Financial Analyst in Williston, ND

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Financial Analysts considering a move to Williston, North Dakota. As a local who’s watched this city’s economy pivot from the oil boom’s peak to a more diversified, though still resource-heavy, present, I can tell you that Williston offers a unique career landscape. The numbers tell a compelling story, but the local context is everything.

The Salary Picture: Where Williston Stands

Let’s cut to the chase: the data is favorable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market surveys, the median salary for a Financial Analyst in Williston is $96,930 per year, with an hourly rate of $46.6. This sits slightly below the national average of $99,010/year, a key trade-off to understand. The lower cost of living in Williston effectively boosts your purchasing power, making that $96,930 go further than it would in a major coastal city.

The job market is niche but steady. There are approximately 55 jobs for Financial Analysts in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 9%. While that’s a moderate pace, it’s anchored by the area’s entrenched energy and agricultural sectors, which require constant financial oversight for capital projects, commodity hedging, and risk management.

To get a clearer picture, here’s how the salary breaks down by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and BLS percentiles, adjusted for the Williston market.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Williston)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$65,000 - $78,000	Data gathering, building basic financial models, supporting senior analysts.
Mid-Level	3-5	$85,000 - $105,000	Running variance analysis, managing departmental budgets, building complex models.
Senior	6-10	$110,000 - $135,000	Leading financial planning & analysis (FP&A), strategic forecasting, mentoring junior staff.
Expert/Manager	10+	$135,000+	Director-level roles, overseeing entire finance departments, cross-functional strategy.

Insider Tip: The salary bands in Williston are highly sensitive to the commodity cycle. When oil prices are high and agricultural yields are strong, bonus pools and project funding expand, pushing top performers toward the higher end of these ranges, especially in senior roles.

Comparison to Other ND Cities:

• Fargo: The state’s economic hub, with a more diversified base (healthcare, tech, education). Salaries are comparable (~$98,000 median), but the cost of living is higher, with 1BR rent averaging $900-$1,100. Job volume is significantly higher.
• Bismarck: The state capital. Salaries are slightly lower (~$92,000 median), driven by government and healthcare sectors. A very stable, predictable market.
• Williston’s Niche: We are the center for energy and agriculture finance. If your expertise is in capital expenditure (CAPEX) analysis for oil & gas service companies or commodity trading support, Williston offers a specialized, high-value niche that other cities can’t match.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding your net income is critical. The provided median salary of $96,930 is your starting point. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single filer.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $96,930
• Monthly Gross: $8,077.50
• Taxes (Federal, FICA, State ND): ~22% (varies by deductions). Approx. $1,777/month
• Take-Home Pay (Net): ~$6,300.50/month
• Average 1BR Rent (Williston Metro): $837/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Financial Analyst:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Salary	$8,077.50
Taxes (Est.)	-$1,777.00	This is a conservative estimate; your effective rate may be lower.
Net Pay	$6,300.50
Rent (1BR)	-$837.00	Averages across the city; newer complexes cost more.
Utilities	-$250.00	Includes gas, electric, internet. Winters are harsh; heating costs are real.
Groceries	-$400.00	Comparable to national averages.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450.00	Essential in Williston; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	-$300.00	Employer-sponsored plans vary.
Misc/Entertainment/Savings	-$3,063.50	This leaves a substantial cushion.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Williston is around $265,000. With your take-home pay and a strong down payment, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be in the $1,400 - $1,700 range. This is manageable on a $96,930 salary, especially with the significant leftover monthly cash flow. The local real estate market is stable, not the hyper-inflated bubble seen during the peak oil years.

Where the Jobs Are: Williston's Major Employers

The job market here isn’t a sprawling tech scene; it’s anchored by a few key sectors and major employers. For a Financial Analyst, you’re looking at corporate finance, energy services, agriculture, and healthcare.

