Data Analyst in Minot, ND

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Data Analysts considering Minot, North Dakota.

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The Salary Picture: Where Minot Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because as a Data Analyst, you appreciate a good dataset. The market in Minot is tight but rewarding. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local salary aggregation data, the median salary for a Data Analyst in the Minot metropolitan area is $81,609/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.24/hour. This is just slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, which makes sense given Minot's cost of living. While you aren't earning New York or San Francisco premiums, your dollar stretches significantly further here.

The job market is stable but specialized. There are approximately 95 Data Analyst positions in the metro at any given time. This isn't a massive volume, which means competition for the top roles exists, but it also means you can build a strong reputation quickly. The 10-year job growth projection for the region is a solid 36%, driven by the increasing digitization of local industries like agriculture, energy, and healthcare.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salary typically progresses based on experience in the Minot market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$70,000 - $85,000
Senior-Level	6-9 years	$86,000 - $105,000
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$106,000+

Comparison to Other ND Cities

Minot holds a unique position in North Dakota's data economy. It's not the largest market, but it's competitive with the state's other hubs.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Industries
Minot	$81,609	93.0	Energy, Healthcare, Agriculture
Fargo	$78,500	91.5	Tech, Finance, Education
Bismarck	$80,200	94.2	Government, Insurance, Energy
Grand Forks	$76,800	89.8	Aerospace, Education, Retail

Insider Insight: While Fargo has more tech startups, Minot's salaries are often higher due to the specialized needs of the energy sector (oil & gas) and the military presence at Minot Air Force Base, which requires data analysts for logistics, security, and healthcare support.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $81,609 looks different after Uncle Sam and the landlord take their share. Let's build a realistic monthly budget for a single Data Analyst living in Minot.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $6,800 ($81,609 / 12)
• Estimated Taxes (25%): Federal, State (ND has a progressive tax), and FICA. This is an estimate; consult a professional.
• Average 1BR Rent: $837/month (Metro average).

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Income	$6,800
- Taxes (25%)	-$1,700	Varies by filing status & deductions.
= Net Take-Home	$5,100
- Rent (1BR)	-$837	Average metro rate.
- Utilities	-$200	Includes heat, which is crucial in winter.
- Groceries	-$400	Minot has decent grocery options.
- Transportation	-$300	Gas/insurance; car is essential here.
- Healthcare	-$300	Employer-subsidized plans are common.
- Entertainment/Dining	-$400	Movies, bars, restaurants.
- Savings/Investments	$1,663	Nearly 25% of net income is achievable.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Minot is approximately $250,000 - $275,000. With your strong savings potential ($1,663/month), you could save a 10% down payment ($25,000) in about 15 months. A 30-year mortgage on a $250,000 home at 6.5% interest would be around $1,580/month (including taxes and insurance). This is higher than rent but manageable on a $81,609 salary, especially if you have a partner or roommate. The key is building your emergency fund first.

Where the Jobs Are: Minot's Major Employers

Minot's economy isn't built on tech giants; it's built on legacy industries that increasingly rely on data. Here are the primary places a Data Analyst should target:

1. Sanford Health: The largest employer in the region. They have massive datasets for patient care, operational efficiency, and financial reporting. They hire analysts for both clinical and administrative roles. Insider Tip: The hospital is on the south side of town. Commute is easy, but they are very strict about credentials and HIPAA compliance.
2. Minot Air Force Base (MAFB): A major economic driver. Civilian contractors and base departments hire analysts for logistics, personnel management, and operations research. Security clearance can be a huge advantage here, but it's not always required for all roles.
3. North Dakota State University (NDSU) Research Centers: While the main campus is in Fargo, Minot has satellite agricultural and research centers. They need analysts for crop yield data, soil studies, and environmental monitoring.
4. Local Banks & Credit Unions: First International Bank & Trust, Gate City Bank, and Town & Country Credit Union all have a presence. They need analysts for risk assessment, fraud detection, and customer analytics.
5. Energy Companies: Companies like EOG Resources and Slawson Exploration have operations in the Bakken. They hire data analysts for geological data analysis, production optimization, and supply chain logistics. These roles often pay a premium above the median.
6. The City of Minot & Minot Public Schools: Municipal governments and school districts are increasingly data-driven for budgeting, student performance tracking, and urban planning. These are stable, government jobs with good benefits.

Hiring Trends: There's a clear move toward cloud-based analytics (AWS, Azure) and business intelligence tools (Tableau, Power BI). Employers here are less concerned with the latest Python library and more interested in your ability to clean messy, real-world data and present clear findings to non-technical managers.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota does not have a state-specific license to practice as a Data Analyst. The field is generally credential-agnostic, relying on degrees, certifications, and portfolio work.

However, there are important nuances:

• For Public Sector & Healthcare: If you're working for the state, a school district, or a hospital (like Sanford), you may need to pass a background check. For healthcare, HIPAA certification is often required and will be provided on the job.
• Professional Certifications: While not state-mandated, these carry significant weight:
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera)
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist
• Cost & Timeline: A certification exam typically costs $100 - $200. You can prepare for one in 2-3 months of part-time study. There is no "licensing board" to contact—your main point of contact for career verification is the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights for general employment laws.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Minot is a compact city, and commute times are short. Your choice of neighborhood will depend more on lifestyle than on job proximity.

