Construction Manager in Dickinson, ND

This guide is for Construction Managers who are pragmatic, data-driven, and looking at Dickinson, North Dakota, as a real option. You’re not here for a sales pitch; you’re here to understand the market, the rent, the commute, and the long-term career trajectory. Dickinson isn’t a sprawling metropolis, but it’s a critical hub in western North Dakota’s energy and development sector. The numbers tell a specific story: a solid local salary, a low cost of living, and a stable, if not explosive, job market. Let’s break it down.

The Salary Picture: Where Dickinson Stands

When you’re evaluating a move, the headline number is just the start. The Median Salary: $105,937/year for a Construction Manager in Dickinson is a strong anchor, especially when you consider the local context. This is just below the National Average: $108,210/year, which is a crucial point. You’re not taking a massive pay cut to live in a lower-cost area; you’re essentially trading a slightly higher national average for a significantly lower cost of living. The Hourly Rate: $50.93/hour translates to about $105,937 annually, assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. This is the baseline for a mid-career professional.

Experience is the biggest lever. Here’s how the salary typically breaks down in this region, based on local project scale and responsibility:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000	Project Engineer, Field Superintendent Assistant, estimating support.
Mid-Career (4-8 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	Managing full projects, subcontractor coordination, budget control.
Senior (9-15 yrs)	$115,000 - $135,000+	Large-scale projects (commercial, energy), client relations, regional oversight.
Expert / Executive	$135,000 - $160,000+	Director-level, multi-project oversight, business development, pre-construction.

How does this compare to other ND cities?

• Fargo & Grand Forks: These markets are more diverse (tech, agriculture, education). Salaries can be slightly higher ($110,000 - $115,000 median), but the cost of living is also higher. The job volume is greater, with Jobs in Metro: 50 for Dickinson feeling small, but Fargo has hundreds.
• Bismarck: The state capital. Salaries are comparable to Dickinson ($105,000 - $110,000 median), but the market is dominated by government and institutional work rather than the energy sector.
• Williston: The most direct competitor. Williston’s boom-bust cycle is more extreme. Salaries can spike higher during boom times (often $120,000+ for mid-career), but the volatility and longer commutes from more affordable housing areas are significant trade-offs.

Insider Tip: The 10-Year Job Growth: 8% is steady, not explosive. This isn’t a market that will double in size in five years. It’s a market built on sustained, long-term development in the Bakken, infrastructure, and commercial construction. That stability is a pro for some and a con for others seeking rapid ascent.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be blunt: $105,937 feels different in Dickinson than it does in Minneapolis or Denver. We’ll use conservative estimates for this breakdown.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $105,937
• Federal & State Taxes (Est.): ~28% (Single Filer, Standard Deduction). This is a rough estimate; use a paycheck calculator for precision.
• Retirement/401(k) (5%): $5,297/year
• Health Insurance (Employer-Subsidized): $3,600/year (approx. $300/month)
• Average 1BR Rent: $837/month

Monthly Take-Home Breakdown:

• Gross Pay (Monthly): $8,828
• Deductions (Taxes, 401k, Health): ~$2,900
• Net Take-Home (Monthly): ~$5,928
• Rent (1BR Avg): -$837
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Car, Savings: ~$5,091

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Dickinson is approximately $275,000. With a 20% down payment ($55,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest results in a monthly payment of roughly $1,380 (PITI). Your take-home of $5,928 means this payment is only 23% of your net income. This is well within the recommended 30% guideline. Building a down payment is the primary hurdle, but with a $5,091 monthly surplus, it’s achievable within 1-2 years of disciplined saving.

Where the Jobs Are: Dickinson's Major Employers

Dickinson’s construction market is tied to its core industries: energy (oil & gas), agriculture, and regional healthcare. The Jobs in Metro: 50 figure is a snapshot; the real market includes local firms, regional contractors, and energy service companies. Here’s who’s hiring.

