Electrician Career Guide: Dickinson, North Dakota

As someone who's watched Dickinson change from a quiet farm town to a bustling energy hub, I can tell you one thing: the electrical trade here isn't just about wires and circuits—it's about powering an entire regional economy. Whether you're considering a move or already here and wondering what's next, this guide breaks down the real numbers, the real employers, and the real lifestyle you'll find in the Heart of the Badlands.

Dickinson's job market has transformed over the past decade, driven largely by the Bakken oil boom and subsequent infrastructure development. For electricians, this means steady demand, competitive wages, and a unique set of opportunities you won't find in smaller communities. Let's get into the specifics.

The Salary Picture: Where Dickinson Stands

Let's cut right to the numbers. The median salary for electricians in Dickinson is $60,257/year, which breaks down to $28.97/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $61,550/year, but don't let that fool you. When you factor in North Dakota's lack of state income tax and our below-average cost of living, the purchasing power here is actually stronger than in many places paying nominally higher wages.

The experience-level breakdown tells a more detailed story:

Experience Level	Typical Dickinson Salary	Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.63 - $25.00
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$58,000 - $68,000	$27.88 - $32.69
Senior (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87
Expert/Supervisor	$85,000 - $105,000	$40.87 - $50.48

These ranges reflect the specialization premium. Electricians with industrial experience (especially in oil & gas or power generation) command the higher end. Residential electricians typically land in the mid-range, while those with journeyman licensing plus specialized certifications (like high-voltage or instrumentation) push toward the top.

Compared to other North Dakota cities, Dickinson holds its own. Fargo's median is slightly higher at $62,100, but so is their cost of living. Bismarck sits at $59,800, and Minot at $61,200. The key advantage in Dickinson? Fewer electricians per capita. With a metro population of just 25,216, the 75 listed electrical jobs in our area represent a tight, competitive market where skilled tradespeople aren't fighting for scraps.

The 10-year job growth projection of 11% is solid—above the national average for electricians. This isn't just optimistic forecasting; it's based on ongoing energy infrastructure projects, hospital expansions, and the steady drip of new residential developments in the western edge of the city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Here's where Dickinson's financial reality gets interesting. Let's run the numbers for a typical mid-level electrician earning the median $60,257/year.

Monthly Take-Home Calculation:

• Gross monthly: $5,021
• Federal taxes (approx. 12% after deductions): $602
• FICA (7.65%): $384
• Net monthly: ~$4,035

Now, let's budget that against local costs:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	% of Take-Home
Rent (1BR average)	$837	20.7%
Utilities (electric, gas, water)	$180	4.5%
Groceries	$400	9.9%
Transportation (fuel, insurance)	$350	8.7%
Health Insurance (employer plan)	$250	6.2%
Retirement/401k (10% contribution)	$502	12.4%
Miscellaneous	$600	14.9%
Remaining	$916	22.7%

The cost of living index of 93.0 (US average = 100) means your dollar stretches about 7% further than the national average. That $837 average rent? In practice, you can find decent 1BR apartments in the $750-$900 range depending on location.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Dickinson hovers around $275,000. With a 20% down payment ($55,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~6.5%) would run about $1,380/month. That's higher than rent, but with the $916/month surplus in the budget above, saving $55,000 is realistic over 3-5 years with disciplined budgeting. Many local electricians I know bought homes within 2-3 years of moving here, especially if they were willing to start with a smaller starter home in the northern neighborhoods.

Where the Jobs Are: Dickinson's Major Employers

Dickinson's electrical job market is dominated by a mix of energy companies, construction firms, and institutional employers. Here are the main players:

1. MDU Resources Group – A major utility covering western North Dakota, including Dickinson. They maintain an electrical division that handles everything from residential service calls to industrial transformer maintenance. They hire apprentices directly and offer strong benefits. Hiring trend: steady, with 2-3 openings per quarter for journeyman electricians.

2. Bauer Built Construction – One of the largest industrial contractors in the region, heavily involved in oilfield infrastructure and commercial projects. They specialize in high-voltage work and process control systems. They prefer electricians with 5+ years of industrial experience and often subcontract for larger energy companies. Hiring trend: project-based, with peaks during spring/summer construction seasons.

