Data Analyst in Dickinson, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Dickinson Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers, because in Dickinson, the data tells a compelling story. The median salary for a Data Analyst here is $81,609/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.24/hour. That's a solid base, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. For context, the national average for this role sits at $83,360/year, meaning Dickinson pays just slightly under the U.S. median. The key is the purchasing power.

Here’s how salary typically scales with experience in the Dickinson market:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $68,000	Basic reporting in Excel/Power BI, SQL queries for established systems, data cleaning. Often found in smaller local firms.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	Building dashboards, advanced SQL, some Python/R for analysis, liaising with business units. This is the median range.
Senior (5-8 yrs)	$86,000 - $98,000	Leading projects, statistical modeling, mentoring juniors, interpreting complex datasets for strategic decisions.
Expert/Lead (8+ yrs)	$99,000+	Managing analytics teams, architecting data solutions, driving data strategy for major employers.

Compared to other North Dakota cities, Dickinson holds its own. While Fargo and Bismarck have more corporate headquarters and thus a higher volume of jobs, their cost of living is also higher. The 10-year job growth for Data Analysts in the Dickinson metro is a robust 36%, much of it driven by the energy sector's demand for efficiency. With only 50 total Data Analyst jobs in the metro area, competition is focused but not overwhelming. The key is targeting the right employers (more on that below). I've seen mid-level analysts from the Midwest move here and find their salary goes further due to the lower housing costs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $81,609 is a gross figure. Let's break down the monthly reality for a single Data Analyst. This assumes a standard tax filing, no dependents, and the state's 2024 income tax rates (1.10% - 2.90% for this bracket).

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$6,800
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~$1,550
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$5,250

Now, for the biggest variable: rent. The citywide average 1BR rent is $837/month. Let's model a conservative budget:

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Take-Home	$5,250
Rent (1BR, Avg Location)	$837
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water/Internet)	$250	Winter heating costs can spike.
Car Insurance & Fuel	$300	Dickinson is car-dependent.
Groceries	$450	Similar to national averages.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$350	Pre-tax, but factored here for clarity.
Discretionary Spending (Food, Fun, Misc.)	$800
Savings/Debt/Retirement	$2,263
Remaining Buffer	$0

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $2,263 in potential monthly savings, a Data Analyst can build a down payment rapidly. The median home price in Dickinson is roughly $275,000. A 20% down payment ($54,000) could be saved in just over 2 years (factoring in some savings for a 401k, etc.). With the Cost of Living Index at 93.0 (US avg = 100), your salary has about 7% more purchasing power than the national average. This is a significant advantage for long-term wealth building.

Where the Jobs Are: Dickinson's Major Employers

The job market here is specialized. You're not looking at a sprawling tech scene; you're looking at data-heavy industries. The 50 jobs in the metro are concentrated in these sectors:

1. MDU Resources Group / Knife River Corp: A massive employer. Their data needs are in logistics, supply chain optimization, and predictive maintenance for their construction and mining operations. They hire analysts to track fleet efficiency and material costs.
2. St. Luke's Hospital Systems: Dickinson's primary healthcare network. They need analysts for patient data, operational efficiency, and financial modeling. This is a stable, growing area for healthcare data analytics.
3. Bauer Built / Local Auto Dealerships: A larger dealership group may have a regional analyst tracking sales performance, inventory turnover, and customer demographics for multiple locations.
4. West River Energy Cooperative: As an electric utility, they have vast data from smart meters and grid operations. Analysts here work with time-series data for load forecasting and outage prediction.
5. Dickinson State University: The university's institutional research department hires analysts to track enrollment, student success metrics, and grant funding data.
6. Western Commerce Bank: A regional bank with a need for analysts in fraud detection, customer segmentation, and risk assessment.
7. Fracking & Oil Service Companies (e.g., Halliburton, Schlumberger): While direct corporate HQ roles are fewer, local service branches often need analysts to optimize logistics, equipment scheduling, and field service data.

Insider Tip: Many of these roles aren't always posted on national job boards. Check company websites directly and use LinkedIn to connect with managers at these firms. The energy sector has cyclical hiring, but the 36% growth suggests a long-term upward trend.

Getting Licensed in ND

For Data Analysts, North Dakota does not have a state-specific license. The profession is unregulated. Your "license" is your portfolio and your proficiency in relevant tools.

• Requirements: There are no mandatory state certifications. However, employers will expect proficiency in SQL, Excel (PivotTables, Power Query), and a data visualization tool like Power BI or Tableau. Python or R is a major plus for mid-to-senior roles.
• Costs: The real investment is in skills, not licenses. Consider:
  • Power BI Data Analyst Associate Certification (PL-300): ~$165 exam fee.
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate (Coursera): ~$39/month subscription.
  • A local or online SQL/Python bootcamp: $500 - $3,000.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch, expect a 6-12 month timeline to build a portfolio and land a first role. For someone with experience moving from another state, you can start applying immediately. The timeline is less about a license and more about networking and tailoring your resume to the local industries (energy, healthcare, logistics).

