The Data Analyst's Guide to Jamestown, ND

Hey there. If you're a data analyst eyeing a move to a place where your skills are needed but the pace is calmer, let’s talk about Jamestown, North Dakota. I’m a local career analyst, born and raised in this state, and I’ve watched the local job market evolve from agriculture and manufacturing to include more tech and healthcare roles. Jamestown isn’t a booming tech hub like Fargo or Bismarck, but it’s a stable, affordable city with a unique mix of employers that need people who can make sense of numbers. This guide is built on hard data—like the median salary and job growth stats you’ll see—and local insights you won’t find on a generic job board. Let’s break it down.

The Salary Picture: Where Jamestown Stands

First, let’s talk money. As a data analyst in Jamestown, you’re not commanding Silicon Valley salaries, but your dollar goes a lot further here. According to the most recent data (often sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job market surveys), the median salary for a Data Analyst in Jamestown is $81,609/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.24/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, but that comparison is misleading without context. The national average includes high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York, which skew the data upward. In North Dakota, this median salary is quite competitive, especially when you factor in the state’s low cost of living.

The local job market for data analysts in the Jamestown metro area is modest but growing. There are approximately 31 data analyst jobs in the metro area at any given time, which might seem small, but the 10-year job growth is projected at 36%. That’s a strong, healthy growth rate, outpacing many rural regions and indicating that local employers are increasingly relying on data-driven decision-making. This growth is driven by sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture, which are all major players in the Jamestown economy.

To give you a clearer picture of where you might fit in, here’s an experience-level breakdown. These figures are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards for the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Jamestown, ND)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$60,000 - $72,000	Basic reporting, data cleaning, SQL queries, dashboard creation in tools like Excel and Power BI.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Advanced analytics, statistical modeling, database management, presenting insights to stakeholders.
Senior-Level (6-9 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Leading analytics projects, mentoring junior analysts, designing data architecture, strategic planning.
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$120,000+	Director-level roles, setting data strategy, managing teams, advanced machine learning applications.

Insider Tip: The jump from Mid-Level to Senior-Level is where you’ll see the most significant salary bump. To get there, focus on skills specific to Jamestown’s key industries: healthcare analytics (for Sanford Health) or operational efficiency (for manufacturing firms).

How Jamestown Stacks Up in North Dakota:
Jamestown’s median salary of $81,609 is competitive within the state. For context:

• Fargo: Median salary is often higher (around $85,000-$90,000) due to a larger corporate tech presence, but the cost of living is also higher.
• Bismarck: Similar to Jamestown, with a median around $80,000-$84,000, driven by government and healthcare.
• Grand Forks: Slightly lower, around $78,000-$82,000, due to its academic and military economy.

Jamestown offers a balanced proposition: a solid salary without the intense competition and higher costs found in the state’s larger cities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary number is just a starting point. What does it mean for your daily life? Let’s run the numbers for a Data Analyst earning the median salary of $81,609/year.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay:
After federal taxes, state income tax (North Dakota has a flat rate of 1.95%), and other deductions (like FICA), your monthly take-home pay would be approximately $4,950 - $5,100. (This is a net estimate; use a paycheck calculator for your specific situation.)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:
Jamestown’s cost of living is a major draw. The Cost of Living Index is 93.0, meaning it’s 7% cheaper than the national average (100). The average 1BR rent is $837/month. Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single person:

• Housing (1BR Apartment): $837
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet, Water): $200
• Groceries: $350
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): $450 (Note: Jamestown is a driving city; public transit is limited.)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): $300
• Dining/Entertainment/Personal: $400
• Savings/Retirement (IRA, 401k): $800
• Miscellaneous/Debt Payments: $300
• Total: ~$3,637

This leaves you with a buffer of over $1,300/month after taxes and essential expenses. That’s a significant amount for savings, travel, or paying down debt faster than in most other cities.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Jamestown is around $180,000 - $210,000. With your take-home pay and a 20% down payment ($36,000 - $42,000), your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $900 - $1,100. That’s comparable to or even cheaper than renting a larger space. Homeownership is very attainable for a data analyst on a median Jamestown salary, which is a huge advantage for long-term wealth building.

Where the Jobs Are: Jamestown's Major Employers

The jobs are here, but you need to know where to look. Jamestown’s economy is anchored in healthcare, manufacturing, and education. As a data analyst, you’re most likely to find roles in these sectors.