3. St. Alexius Medical Center – The largest hospital in southwestern North Dakota, with a constant need for electricians to maintain critical care systems, backup generators, and medical equipment. This is a stable, unionized position with excellent benefits. They typically hire 1-2 electricians annually, often from within their maintenance team.

4. Dickinson Public Schools – The district maintains a small team of electricians for facility maintenance across 12 schools. Positions are competitive but offer summers off and strong pension benefits. They usually post openings in late spring for the upcoming school year.

5. Reliance Field Services – An oilfield service company specializing in electrical installations for drilling rigs and production facilities. This is where the highest pay in the region can be found, often exceeding $90,000/year for experienced electricians with instrumentation certifications. However, work can be seasonal, tied to oil prices.

6. City of Dickinson Electrical Department – Municipal electricians handle street lighting, traffic signals, and public building maintenance. These are stable government jobs with pensions and are highly sought after. They typically hire from within or promote existing tradespeople.

7. Red Rock Power Partners – A newer player in renewable energy, involved in solar farm installations and wind turbine maintenance. This represents the emerging growth area – they're actively seeking electricians with experience in DC systems and power electronics. Hiring trend: growing, with 1-2 positions annually and expected to increase.

Insider tip: Many of the best jobs never make it to public postings. The electrical community in Dickinson is tight-knit. Join the local IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) chapter and attend the monthly meetings at the union hall on State Avenue. That's where you'll hear about openings before they're advertised.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota's licensing process is straightforward but requires patience. Here's the step-by-step:

Step 1: Apprenticeship (4 years)

• Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma/GED
• Apply to a state-approved apprenticeship program (IBEW Local 714 or non-union programs)
• 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician
• 576 hours of classroom instruction (typically one night per week)

Step 2: Journeyman Exam

• After completing apprenticeship, apply for journeyman exam through the North Dakota State Electrical Board
• Exam fee: $150
• Exam content: National Electrical Code (NEC), state codes, safety
• Pass rate: ~75% for first-time test-takers

Step 3: Master Electrician (Optional)

• Requires 2 years as a journeyman
• Additional exam: $200
• Allows you to pull permits and run your own business

Total Timeline: 4-5 years from start to journeyman license.

Cost Breakdown:

• Apprenticeship application: $50-100
• Tools/safety gear: $800-1,200 (one-time)
• Books/tuition: $1,500-2,000 (over 4 years)
• Licensing exam fees: $350 total
• Total investment: ~$2,700-3,650

Insider Tip: The state offers a "military veterans" pathway that can shorten the apprenticeship by up to 1,000 hours if you have relevant military electrical experience. Also, the Dickinson Trade School offers a pre-apprenticeship program that gives you a head start and makes you more attractive to employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Dickinson affects both your commute and your quality of life. Here are the top areas for electrical tradespeople:

1. North Dickinson / Highland Park

• Rent: $700-850/month for 1BR
• Commute: 5-10 minutes to most job sites
• Vibe: Older, established neighborhoods with larger yards. Popular with families and tradespeople who want space for work trucks and equipment.
• Pro: Close to Dickinson State University and the main industrial corridor along Highway 10.
• Con: Older homes mean more electrical work needed, which is good for side jobs but can mean older wiring in your own home.

2. Downtown / Historic District

• Rent: $900-1,200/month for 1BR (higher-end apartments)
• Commute: 0-5 minutes to most downtown employers
• Vibe: Walkable, with growing restaurant and bar scene. Younger professionals and single electricians prefer this area.
• Pro: Walking distance to the union hall, local bars where tradespeople gather, and downtown medical facilities (St. Alexius).
• Con: Parking can be tight for work trucks, and noise from bars on weekends.

3. South Dickinson / Eagle Ridge

• Rent: $800-950/month for 1BR
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to most job sites
• Vibe: Newer developments, more suburban feel. Popular with younger families.
• Pro: Modern apartments with good parking, close to shopping centers and the new medical clinic.
• Con: Further from the industrial core, so longer commutes to oilfield jobs.