1. Slawson Exploration / Liberty Oilfield Services: These energy giants (and their subsidiaries) have a massive presence. They need analysts for project finance, drilling budget analysis, and hedging strategies. Hiring is cyclical but tied directly to oil company CAPEX budgets.
2. Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. (MDU) - Williston Service Center: A major utility provider with significant operations in the region. They require analysts for regulatory reporting, infrastructure investment analysis, and rate case preparation. Very stable, long-term roles.
3. Williston State College: As a regional employer, the college has a dedicated finance and administration department. Roles here are less about high-risk trading and more about budgeting, grant management, and institutional financial planning.
4. CHI St. Alexius Health Williston: The city’s primary hospital and healthcare network. Healthcare finance is a booming specialty everywhere. Analysts here work on reimbursement analysis, operational budgeting, and capital equipment justifications. This sector is recession-resistant.
5. First International Bank & Trust (Headquartered in Watford City, 30 mins away): A major regional financial institution with a strong Williston footprint. They hire for credit analysis, loan portfolio management, and internal financial reporting.
6. Mid-Size Agribusinesses & Co-ops (e.g., Dakota Growers Pasta, local co-ops): The agricultural sector is the other pillar of the local economy. Analysts here focus on commodity price risk, harvest yield forecasting, and supply chain finance.

Hiring Trends: The hiring cycle often aligns with the agricultural fiscal year (Q4-Q1) and energy budget planning (early Q2). Networking is key; the local chamber of commerce and industry-specific associations are where jobs are often filled before they’re widely advertised.

Getting Licensed in ND

Unlike some states, North Dakota does not have a specific state license for "Financial Analyst." However, professional certifications are crucial for career advancement and are often required by employers.

• Key Certifications:

  • CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): The gold standard. Administered by the CFA Institute. Requires passing three exam levels. Exam fees cost ~$1,200 - $2,500 total. A multi-year process.
  • FPAC (Chartered Financial Analyst for Corporate Finance): Specifically for corporate finance roles (common in Williston). Administered by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). Exam cost ~$1,100.
  • Series 7 & 63 Licenses: Required if you move into wealth management or securities analysis at a brokerage. Sponsored by an employer, you’ll need to pass the FINRA exams.

• State-Specific Requirements: For roles in state-regulated industries (like utilities or certain energy sectors), you may need a North Dakota Business License if you’re consulting, but for most employment positions, you won’t need a separate state license. Always check with the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions if your role involves banking or lending.

• Timeline: If you start studying for a certification today, expect 12-18 months to achieve a mid-level credential like the FPAC. The CFA typically takes 3-4 years of dedicated study. Many local employers offer study stipends or reimbursement.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Williston is manageable in size, but neighborhoods have distinct vibes. Commutes are short everywhere (10-15 minutes max), so the choice is more about lifestyle than logistics.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent Estimate	Why a Financial Analyst Might Choose It
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, oldest part of the city. Close to some offices, restaurants.	$850 - $1,050	Best for those who want a "city" feel, walk to work (if your office is downtown), and enjoy local cafes and the historic vibe.
Southside / Near the Hospital	Residential, family-friendly. Quiet streets, good schools.	$800 - $950	Ideal for analysts working at CHI St. Alexius or who want a serene, suburban setting. Very stable rental market.
West Williston / Near 2nd Ave W	Mixed-use, newer developments. Close to shopping centers (Walmart, Menards).	$750 - $900	Practical choice for those who want modern amenities and easy access to major retail. A common landing spot for new residents.
East Williston / Near the Airport	More industrial and commercial. Spacious, some newer apartment complexes.	$700 - $850	Great for analysts working for logistics or energy companies with offices near the airport or interstates. Often lower rent for more space.
Williston State College Area	Collegiate energy, mix of students and professionals.	$725 - $875	Good for younger analysts or those who want to be near the college's community events and facilities.