1. Sanford Health Jamestown: The largest employer in the region. They have a massive clinic and hospital. Data analysts here work on patient outcomes, financial performance, operational efficiency, and population health. Hiring is steady, and they often look for analysts with healthcare data experience (HIPAA compliance is key).
2. Essentia Health: Another major healthcare provider with a significant presence in Jamestown. Similar roles to Sanford, focusing on clinical and administrative data.
3. Jamestown Regional Medical Center: A critical access hospital that relies heavily on data for patient care and resource management. A great place for an analyst who wants to have a direct impact on a smaller community.
4. Aldevron (Fargo-based, but a major regional employer): While headquartered in Fargo, Aldevron has a growing presence in the region and often collaborates with Jamestown’s talent pool. They are a biotech leader and need analysts for R&D, manufacturing, and quality control data. This is a high-growth, complex field.
5. Bridgestone Americas (Tire Plant): One of the largest manufacturing plants in the area. They use data for supply chain optimization, production analytics, and predictive maintenance. This is a classic industrial data analyst role.
6. Jamestown College (University of Jamestown): The local university employs analysts for institutional research, enrollment management, and student success metrics. These roles often have a great work-life balance.
7. Stutsman County Government: Local government agencies need analysts for budgeting, census data, public safety analytics, and infrastructure planning. These roles offer strong job security and benefits.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift toward digitalization in traditional sectors. Sanford and Essentia are investing heavily in data infrastructure. Manufacturing plants like Bridgestone are adopting more IoT and predictive analytics. The demand is for analysts who can bridge the gap between raw data and actionable business intelligence.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota does not have a state-specific license or certification required to practice as a data analyst. However, professional certifications are highly valued and can significantly boost your salary and job prospects. The main governing body for related fields is the North Dakota Board of Nursing (if you go into healthcare analytics), but for general data analysis, it’s about building a credible skill set.

Key Certifications & Requirements:

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera): A great entry point. Cost: ~$50/month. Timeline: 3-6 months part-time.
• Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate: Focuses on Power BI. Cost: $165 for the exam. Timeline: 1-2 months of study.
• Tableau Desktop Specialist: For visualization. Cost: $100. Timeline: 1-2 months.
• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): A more advanced, vendor-neutral certification. Requires experience and an exam. Cost: ~$700. Timeline: 6+ months of preparation.

Timeline to Get Started:
If you’re starting from scratch, plan for a 4-6 month timeline to become job-ready. This includes completing a foundational course, building a portfolio with projects (using public datasets relevant to North Dakota, like agriculture or healthcare), and starting your job search. If you already have experience, you can land a job in as little as 1-2 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Jamestown is a compact city, and commutes are short—usually under 15 minutes. Your choice of neighborhood will depend more on lifestyle than on job location.

1. Downtown/University District: This is the heart of the city, home to the University of Jamestown and a growing number of cafes and renovated apartments. It’s walkable, has a youthful energy, and is close to major employers like the university and county offices. Rent for a 1BR here is slightly higher, around $900 - $1,000/month. Ideal for young professionals who want to be in the mix.
2. South Jamestown: A quieter, residential area with single-family homes and newer apartment complexes. It’s close to the Sanford clinic and offers easy access to shopping and amenities. Commute times are minimal. Rent for a 1BR is close to the city average, around $800 - $900/month. A great choice for those seeking a balance of convenience and peace.
3. North Hill: A historic neighborhood with established trees and larger homes. It’s a bit more residential and family-oriented. Commute to downtown or the industrial areas is still very short. You can find good value in older apartments or houses here. Rent can be more variable, from $750 - $950/month.
4. East End: This area is more spread out, with a mix of residential and light commercial. It’s where you’ll find some of the more affordable housing options and is convenient for commutes to the manufacturing plants on the east side of town. Rent for a 1BR can be as low as $700 - $850/month.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving without a job lined up, consider a short-term lease in South Jamestown or Downtown. It’s central and gives you flexibility to explore before committing to a neighborhood.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Jamestown, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder in a single large company and more about building a versatile skill set that can be applied across multiple local industries.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Analytics: Analysts with experience in EHR (Electronic Health Records) systems, HIPAA compliance, and clinical outcomes can command a 10-15% premium over the median salary. Sanford and Essentia are your primary targets.
• Manufacturing/Supply Chain Analytics: Expertise in process optimization, predictive maintenance, and ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle) is highly valued at plants like Bridgestone. This can add a similar 10-15% premium.
• Advanced Analytics (Python/R, Machine Learning): While not as common as in larger cities, there is a growing need for analysts who can move beyond descriptive analytics into predictive and prescriptive models. Having these skills can position you for lead roles faster.

