North Dakota Firefighter Salary (2026) – City Breakdown, Overtime & Real Take-Home
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North Dakota firefighter compensation varies by department, schedule, overtime policy, and benefits. This guide breaks down what North Dakota firefighters actually earn — from entry-level pay to top-step with overtime — and what shapes take-home pay across the state's major departments.
North Dakota Firefighter Salary — Quick Numbers (2026)
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and department pay scales (BLS mean: $52,380):
Level
Annual Base Pay
Entry-level (probation / step 1)
$44,000–$56,000
Mid-career (5–10 years)
$58,000–$72,000
Top-step Firefighter
$68,000–$84,000
With overtime (realistic)
$78,000–$98,000
Engineer / Driver-Operator
$74,000–$90,000
Captain
$86,000–$108,000
Source: BLS OES May 2023, department HR postings, union contracts. Numbers reflect base pay; total compensation with OT and benefits is higher.
City-by-City Breakdown
Department
Typical Range
Notes
Fargo Fire Department
$54,000–$84,000
Largest city in ND; best pay and OT in the state.
Bismarck Fire Department
$50,000–$78,000
State capital; stable employment, oil industry proximity.
Grand Forks Fire Department
$46,000–$72,000
University city; consistent employment.
Overtime and Premium Pay
North Dakota oil boom periods created staffing competition that pushed wages upward. Current conditions are more stable. Fargo has the most consistent OT.
Use the Salary Comparison Tool to model different overtime assumptions before comparing departments.
Retirement and Pension
North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS) or local firefighter relief funds. Defined-benefit for career firefighters.
Cost of Living — What Your Salary Actually Buys
North Dakota is affordable overall. Fargo is the primary metro area. Oil-producing regions (Williston, Dickinson) can have inflated housing costs during boom periods. Extreme winter cold is a significant quality-of-life factor.
ND Firefighter Career Outlook
Solid mid-tier pay with affordable cost of living in most of the state. Limited career departments mean limited job availability. Oil industry fluctuations can affect municipal budgets.
How to Compare Two North Dakota Departments
Match the same rank and step (entry vs. 5-year vs. top step).
Confirm the schedule type and how overtime is calculated under your contract.
Get the actual pension contribution rate — not just the benefit formula.
Ask for healthcare premium costs for your coverage tier.
Subtract deductions, then compare take-home against housing costs in that specific city.
Add conservative overtime — use low-end estimates, not maximum scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average firefighter salary in North Dakota?
The BLS mean wage for firefighters in North Dakota is $52,380. Career firefighters typically earn $58,000–$72,000 in base pay depending on rank, step, and department. With realistic overtime, total compensation ranges from $78,000–$98,000.
Do North Dakota firefighters get a pension?
North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS) or local firefighter relief funds. Defined-benefit for career firefighters.
Is North Dakota a good state for a firefighter career?
Solid mid-tier pay with affordable cost of living in most of the state. Limited career departments mean limited job availability. Oil industry fluctuations can affect municipal budgets.
