Carpenter in Dickinson, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Dickinson Stands

As a local who’s watched Dickinson’s economy ebb and flow with the oil boom, I can tell you the numbers for carpenters are solid, though not spectacular. You’re looking at a median salary of $55,724/year, which breaks down to $26.79/hour. It’s a hair below the national average of $56,920/year, but don’t let that fool you. The cost of living here is your secret weapon—more on that later.

The job market for carpenters in Dickinson is tight but consistent. The metro area supports about 50 carpenter jobs, and while that might sound small, it’s a stable base. The 10-year job growth is 5%, which is moderate but outpacing national averages for many rural regions. This growth is buoyed by ongoing energy sector projects, steady residential building in the growing west side of town, and essential maintenance on aging infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how wages typically break down by experience level in the Dickinson area:

Experience Level	Typical Hourly Rate	Annual Salary Estimate (Full-Time)	Notes for Dickinson
Entry-Level	$18 - $22	$37,440 - $45,760	Often with a trade school or apprenticeship. Starts on residential framing or assistant roles.
Mid-Career	$24 - $30	$49,920 - $62,400	Median falls here. You’re leading small crews, handling complex trim, or specialized tasks.
Senior/Expert	$32 - $40+	$66,560 - $83,200+	Master carpenters, foremen, or specialists in custom cabinetry or commercial work. Top earners often run their own businesses.

Regional Comparison: Dickinson pays in line with other North Dakota cities outside of Bismarck and Fargo. It’s comparable to Williston (another energy hub) and slightly higher than Grand Forks, where the university economy can suppress trades wages. You’re not getting the Bismarck premium, but you’re also not facing the higher rent of Fargo. The real advantage is the lower cost of living, which I’ll detail next.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. With a median salary of $55,724, your monthly take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes will be approximately $3,250 - $3,400 (this is a conservative estimate; use a ND tax calculator for your exact situation). Now, factor in the average 1BR rent of $837/month. That leaves you with a robust $2,400+ for utilities, food, transportation, and savings.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a carpenter earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for Dickinson
Housing (1BR Rent)	$837	Average across the city. Can be lower in older areas, higher in new developments.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$180 - $220	Varies by season. Winters can be expensive with heating oil or natural gas.
Groceries & Food	$350 - $450	Dickinson has a decent selection at Safeway, Hornbacher's, and a strong farmers market in season.
Transportation	$300 - $500	Highly variable. Many carpenters drive trucks; fuel costs and insurance add up. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	Varies widely with employer. Some small shops may not offer it.
Savings & Discretionary	$500 - $1,000	This is the key. This range allows for retirement savings, tool purchases, or a social life.
Total	$2,367 - $3,307	Your take-home is in this range, so you're likely on the lower end, leaving a comfortable buffer.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Dickinson hovers around $250,000 - $280,000. With a $55,724 salary and a decent credit score, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be around $1,400 - $1,600—about 25-30% of your gross income. This is within the recommended range. The low cost of living makes homeownership very attainable here compared to national averages. Insider tip: The market is competitive but not insane. Get pre-approved and be ready to move quickly on well-priced homes, especially in established neighborhoods.

Where the Jobs Are: Dickinson's Major Employers

The job market for carpenters here is a mix of large commercial firms, local residential builders, and maintenance-heavy institutions. Here are the key players you should know:

1. Bridges & Weyand: A major regional contractor with a strong presence in Dickinson. They handle commercial, industrial, and civil projects. They often hire for skilled carpenters for framing, concrete formwork, and finish work. Hiring is steady, tied to energy and infrastructure projects.
2. J & J Construction: A long-standing local firm specializing in residential and light commercial building. Great for carpenters wanting to work on custom homes and remodels. They value craftsmanship and often promote from within.
3. Dickinson Public Schools (District 1): Constant need for maintenance carpenters. You’d be fixing doors, building cabinets for classrooms, and helping with facility upgrades. Stable, with benefits, but the pace is slower than construction.
4. St. Benedict’s Health Center (CHI St. Alexius Hospital): Like any large hospital, they have an in-house facilities team. Carpenters here handle everything from patient room fixtures to building maintenance. Reliable hours and good benefits package.
5. Habitat for Humanity of Dickinson: Not a traditional employer, but a fantastic place to build experience, network, and give back. They run projects year-round and often need skilled volunteers or part-time leads.
6. Local Home Builders Association Members: The Dickinson Area Home Builders Association (DAHBA) is a network of smaller firms. Attending a meeting or checking their directory is the best way to find niche residential employers like Dakota Homes or M & L Builders.
7. Energy Sector Contractors: Companies servicing the Bakken often hire carpenters for camp construction, maintenance buildings, and modular unit work. These jobs can be project-based and sometimes require travel, but they pay a premium.

Hiring Trends: Post-pandemic, there’s been a slight uptick in residential remodelling as people invest in their homes. Commercial work is steady, driven by the energy sector’s long-term presence. The most consistent demand is for journeyman-level carpenters who are versatile and can handle both new construction and repair work.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota does not have a state-level journeyman carpenter license. However, you must be licensed as a contractor if you’re bidding on projects over $2,000 and working as a business owner. For employees, the key is certification and apprenticeship.

Requirements and Costs:

• Apprenticeship: The standard path is a 3-4 year apprenticeship through the North Dakota Carpenters & Joiners Training Center. You’ll need to find a sponsor (an employer). Apprentices earn while they learn, starting at 50% of journeyman wage.
• Certification: While not mandatory, getting OSHA 10 or 30-Hour certification (cost: $60-$150) is highly recommended and often required by employers. Specialized certs (e.g., for concrete formwork) can boost your pay.
• Contractor Licensing: If you plan to start your own business, you must apply for a North Dakota Contractor’s License through the Secretary of State. Requirements include proof of experience, a surety bond (typically $5,000-$10,000), and proof of insurance. The application fee is around $150.

Timeline: An apprenticeship takes 3-4 years. You can start working as a helper immediately (with or without formal training), but to reach the median wage of $55,724, completing an apprenticeship or having equivalent experience is crucial. From zero experience to a licensed contractor could take 5-7 years.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Dickinson is a compact city where commute times are short. Your choice of neighborhood will depend on whether you prioritize a short drive to work or more space for your family (and your work truck).

1. West Dickinson: The fastest-growing area, filled with new subdivisions and apartment complexes. You’ll find many of the new residential construction jobs here. Commute to job sites on the west side is under 10 minutes. Newer homes, but you’ll pay for it.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,100
   • Vibe: Family-friendly, modern, convenient to shopping (Walmart, Menards).
2. Downtown/South Dickinson: The older, established heart of the city. You’ll find historic homes, many of which are ripe for renovation. If you work for a firm specializing in remodels or custom work, this is your zone. Small-town feel with great local businesses.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $700 - $900 (in older buildings)
   • Vibe: Walkable, character-filled, close to restaurants and bars like the Iron Skillet.
3. East Dickinson: More affordable, with a mix of older homes and some newer developments. It’s close to the Dickinson State University campus and has a quieter feel. Commute is easy, and you’re never more than 15 minutes from any job site.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $950
   • Vibe: Residential, stable, with good access to parks and schools.
4. North Dickinson: This area is home to more industrial and commercial zones. If you work for an employer like Bridges & Weyand or in the energy sector, you might be closer to work. Housing is a mix of single-family homes and apartments.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $1,000
   • Vibe: Practical, no-nonsense, close to the highway for easy travel to job sites outside town.
5. The Outskirts (Taylor/Marshall): For those who want space, a workshop, and lower land costs. You can find acreages with room for a home, a garage, and a business. Commute is 15-25 minutes to Dickinson, which is normal here.
   • Rent Estimate: Not applicable for 1BR; look for house rentals ($1,200+).
   • Vibe: Rural, self-sufficient, perfect for the carpenter who also needs storage and space to build.