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Dickinson is compact, so "commute" is rarely an issue. The longest drive from any suburb to the downtown or industrial park is 15-20 minutes. The choice is more about lifestyle and budget.

• Downtown Dickinson: For the professional who wants to be in the heart of it. Walkable to restaurants, the Dickinson State University campus, and local events. You'll find more apartments and townhomes here. Rent: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1BR. Best for younger analysts or those who value urban life without big-city chaos.
• West Dickinson (Near Dickinson State University): Quieter, more family-oriented, with established homes. A great mix of single-family rentals and apartments. Easy access to the university and a short drive to the industrial parks. Rent: $750 - $1,000/month for a 1BR or small house. Ideal for analysts seeking a peaceful home base.
• East Dickinson (The "Eastgate" area): Modern subdivisions and newer apartment complexes. This is where you'll find more of the "suburban" feel with newer amenities. A popular choice for professionals and families. Rent: $850 - $1,100/month for a 1BR.
• South Dickinson: More residential and slightly more spread out. Offers the best value for space. You can find a larger apartment or even a small house for a similar price to a 1BR downtown. Commute is still only 10-15 minutes to anywhere. Rent: $700 - $950/month for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: The rental market is tight due to the energy boom cycles, so start your housing search early. Use local property management websites like Pro-Homes or The Towne Place.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Dickinson, growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder in a tech company; it's about deepening your domain expertise and moving into strategic roles.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a salary premium by becoming the go-to analyst in a niche:
  • Supply Chain/Logistics (Energy/Construction): +10-15% above median. Critical for employers like MDU and Knife River.
  • Healthcare Analytics: +5-10% above median. In high demand at St. Luke's.
  • Financial Risk Modeling (Banking): +8-12% above median. At Western Commerce Bank or similar.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Junior Analyst → Analyst → Senior Analyst → Analytics Manager or Data Architect. In smaller Dickinson firms, titles can be fluid. A Senior Analyst at a local cooperative might effectively run the data department.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 36% growth is the headline. Over the next decade, we'll see a greater need for analysts who can not only pull data but also communicate insights to non-technical stakeholders. The integration of IoT data from the energy sector and advanced patient data in healthcare will create new, high-value roles. The analysts who invest in learning Python for automation and Power BI for storytelling will be best positioned.

The Verdict: Is Dickinson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional purchasing power due to Cost of Living Index of 93.0.	Limited job market (only 50 roles). You need to be a top candidate.
Stable, growing industries (energy, healthcare, education) provide job security.	Fewer networking events & meetups compared to tech hubs. You must be proactive.
Short, easy commutes and a tight-knit professional community.	Winters are harsh; lifestyle is adapted to weather.
Clear path to homeownership with the median salary of $81,609.	Cultural/social scene is smaller; fewer concerts, niche restaurants.
Low competition for roles compared to national averages.	Less specialization; you may wear many hats outside pure analytics.

Final Recommendation: Dickinson is an excellent choice for a Data Analyst who is practical, self-motivated, and values financial stability and quality of life over a high-pressure, high-cost urban environment. It's ideal for those willing to target specific local industries and build deep expertise. It's less suitable for someone who craves a bustling tech scene with frequent job hopping and endless networking events. If you're a mid-level analyst looking to accelerate your savings and buy a home, Dickinson is a financially astute move.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car?
Yes, absolutely. Dickinson is not a walkable city. Public transportation is minimal. A reliable car is a necessity for commuting and daily life.

2. How competitive is the housing market to buy?
The market is competitive but not extreme. Inventory can be low, especially for starter homes, due to the energy workforce. However, the median home price of ~$275,000 is within reach for a Data Analyst earning the median salary, putting you in a strong financial position as a buyer.

3. What's the biggest challenge for new analysts in Dickinson?
The biggest challenge is often the lack of a "tech community" for ongoing learning. You'll need to be disciplined about self-education through online courses and virtual conferences. The upside is that you become a big fish in a small pond quickly.

4. Is remote work an option for Data Analysts in Dickinson?
Yes, but it requires a shift in strategy. Many local analysts start in-person to build credibility, then negotiate hybrid or remote work after 6-12 months. Some also work remotely for companies in other states, which is a viable path, though it means competing nationally for salary, not locally.

5. What's the best way to break into the local market?
Tailor your resume to highlight experience in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, or finance. Use LinkedIn to search for hiring managers at the employers listed above. Attend local business events hosted by the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce to make face-to-face connections. Your local network will be your most powerful asset.