Firefighter Salaries in North Dakota — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a firefighter make in North Dakota? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $53,660/yr ($25.80/hr), with around 750 people working in this field statewide.
Firefighter salaries in North Dakota are below the national average by approximately $3,702. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
North Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for firefighters across both urban and rural areas.
North Dakota Firefighter Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in North Dakota after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — North Dakota Firefighter Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the North Dakota median of $53,660.
Firefighter Salary by Experience — North Dakota
Firefighter Salary Trend in North Dakota — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, North Dakota has seen 13.9% wage growth for firefighters — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in North Dakota's fire protection and emergency services.
Firefighter Salary by City — North Dakota
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | $59,550 | $28.63 | +11.0% | 262 |
| Bismarck | $56,900 | $27.36 | +6.0% | 210 |
| Grand Forks | $55,250 | $26.56 | +3.0% | 135 |
| Minot | $51,500 | $24.76 | -4.0% | 67 |
| West Fargo | $48,850 | $23.49 | -9.0% | 50 |
| Williston | $46,700 | $22.45 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Fargo offers the highest firefighter salaries in North Dakota at $59,550/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
North Dakota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, North Dakota sits in the mid-range for firefighters.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
Firefighter Job Outlook in North Dakota
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for firefighters in North Dakota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the North Dakota job market. North Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for firefighters across both urban and rural areas.
How to Earn More as a Firefighter in North Dakota
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a firefighter in North Dakota typically adds $44,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Fire Marshal's Office can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Fargo pays firefighters $59,550/yr — +11.0% above the North Dakota average. Simply relocating within North Dakota can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Firefighters who specialise in fire protection and emergency services typically command premium rates in North Dakota. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays firefighters $41,990/yr — -21.7% vs North Dakota.
Find Firefighter Jobs in North Dakota
Live ListingsSearch current firefighter job vacancies in North Dakota:
🔍 Firefighter jobs in North Dakota — Indeed→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs in North Dakota — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs — Fargo, ND→