1. Ultra Resources / MBI Energy Services: These are Bakken mainstays. They build and service oil & gas infrastructure—well pads, pipelines, and facilities. Hiring is direct but tied to commodity prices. They need CMs who understand industrial schedules and winter construction challenges.
2. Great River Energy (GRE): A major power cooperative. They manage electrical infrastructure projects, including substation builds and transmission line updates. Projects are long-term and highly regulated. This is a stable, long-term employer.
3. A & B Business (A-B Construction): A large, local general contractor doing commercial, industrial, and heavy civil work. They are a primary employer for CMs in the region. Their project list includes everything from school expansions to oil field support facilities. Hiring is consistent.
4. St. Alexius Medical Center (now Sanford Dickinson): The region’s largest healthcare provider. They undertake ongoing facility expansions, renovations, and new clinic builds. These projects require CMs with experience in healthcare construction (strict codes, infection control).
5. Dickinson Public Schools: The district has ongoing bond-funded projects (new schools, renovations). These are public works jobs with strict bidding processes. They often hire CMs for owner-side project management or rely on local GCs who employ CMs.
6. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Omaha District): They have a significant presence in the region managing flood control and water management projects. These are federal jobs with complex contracting, requiring CMs with public works experience.
7. Local & Regional GCs (e.g., J&J, Wanzek): These contractors work across the Bakken. They may not have a Dickinson office but constantly hire for projects in the area. Networking here is key.

Hiring Trends: The energy sector has stabilized after the 2014-2016 bust. The 8% growth reflects this. Demand is now for CMs who can manage multi-disciplinary projects—blending energy, commercial, and civil. The trend is toward more pre-construction and design-build roles, where the CM is involved earlier. The market is small enough that the best jobs are often filled through networking, not online postings.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota does not have a state-level mandatory licensure for Construction Managers, which is common in many states. This lowers the barrier to entry. However, professional credentials are highly respected and often required by larger employers.

• State-Specific Requirements: The primary credential is the Certified Construction Manager (CCM), administered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). While not state-mandated, it’s the industry standard. To qualify for the CCM exam, you need:
  • A bachelor’s degree in construction management or a related field AND 4 years of relevant experience.
  • OR No degree, but 8 years of relevant experience.
  • Relevant experience includes project management, cost control, scheduling, and contract administration.
• Costs: The CCM exam fee is approximately $350. Study materials and prep courses can add $500 - $1,500. Renewal every three years requires continuing education and a fee.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you already have the experience, you can schedule the exam within 1-2 months. If you need to accumulate experience, the 4-year (with degree) or 8-year (no degree) path is your timeline.
• Other Licenses: While the CM isn’t licensed, you may need a Contractor’s License for specific trades (electrical, plumbing) if you become a prime contractor. This is managed through the North Dakota Secretary of State and the North Dakota Electrical Board, with separate fees (typically $200 - $400).

Insider Tip: In a small market like Dickinson, the CCM can be a differentiator, but your local project experience and network are often more critical. If you’re moving without a job, getting your CCM beforehand signals commitment and expertise.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Dickinson is a compact city. Commutes are generally short, but neighborhoods vary in vibe and price. Here’s a practical breakdown.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, older homes, near restaurants and bars. 5-10 min drive to most job sites.	$750 - $950	Young professionals, those who want an urban feel without big-city costs.
West Dickinson	Newer developments, modern apartments, family-oriented. 10-15 min commute.	$850 - $1,050	Newer builds, more space, good amenities. The most common choice for relocating professionals.
South Dickinson	Mix of older and new homes, close to schools and parks. 5-12 min commute.	$700 - $900	A quiet, stable area with a strong community feel.
East Dickinson / Near I-94	Highly convenient for travel, more commercial. 5-10 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	Frequent travelers (for work or leisure) who want immediate highway access.
Near Dickinson State University	Slightly more academic, with student housing mixed in. 10-15 min commute.	$650 - $850	Budget-conscious renters who don’t mind a younger crowd.

Insider Tip: The rental market is tight. $837/month is the average, but good 1BR units can be listed for $750 and rented within a week. Start browsing Zillow and local property management sites (like Dickinson Property Management or Barker Realty) 60 days before your move. Be prepared to apply on the spot.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-Year Job Growth: 8% indicates a stable, not frenetic, market. Your career growth here is about specialization and authority, not just climbing a corporate ladder.

