herald classifieds and community Facebook groups ("Williston ND Jobs") are also very active. Networking at places like the Williston State College welding program or local trade events is highly effective—this is a town where personal connections matter.

4. How does the cost of living really compare to a place like Fargo?
While rent in Fargo is higher (often $1,000+ for a 1BR), the bigger difference is in discretionary spending. Williston has fewer expensive "temptations" like boutique shopping and high-end restaurants. Your grocery, gas, and entertainment budgets will be noticeably lower, making your effective purchasing power higher even if the nominal salary is slightly lower than in Fargo.

5. What's the social scene like for a single welder?
It's what you make of it. There are sports leagues (hockey, baseball), churches, and community groups. The bar scene is straightforward. Many people find community through work, hobbies (hunting, fishing, shooting sports), and local events. It's not a place for endless variety, but the connections you make can be deep and lasting.