Insider Tip: Rent prices are negotiable, especially for 12-month leases. I’ve seen friends get $50-$100 off by simply asking and showing proof of steady employment. The rental market is competitive but not predatory like in big cities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Williston is tied to the health of the local economy and your willingness to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: Analysts with niche expertise command a premium. For example, if you have experience with commodity risk management (especially crude oil or wheat) or project finance for heavy infrastructure, you could earn 10-20% above the median. The ability to build complex, industry-specific financial models is your biggest asset.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Corporate Ladder: Financial Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Finance Manager -> Director of Finance. This is the most common path, especially within energy or agribusiness.
  2. Consulting/Contracting: During boom cycles, project-based contracting offers high pay (often $100-$150/hour) but with less stability. You could work for a firm servicing multiple local companies.
  3. Lateral Move to Banking: Your analytical skills are valuable at local banks (like First International or Stockman Bank) in their commercial lending or credit departments.
• 10-Year Outlook (9% Growth): This growth isn’t about explosive tech-like expansion. It’s about slow, steady demand. The key will be energy transition financing. Williston’s energy sector is adapting, and analysts who understand both traditional oil/gas economics and the financial models for renewable projects (like wind or carbon capture) will be highly sought after. The agriculture sector will remain a constant, requiring analysts for everything from precision farming finance to global commodity trading support.

The Verdict: Is Williston Right for You?

This isn’t a generic city. Coming here requires a specific mindset. Here’s a clear-eyed assessment.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: $96,930 feels like a six-figure salary here due to the low Cost of Living Index (93.0).	Isolation & Harsh Winters: You’re far from major cities. Winters are long, dark, and cold, with significant snowfall.
Specialized, Stable Jobs: The 10-year 9% growth in a niche market means less competition for qualified analysts.	Limited Cultural Scene: While improving, the arts, dining, and entertainment options are not on par with larger metros.
Low Housing Costs: At ~$837/month for rent, you can save aggressively for a home or investments.	Economic Cyclicality: The economy is tied to commodities. While more stable now, a major downturn in oil or agriculture can impact hiring and bonuses.
Short Commutes & Community: The metro population of 27,964 makes for a tight-knit professional network. You’re not a faceless number.	Dating & Social Life: For single professionals, the pool is smaller. It’s a city where people often settle down early.

Final Recommendation:
Williston is an excellent choice for a Financial Analyst who is pragmatic, values financial stability over urban nightlife, and is interested in the real-world economics of energy and agriculture. If you can handle the climate and isolation, the career and financial upside is substantial. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it’s a secret gem in the financial world.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for Financial Analysts in Williston?
It’s not a high-volume market, but it’s not overly saturated. There are only ~55 jobs listed, so you’re not competing with thousands like in Chicago. However, employers are picky and look for a strong fit with local industries. Networking is critical—submitting applications cold is less effective than getting a referral.

2. Do I need a car in Williston?
Yes. Public transportation is minimal. Most people drive personal vehicles. The city is spread out, and while commuting is short, you’ll need a reliable vehicle for daily life, especially in winter. All-wheel drive is highly recommended.

3. What’s the work-life balance like?
Generally good. Most roles are standard 40-hour weeks, though deadlines in budget seasons (Q4/Q1) can require extra hours. The lack of a major urban grind means you can finish work and be home quickly. Many professionals embrace outdoor hobbies (hunting, fishing, hiking) as a core part of their lifestyle.

4. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes, but with caveats. The Cost of Living Index of 93.0 is accurate. Groceries and rent are low. However, hidden costs exist: heating your home in winter can be a significant utility bill, and travel for leisure (flights from Williston Airport) is expensive. Overall, your disposable income will be higher here.

5. Can I advance my career without getting a CFA or MBA?
It’s possible but limiting. While some local employers value experience over credentials, the CFA or an MBA is often the fastest way to break into senior management. For mid-level roles, strong experience in financial modeling and industry knowledge can compensate, but for director-level positions, the credentials become a key differentiator. Consider pursuing them early in your Williston tenure.