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Verified by ND Board of Public Safety

Firefighter Licensing in North Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in North Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Firefighter in North Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    ND State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $53,660 median (10% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #28 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet North Dakota eligibility requirements for Firefighter licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to ND State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in North Dakota

With a median salary of $53,660, Firefighters in North Dakota earn 10% below the national median of $59,530. North Dakota ranks #28 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,258

Median annual salary

$53,660

Hourly estimate

$25.80
10% below national median

Difference: -$5,870

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$37,950
  • P2525th percentile$46,920
  • P50Median$53,660
  • P7575th percentile$64,460
  • P9090th percentile$74,610

State vs National Median

State: $53,660
National: $59,530

Total employment: 750 | Annual openings: N/A

Firefighter Salary Ranking

#28 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$93,490
#2New York$88,380
#3New Jersey$87,660
#4California$83,400
#5Illinois$79,080

Nearby States Comparison

Firefighter licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Dakota$53,660Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$41,990Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$47,520Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Montana$64,020No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Montana25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

ND State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors

PO Box 1357, Bismarck, ND, 58502-1357

Phone: 7012580786

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in North Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$55,760Specific course requiredVaries by board
Police Officer$75,530Specific course requiredVaries by board
Security Guards$39,970Specific course requiredVaries by board
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Firefighter in North Dakota?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Firefighters in North Dakota?

North Dakota lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Firefighters.

What education do you need to become a Firefighter in North Dakota?

The board typically expects Degree required for Firefighter licensure in North Dakota.

What is the typical Firefighter salary in North Dakota?

The median annual salary for Firefighters in North Dakota is $53,660. Salaries range from $37,950 (10th percentile) to $74,610 (90th percentile).

How does the Firefighter salary in North Dakota compare to the national average?

Firefighters in North Dakota earn 10% below the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $53,660.

How many Firefighters work in North Dakota?

North Dakota employs approximately 750 Firefighters according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Firefighter license to North Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Firefighters in North Dakota?

The licensing agency is ND State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors. Review agency details at http://www.ndpelsboard.org/.

How often do you renew a Firefighter license in North Dakota?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.