Fire Science Degree Programs in Fargo, ND (2026)
Quick answer: The Fargo metro employs about 270 firefighters (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing is set at the state level, through your state fire marshal or fire training academy.
Licensing
Licensing is a state matter, not a city one. Firefighter certification is issued at the state level, commonly against the NFPA standards, with certificates accredited through IFSAC or the Pro Board so they carry between agencies. The academic degree is separate: fire science programs generally follow the federal FESHE model curriculum and matter mainly for promotion rather than for initial hire.
See the North Dakota licensing and pay overview for the statewide picture, and confirm current requirements with your state fire marshal or fire training academy.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
We do not have campus-based schools on record within 250 miles of this area right now. School availability changes as programs open and close, and many programs in this field enroll online - see the main program page for options that are not tied to your location. Know a school we missed? Tell us.
What Firefighters Earn in Fargo
Firefighters in the Fargo area earn a median $53,130 per year, below the national median of $59,280 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Fire Science Pay in Fargo, ND
| Metric | Fargo metro | North Dakota | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $53,130 | $55,080 | $59,280 |
| 10th percentile | $33,460 | $39,700 | $34,910 |
| 25th percentile | $46,140 | $47,590 | $44,490 |
| 75th percentile | $61,080 | $71,930 | $77,250 |
| 90th percentile | $73,860 | $77,530 | $101,040 |
| Employment | 270 | 820 | 345,990 |
| Location quotient | 0.83 | - | 1.00 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Metro figures cover the Fargo, ND-MN metropolitan statistical area.
What the Numbers Say About This Market
The Fargo median of $53,130 is below the national median of $59,280, and below the North Dakota statewide median of $55,080 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The metro’s location quotient of 0.83 means firefighters are less concentrated here than in the average U.S. labor market (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Higher concentration generally means more employers competing for the same people, and an easier job change later.
Firefighting is hired municipally, so the relevant market is the metro area and its surrounding departments rather than the national picture.
Other North Dakota Metro Areas
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks | $68,060 | 180 |
| Bismarck | $47,440 | 140 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do firefighters make in Fargo?
The median annual wage for firefighters in the Fargo, ND-MN metro area is $53,130, below the national median of $59,280 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
How many firefighters work in the Fargo area?
The Fargo, ND-MN metro area employs about 270 firefighters (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do firefighters in Fargo need a license?
Licensing is handled at state level rather than by city. Firefighter certification is issued at the state level, commonly against the NFPA standards, with certificates accredited through IFSAC or the Pro Board so they carry between agencies. The academic degree is separate: fire science programs generally follow the federal FESHE model curriculum and matter mainly for promotion rather than for initial hire. Confirm current requirements with your state fire marshal or fire training academy.
Can I study fire science online from Fargo?
The academic portion of these programs is widely available online for working adults, while labs, clinical hours or supervised field work are completed in person. Check that the program's accreditation satisfies your state fire marshal or fire training academy.
Is Fargo a better market than the rest of North Dakota?
The Fargo metro median is $53,130 against a statewide median of $55,080 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Compare that gap with the difference in living costs before treating it as a raise.
Related
- Fire Science degree programs in North Dakota - statewide pay, licensing and metro comparison
- Fire Science programs and how to choose one
- EMT career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Firefighters (SOC 33-2011), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.