Specialty Premiums:

• Industrial/Energy-Sector CM: Experience in oil & gas or chemical plant construction can command a 10-15% premium over general CMs. This is the most lucrative path in the region.
• Healthcare/Institutional CM: Specializing in the strict codes of healthcare or education offers steady, recession-resistant work. Premium is lower but job security is higher.
• Pre-Construction & Design-Build: Moving from field management to pre-construction (estimating, BIM coordination) is a key advancement. These roles often pay $120,000+ and involve less travel.

Advancement Paths:

1. Project Manager (PM) to Senior PM: The most direct path. Requires mastering budget, schedule, and subcontractor management.
2. Senior PM to Operations Manager: Overseeing multiple projects and a team of PMs. Requires leadership and financial acumen.
3. Estimator to Director of Pre-Construction: A lateral but higher-paid move for those who prefer numbers and design over field work.
4. Entrepreneurship: The small market and high cost of bidding on public projects make starting your own GC a challenge, but not impossible, especially for niche work (e.g., solar farm installation, specialized industrial).

10-Year Outlook: The Bakken will not return to 2012-2014 boom levels, but the energy industry is entrenched. Growth will come from infrastructure (roads, water), renewable energy (wind, solar farms on the plains), and commercial (housing, retail) to support the stable population. A CM with 10 years of local experience, a CCM, and a network will be highly valued.

The Verdict: Is Dickinson Right for You?

This is a decision of trade-offs. Dickinson offers a high quality of life for a construction professional but requires a specific mindset.

Pros	Cons
Strong Real Income: $105,937 goes very far with the 93.0 cost of living index and $837 rent.	Limited Job Market: 50 jobs in the metro means fewer opportunities and less job-hopping options.
Stable, Specialized Demand: The energy and infrastructure sectors provide consistent project pipelines.	Isolation: 2+ hours from a major airport (Bismarck). Limited cultural/entertainment options.
Short Commutes & Easy Lifestyle: You can be at a job site or home in minutes. Low traffic stress.	Harsh Winters: Construction schedules are dictated by weather. Can mean 4-5 months of limited outdoor work.
Tight-Knit Professional Network: It’s easier to build a reputation and be known by key decision-makers.	Limited Diversity in Projects: You may work on similar project types (oil field, commercial) repeatedly.
Clear Path to Homeownership: The math works, and the housing stock is accessible.	Boom-Bust Awareness: While more stable now, the region’s economy is still tied to fossil fuels.

Final Recommendation: Dickinson is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who is pragmatic, values financial stability over career volatility, and enjoys a hands-on, community-focused lifestyle. If you’re driven by the energy sector and want to build a deep specialization, it’s a prime spot. If you crave the variety of a large metro market, constant networking events, and rapid career jumps, you may feel constrained. For the mid-career professional looking to build equity and a stress-free life, Dickinson is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is the oil boom really over? How does that affect construction jobs?
The boom of 2012 is over, but the energy industry is now a stable, long-term employer. Construction work has shifted from rapid well pad builds to more permanent infrastructure (pipelines, processing facilities, maintenance). The 8% growth reflects this stabilization. Jobs are still there, but they are more regulated and require more experience.

2. Do I need to own a truck or 4x4 vehicle?
While not a strict requirement, it’s highly recommended. A 4x4 or AWD vehicle is invaluable during North Dakota winters, and you’ll be traveling on gravel roads to job sites. A reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable tool of the trade here.

3. What’s the best way to find a job before moving?
Network relentlessly. Use LinkedIn to connect with CMs at A & B Business, Ultra Resources, and Great River Energy. Contact local engineering firms (like KLJ Engineering). Many jobs are filled through referrals. Be direct about your intent to relocate. Having your CCM will help you stand out in remote applications.

4. How does the cost of living really compare?
Using the provided data: Cost of Living Index: 93.0 (US avg=100) means you need about 7% less income to maintain the same standard of living. Combined with $837 rent (vs. national avg of ~$1,500), your disposable income is dramatically higher. This is the core financial advantage.

5. What’s the social scene like for a single, professional CM?
It’s what you make of it. The community is small but welcoming. There are professional associations (like the Dakota Chapter of the CMAA), local sports leagues, and community events. It’s not a nightlife hub, but it’s a place where you can quickly become part of the local fabric. If you prefer quiet evenings and weekend outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, hiking), it’s ideal.