The Long Game: Career Growth

For a carpenter in Dickinson, career growth isn’t just about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about specializing and potentially owning your own business.

• Specialty Premiums: General framing is the baseline. Specialists earn more. Custom cabinetry and millwork can command a 20-30% premium. Commercial formwork and rough carpentry for the energy sector often pays 15-25% above residential rates. Historical restoration is a niche skill that’s in demand in older homes downtown.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Helper → Apprentice → Journeyman → Foreman → Project Manager. Many carpenters make the leap to small business owner. With Dickinson’s low overhead, starting a one- or two-person operation for custom work or renovations is very feasible.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is conservative. It assumes stable energy prices and population growth. The real opportunity lies in the aging housing stock and the aging workforce. Many master carpenters are nearing retirement, creating a vacuum for skilled journeymen to take over. The demand for energy-efficient renovations and solar-ready homes will also create new niches. Over the next decade, a carpenter who combines traditional skills with energy-efficiency knowledge will be highly valuable.

The Verdict: Is Dickinson Right for You?

Pros of Being a Carpenter in Dickinson	Cons of Being a Carpenter in Dickinson
High quality of life with very low cost of living. Your $55,724 salary goes much further.	Small, tight-knit job market. You need to network to find the best opportunities; online job boards are less effective.
Stable, diverse employer base (energy, residential, commercial, institutional).	Weather is harsh. North Dakota winters mean outdoor work slows or stops for weeks, requiring indoor skills or downtime.
Short commutes city-wide. You’ll spend less time driving and more time with family or on personal projects.	Limited nightlife and entertainment compared to a major city. Social life revolves around outdoor activities and community events.
High demand for skilled journeymen and a path to business ownership.	Isolation. If you crave the buzz of a big city, culture, or major sports, Dickinson is a 4-hour drive from Bismarck or a 6-hour drive to Minneapolis.
Strong sense of community. You’ll see the results of your work in the town itself, building homes and schools for neighbors.	Economic sensitivity. The economy is tied to energy. A major downturn in oil could slow construction, though it hasn’t crippled the market recently.

Final Recommendation: Dickinson is an excellent choice for a carpenter who values financial stability, homeownership, and a close-knit community over urban amenities. It’s ideal for those in mid-career looking to establish themselves, start a family, or eventually run their own shop. If you’re an adventurous spirit who wants to build a life, not just a resume, while making $55,724 go a very long way, Dickinson is a pragmatic and rewarding place to swing a hammer. Insider tip: Visit in February. If you can handle the cold and the quiet, you’ll thrive.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a new carpenter with little experience?
A: It’s competitive, but not impossible. The key is to show up consistently and be willing to start as a helper. Many local firms are desperate for reliable, hardworking people, even without formal training. Pro tip: Walk into contractor offices with a resume and a handshake. The personal touch matters here.

Q: Do I need my own tools to get hired?
A: For entry-level helper positions, employers usually provide major power tools. However, to be taken seriously as a journeyman, you are expected to have your own basic hand tools and a reliable vehicle. A good set of tools is a non-negotiable investment in your career.

Q: Is the work seasonal?
A: Yes, to a degree. Outdoor framing and roofing largely stop from late November through March. However, indoor work—trim, cabinetry, flooring, and remodels—continues year-round. Many carpenters use the winter for finishing projects, taking classes, or doing small repair jobs. A good employer will have a mix of work to keep you busy.

Q: What’s the best way to find an apprenticeship or job?
A: The North Dakota Job Service in Dickinson is a great resource. Also, contact the North Dakota Carpenters & Joiners Training Center directly. But the most effective method is networking. Join the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce, attend DAHBA events, and ask around at local lumberyards like Menards or H&L Supply. Word-of-mouth is king here.

Q: Can a carpenter make more than the median salary?
A: Definitely. The median of $55,724 is a baseline. With specialization (commercial, custom work), overtime, or starting your own business, you can easily push into the $65,000 - $80,000+ range. The top earners are usually foremen or successful small business owners who have built a reputation for quality work.