Firefighter salary in Bismarck, ND
Firefighters in the Bismarck, ND metro area earn a median of $47,440 a year ($22.81 an hour), based on BLS data for 140 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,220 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $59,280. Pay here is 14% lower than the North Dakota statewide median of $55,080. There are 2.0 firefighters per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $50,390, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for firefighters in Bismarck, ND
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,260 | $18.88 |
| 25th percentile | $47,440 | $22.81 |
| Median | $47,440 | $22.81 |
| 75th percentile | $55,080 | $26.48 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,220 | $28.47 |
| Average (mean) | $50,390 | $24.23 |
Half of firefighters earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,953.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,976.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,824.62 |
| Weekly | $912.31 |
| Hourly | $22.81 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Firefighter salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $68,060 | 180 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $53,130 | 270 |
| Minot, ND | $49,060 | 80 |
Highest-paying states for firefighters
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $100,960 |
| Washington | $94,520 |
| California | $85,120 |
| New Jersey | $84,130 |
| Illinois | $78,380 |
| Connecticut | $77,630 |
| District of Columbia | $75,870 |
| Colorado | $74,170 |
| Maryland | $73,810 |
| Pennsylvania | $73,460 |
See Firefighter pay in every state or the North Dakota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Bismarck, ND
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guard | $36,130 | $17.37 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $51,130 | $24.58 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $63,230 | $30.40 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $64,640 | $31.08 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $29,030 | $13.96 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $54,620 | $26.26 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $98,300 | $47.26 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $76,450 | $36.75 |
| Transportation Security Screener | $61,110 | $29.38 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in Bismarck, ND
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 33-2011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighter make in Bismarck, ND?
The median salary for firefighters in the Bismarck, ND metro area is $47,440 a year, or $22.81 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,220 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid firefighters make in Bismarck, ND?
The top 10% of firefighters in the Bismarck, ND metro area earn at least $59,220 a year. The top 25% earn $55,080 or more.
What is the starting pay for firefighters in Bismarck, ND?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,260 a year, and a quarter of firefighters earn $47,440 or less.
How many firefighters work in Bismarck, ND?
About 140 firefighters are employed in the Bismarck, ND metro area, not counting the self-employed.