1. South Hill / Oak Park: This is the premier residential area. It's quiet, safe, and close to the hospital (Sanford) and shopping. Homes are well-maintained, and the area has a suburban feel. Rent Estimate: A 1BR apartment here might run $900 - $1,100, slightly above the metro average.
2. Downtown Minot: The revitalized city center. Perfect if you want walkable access to restaurants, bars, and the Scenic Theater. It's becoming a hub for younger professionals. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartments in renovated buildings range from $950 - $1,300.
3. The "North Hill" / Industrial Area: Close to MAFB and the industrial parks. It's less about charm and more about proximity if you work on base or for an energy company. Rent Estimate: More affordable; 1BR units can be found for $750 - $900.
4. Burlington (Just West of Minot): A quiet, small-town feel with lower prices. About a 10-15 minute commute to downtown Minot. Great for those wanting more space for their money. Rent Estimate: You can find 1BR apartments or small houses for $700 - $850.
5. Eastwood Park: An older, established neighborhood with larger homes and mature trees. It's centrally located and has a strong community feel. Rent Estimate: Renting a room in a house or a small suite can be $600 - $800.

Insider Tip: In winter, a short, well-plowed commute is worth its weight in gold. Avoid neighborhoods that rely on unpaved roads or are on the outskirts if you work early shifts.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Minot doesn't mean stagnating. The career path here is about specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Data Analyst: Sanford Health offers a premium, often 5-10% above the base median, due to the complexity of healthcare data.
  • Energy Sector Analyst: Roles with oil & gas companies can command $90,000+ for mid-level experience, as they require knowledge of geological and production data.
  • GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Analyst: Given the agricultural and energy landscape, GIS skills are highly valued and can lead to roles in land management and environmental consulting.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Data Analyst → Senior Data Analyst: Focus on leading projects, mentoring juniors, and mastering advanced SQL/Python.
  2. Senior DA → Data Engineer: Build and maintain data pipelines. This is a critical need in Minot's older industries moving to the cloud.
  3. Senior DA → Analytics Manager: Move into a leadership role overseeing a team of analysts. This path is available at larger entities like Sanford and the school district.
  4. Specialist → Consultant: With experience, you can build a niche (e.g., agricultural data) and consult for smaller local businesses.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 36% growth projection is real. As the region's primary industries modernize, the demand for data-driven decision-making will only intensify. The key will be adapting to cloud technologies and developing soft skills to communicate insights effectively to stakeholders in traditional industries.

The Verdict: Is Minot Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power. Your $81,609 salary feels like $110k+ in a major coastal city.	Cold winters. The weather is a defining factor from November to April.
Low competition for senior roles. You can become a "big fish" in a smaller pond.	Limited nightlife & cultural scene. It's a family-friendly city; options are more limited for young singles.
Stable, diverse employers. Healthcare, military, and energy provide recession-resistant jobs.	Car dependency. Public transit is limited; you need a reliable vehicle.
Short commutes & easy access to nature. Lakes, parks, and hunting are minutes away.	Smaller professional network. Fewer tech meetups and conferences than in Fargo.

Final Recommendation:
Minot is an excellent choice for Data Analysts who value financial stability, work-life balance, and a straightforward cost of living. It's ideal for those who don't mind cold winters and prefer a close-knit community over a bustling metropolis. If you're looking to aggressively pay off debt, save for a home, and build a deep, specialized skill set in a non-tech industry, Minot offers a unique and rewarding path. It may not be the flashiest market, but for the right person, it's a strategic and financially savvy move.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Minot?
Yes, absolutely. The city is spread out, public transportation is minimal, and in the winter, walking or biking is not a viable option for most. A reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicle is a near-necessity.

2. Is it difficult to find a job without a security clearance?
No. While MAFB and some defense contractors prefer cleared candidates, the vast majority of data analyst roles—especially in healthcare, banking, and local government—do not require one. Your skills and portfolio are what matter most.

3. What is the tech scene like? Are there meetups?
The tech scene is small but growing. You won't find daily hackathons, but there are occasional meetups organized through Minot State University or local tech professionals. The North Dakota Technology Association has chapters that sometimes host events in Minot. It requires more effort to network, but the connections you do make are often stronger.

4. How harsh are the winters really?
They are significant. Expect temperatures to stay below freezing for months, with snow from October through April. However, the community is built for it. Homes are well-insulated, roads are plowed efficiently, and there's a culture of embracing winter activities (ice fishing, snowmobiling). It's a lifestyle adjustment, not an inconvenience.

5. What's the best way to apply for jobs in Minot?
LinkedIn is active, but word-of-mouth is powerful. Tailor your resume to the local industries (highlight healthcare, finance, or agricultural projects if you have them). Applying directly on company websites (Sanford Health, City of Minot) is often more effective than going through large job boards. Insider Tip: If you're relocating, mention your intent to move in your cover letter—local employers often prioritize local candidates to avoid relocation costs.