The Accountant's Guide to Dickinson, North Dakota

As a career analyst who has spent considerable time in Dickinson, I can tell you this isn't your typical mid-sized city. It’s a hub of the Bakken oil boom, a tight-knit community with a surprisingly robust financial sector, and a place where the cost of living makes a median salary go further than you might expect. If you’re an accountant weighing a move here, you’re likely looking for a stable, affordable lifestyle with real economic momentum. Let’s break down what that actually looks like on the ground.

The Salary Picture: Where Dickinson Stands

First, the numbers. According to the most recent data, the median salary for an accountant in Dickinson is $84,272/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.52/hour. This is slightly under the national average of $86,080/year, a common pattern in many smaller metros where the cost of living adjustment makes the salary feel more substantial. The metropolitan area, which includes the surrounding towns and counties, has approximately 50 job openings for accountants at any given time. Over the last decade, the profession has seen a 10-year job growth of 4%—a modest but stable increase, reflecting the consistent need for financial professionals in the region's established industries.

Here’s how experience typically breaks down in the Dickinson market:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Dickinson)	Key Responsibilities in Local Context
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic tax prep for local small businesses, payroll processing.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	Financial reporting, audit preparation, corporate tax filing, supervising junior staff.
Senior (8-12 yrs)	$85,000 - $95,000+	Strategic financial planning, complex tax strategy, manager/partner track at local firms.
Expert (12+ yrs)	$95,000 - $110,000+	CFO-level advisory for large local employers (energy, healthcare), consulting.

Insider Tip: Salaries can vary significantly by industry. Accountants in the energy services sector often earn at the higher end of these ranges, while those in non-profit or government roles may be closer to the midpoint.

Comparison to Other ND Cities

Dickinson's salary is competitive within North Dakota. Here’s how it stacks up against other major metros:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Disposable Income Potential
Dickinson	$84,272	93.0	High
Fargo	$80,500	95.0	High
Bismarck	$82,000	96.0	High
Grand Forks	$78,000	94.5	High

While Bismarck and Fargo have slightly larger job markets, Dickinson's lower cost of living gives it a distinct advantage. You’re not just earning a salary; you’re building savings.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $84,272, your monthly take-home pay after federal and state taxes (assuming single filing status, standard deduction) will be approximately $5,300 - $5,500/month.

The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Dickinson is $837/month. This is a key advantage. Let’s look at a monthly budget breakdown for an accountant earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,400	(Midpoint of estimated range)
Rent (1BR)	$837
Utilities	$250	Includes electric, gas, internet.
Groceries	$400
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$300	(Employer-subsidized estimate)
Retirement/401(k) Savings	$500	6% of gross salary.
Miscellaneous	$600	Dining out, entertainment, hobbies.
Total Expenses	$3,387
Remaining	$2,013	For savings, debt payoff, or investment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Dickinson is around $250,000. With the considerable savings potential shown above, a down payment is achievable within 2-3 years of disciplined saving. A 20% down payment ($50,000) is significant, but with median prices and a 30-year mortgage at ~6.5%, monthly payments (including taxes and insurance) would be about $1,600—well within reach for someone earning the median salary. This is a stark contrast to coastal markets where homeownership is a distant dream for many.

Where the Jobs Are: Dickinson's Major Employers

Dickinson's job market for accountants is anchored by several key sectors: energy, healthcare, education, and local government. The 50 jobs in the metro often cycle through these employers.

1. Stark County Government & City of Dickinson: The city and county government offices are stable employers. They need accountants for public fund management, payroll, and budgeting. Hiring trends are slow but steady, with openings appearing when staff retire.
2. St. Alexius Medical Center (now Sanford Dickinson): As the largest healthcare provider in the region, Sanford’s finance department is a major employer. They handle billing, compliance, and financial reporting. Hiring is consistent due to the essential nature of healthcare.
3. Dickinson State University: The university employs accountants for its business office, grant management, and endowment funds. These are often academic-year or 12-month positions with good benefits.
4. Energy Services Companies: This is the high-growth sector. Companies like Mammoth Energy Services, Cactus Oilfield Services, and Keen Engineering have accounting needs for complex project costing, inventory management, and corporate tax. Insider Tip: Accountants with experience in revenue recognition and project accounting are highly sought after here.
5. Local Financial Institutions: Banks like Gate City Bank and Dakota Community Bank & Trust need accountants for internal finance, loan portfolio analysis, and audit preparation.
6. Agricultural Co-ops & Large Farms: The region's agricultural side requires accountants for commodity tracking, equipment depreciation schedules, and cooperative tax filings.

Hiring Trend Insight: The energy sector boomed during the Bakken boom and has stabilized. While growth isn't explosive, turnover is low. The most active hiring is in corporate accounting for mid-sized energy service firms, where the work is complex and the pay is premium.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota has straightforward licensing requirements through the North Dakota State Board of Accountancy.

• Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including 24 hours in accounting and 24 hours in business. A master's degree is common but not strictly required if your 150 credits meet the breakdown.
• Exam: You must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
• Experience: One year of general accounting experience (1,500-2,000 hours) supervised by a licensed CPA. This can be obtained anywhere in the U.S.
• Costs: Exam fees (~$1,500), application fee to ND Board ($200), and review course (if needed, ~$1,500-$2,000). Total: ~$3,200 - $3,700.
• Timeline: From starting education to licensure, it typically takes 1-2 years. If you already have the 150 credits and experience, you can sit for the exam and apply for licensure in North Dakota immediately.

Insider Tip: Many local firms (like Dakota Accounting or Eide Bailly) have programs to help new hires navigate the NASBA licensing process in North Dakota. It's worth asking about in interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

With a metro population of 25,216, Dickinson's neighborhoods are small. Commutes are short, but lifestyle varies.

• Central Dickinson: The heart of it all. Close to downtown restaurants, shops, and the university. You’ll find older, charming homes and newer apartment complexes. Rent Estimate: $750-$950/month for a 1BR. Commute: 5-10 minutes to any major employer.
• West Dickinson: More residential and family-oriented. Larger lots, newer subdivisions, and quiet streets. Home to many of the energy professionals and their families. Rent Estimate: $800-$1,100/month for a 1BR. Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown or energy hubs on the west side of town.
• South Dickinson: A mix of commercial and residential. Close to the mall, grocery stores, and main arteries like State Avenue. Very convenient. Rent Estimate: $800-$950/month. Commute: 10 minutes to most locations.
• East Dickinson: More affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes. A bit farther from the core but still a very short drive. Rent Estimate: $700-$850/month. Commute: 10-15 minutes.

Best Pick for a Single Professional: Central Dickinson. You’re in walking distance of the best local coffee shops (like Twin Sisters), restaurants, and community events, minimizing driving and maximizing your social life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the overall job growth of 4% isn't dramatic, advancement paths are clear.

• Specialty Premiums: Accountants with CPA licensure command a 10-15% salary premium. Specializing in tax strategy for energy companies or non-profit auditing (for local charities and churches) can push you to the top of the salary range.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller. Many accountants in Dickinson choose to partner with local CPA firms or move into CFO roles for small- to mid-sized local businesses (e.g., a construction company, a large agricultural operation).
• 10-Year Outlook: The base of established industries (healthcare, education, government) provides stability. The energy sector will continue to need sophisticated financial management. While major corporate accounting departments aren’t here, the demand for skilled accountants to manage local and regional businesses is solid.

The Verdict: Is Dickinson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High disposable income due to low cost of living.	Harsh winters with significant snowfall.
Stable job market in essential industries.	Limited cultural/diverse dining options compared to a big city.
Short commutes and easy-to-navigate city.	Social scene can be small; networking is key.
Strong sense of community.	Career growth may require specialization or moving to a larger firm.
Easy path to homeownership.	Air quality can be affected by energy activity.

Final Recommendation: Dickinson is an excellent choice for an accountant who values financial stability, homeownership, and a community-oriented lifestyle. It’s ideal for those who don’t need a bustling urban scene and are willing to embrace the seasons. If your career goals include becoming a financial controller for a local business or a specialized tax advisor in the energy sector, Dickinson offers a unique platform with a low financial barrier to entry. For those seeking high-growth corporate ladders at massive national firms, larger metros like Minneapolis or Dallas would be a better fit.

FAQs

1. Is a CPA license necessary to get a job in Dickinson?
Not always, but it is highly recommended for career advancement. Many entry-level and staff accountant roles don’t require it, but senior and management positions almost always do. It’s a key differentiator in a small market.

2. How is the work-life balance?
Generally excellent. The culture in most local firms and corporate offices is 9-to-5. During tax season, hours can extend, but it’s not the burnout culture of a Wall Street firm. The easy commute and outdoor recreation opportunities (hiking, fishing, hunting) contribute to strong work-life balance.

3. What is the hardest part about moving to Dickinson for an accountant?
The transition can be social. If you’re used to a large city with endless networking events and meetups, you’ll need to be proactive. Joining the Dickinson Chamber of Commerce or the ND CPA Society is essential. The second hardest part is the winter—invest in a good winter coat and a reliable AWD vehicle.

4. Are there remote accounting jobs based out of Dickinson?
Yes, this is a growing trend. Several local accountants successfully work remotely for companies based in larger cities while enjoying Dickinson’s cost of living. This is a great strategy if you want the local lifestyle but a higher national salary.

5. What’s the best way to find housing quickly?
The rental market can be tight due to the energy industry. Use Facebook Marketplace and local real estate agencies like Henderson Real Estate. Be prepared to move fast when you find a good place. For buying, working with a local realtor who knows the neighborhoods is key.