Advancement Paths:
A typical path might look like this:

1. Data Analyst (Entry) -> Work at a hospital or college, mastering SQL and visualization.
2. Senior Data Analyst -> Move to a larger employer (Sanford, Bridgestone) or specialize (Healthcare/Mfg.), taking on more complex projects.
3. Analytics Manager / BI Lead -> At this point, you might be managing a small team or leading the data strategy for a department. In a city like Jamestown, this is often a department-head level role.
4. Director of Analytics or Consulting -> With 10+ years, you could lead data strategy for a major local employer or even start a niche consulting firm serving multiple local businesses.

10-Year Outlook:
The 36% job growth is your best indicator. Jamestown is not a city that will see explosive tech growth, but it is a city that is steadily modernizing its core industries. The need for data analysts will remain strong, especially as the workforce ages and younger, data-literate professionals take over. Your long-term security here is tied to the stability of healthcare and manufacturing—both of which are very stable sectors in North Dakota.

The Verdict: Is Jamestown Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal and professional priorities. Here’s a straightforward breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches far; homeownership is easily achievable.	Limited Job Market: Only ~31 jobs at any time; you may need to be patient or flexible.
High Quality of Life: Short commutes, safe communities, access to outdoor recreation.	Limited Networking: Fewer local tech meetups or conferences; you’ll need to build your network online.
Strong Job Growth (36%): Indicative of a healthy, evolving local economy.	Smaller City Vibe: Limited dining, entertainment, and cultural scenes compared to Fargo or Minneapolis.
Key Employers are Stable: Healthcare and manufacturing are resilient industries in ND.	Weather: Harsh, long winters with significant snowfall can be a challenge.
Friendly Community: It’s easier to build connections and integrate into the community.	Career Pivots are Harder: Switching industries may require moving or remote work.

Final Recommendation:
Jamestown is an excellent choice for data analysts who prioritize affordability, work-life balance, and stability over rapid career advancement in a cutthroat tech environment. It’s ideal for:

• Early-to-mid-career analysts looking to build a strong foundation and financial security.
• Analysts specializing in healthcare, manufacturing, or public sector data.
• Those who value a close-knit community and easy access to nature over big-city amenities.

If your goal is to work for a FAANG company or in a hyper-competitive startup scene, Jamestown is not your city. But if you want a meaningful career where your skills have a direct impact, you can afford a home, and you can enjoy a peaceful, low-stress lifestyle, Jamestown is a hidden gem worth serious consideration.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in Jamestown?
A: Yes, absolutely. Jamestown does not have a robust public transportation system. A car is necessary for commuting, grocery shopping, and exploring the surrounding region. The good news is that traffic is minimal and parking is plentiful and often free.

Q: How is the internet connectivity for remote work?
A: Jamestown has good broadband infrastructure. Major providers like Spectrum offer high-speed internet, which is essential if you plan to work remotely for a company outside the area or freelance. This is a key advantage over more rural parts of the state.

Q: What’s the best way to find a data analyst job in Jamestown?
A: Beyond LinkedIn and Indeed, check the career pages of the major employers directly (Sanford, Essentia, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, Stutsman County). Also, connect with local recruiters who specialize in healthcare or manufacturing. Networking in person at local business events can also uncover unadvertised roles.

Q: Is a professional certification necessary to get hired?
A: It’s not mandatory, but it significantly strengthens your application, especially if you’re an entry-level candidate or moving from an unrelated field. A certification like the Google Data Analytics or Microsoft DA-100 shows initiative and foundational knowledge. For senior roles, experience trumps certifications.

Q: What’s the dating and social scene like for a young professional?
A: It’s a smaller city, so the social scene is what you make of it. You’ll find community through work, local sports leagues, church groups, and events at the university. The bar and restaurant scene is modest but friendly. It’s a great place to build deep, lasting connections, but it requires you to be proactive in putting yourself out there.

---

Sources:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
• North Dakota Department of Commerce - Cost of Living Data
• North Dakota Board of Nursing (for healthcare analytics context)
• Local employer career pages (Sanford Health, Essentia Health, etc.)
• Jamestown/Stutsman County economic