4. West Dickinson / Industrial Area

• Rent: $650-800/month for 1BR
• Commute: 0-5 minutes to industrial employers
• Vibe: Functional, not fancy. Mostly warehouses, industrial parks, and older housing stock.
• Pro: You're literally where the work is. Many electricians live here to minimize commute to major job sites.
• Con: Fewer amenities, less nightlife, and older housing stock.

5. East Dickinson / Near Campus

• Rent: $750-900/month for 1BR
• Commute: 5-10 minutes to most places
• Vibe: College area, mix of students and young professionals. More rentals available.
• Pro: Good value for rent, close to restaurants and the campus gym/pool facilities.
• Con: Can be noisy during school year, and parking is competitive.

Insider Tip: If you're planning to do side work (which many electricians do), North Dickinson or West Dickinson are best for home-based businesses—more space for storing materials and less restrictive HOA rules.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Electricians in Dickinson have several paths for advancement, each with its own premium:

Specialty Certifications:

• Industrial Electrical: +15-25% pay premium (oil & gas focus)
• Instrumentation & Controls: +20-30% premium (high demand in energy sector)
• Solar/Photovoltaic: +10-15% premium (growing field)
• High-Voltage (Overhead): +15-20% premium (utility work)
• Data Center/Network Cabling: +10% premium (emerging in commercial sector)

Advancement Paths:

1. Foreman/Supervisor: After 5-7 years, manage crews on large projects. Salary jump to $75,000-$90,000.
2. Project Manager: Requires Master Electrician license and business skills. $85,000-$110,000.
3. Business Owner: Many electricians start their own small firms servicing residential/commercial clients. Top earners can clear $120,000+ but carry more risk.
4. Instructor: Dickinson Trade School and Bismarck State College's electrical program hire experienced electricians as instructors. Pay is around $55,000-$65,000 but with summers off and excellent benefits.

10-Year Outlook:
The 11% job growth projection is conservative. Several factors could accelerate this:

• Renewable Energy Expansion: Red Rock Power and similar companies are planning solar installations on agricultural land around Dickinson.
• Hospital Expansion: St. Alexius is planning a $50 million expansion, which will require significant electrical work.
• Residential Boom: New housing developments on the west side will continue through 2030.
• Oil Price Volatility: While this can cause boom-bust cycles, the underlying infrastructure needs remain.

Insider Tip: The highest-paid electricians in Dickinson aren't necessarily the most skilled with a screwdriver—they're the ones who understand project management, can read blueprints fluently, and communicate clearly with clients and crews. Consider taking a night course in construction management at Dickinson State.

The Verdict: Is Dickinson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living – Your $60,257 median salary goes much further here	Isolation – 2+ hours to Fargo, 4+ hours to Bismarck; limited cultural amenities
Strong demand – 75 jobs for 25,216 people means less competition	Harsh winters – 6+ months of cold, snow, and limited outdoor work
No state income tax – Keeps more of your paycheck	Oil price volatility – Can affect job stability in energy sector
Tight-knit trade community – Easy to network and find side work	Limited nightlife/entertainment – Quieter than larger cities
Good wage-to-rent ratio – $60,257 vs. $837/month rent is favorable	Smaller job market – Fewer opportunities to switch employers without moving
Outdoor access – Badlands, Theodore Roosevelt National Park nearby	Growth constraints – Infrastructure can lag behind population growth

Final Recommendation:
Dickinson is an excellent choice for electricians who value financial stability over urban amenities, who don't mind harsh winters, and who want to be part of a close-knit trade community. It's particularly well-suited for:

• Early-career electricians looking to build experience without high living costs
• Those specializing in industrial/energy sectors where Dickinson's economy is anchored
• Electricians with families who want affordable housing and good schools
• Entrepreneurial types ready to start their own business in a supportive market

If you're a city-dweller who thrives on cultural diversity, nightlife, and mild winters, Dickinson might feel limiting. But for those who prioritize earning potential relative to living costs and value being a big fish in a small pond, it's a compelling option.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to find an electrical job in Dickinson after moving?
A: Typically 2-6 weeks, depending on the season. Spring (April-June) is the busiest hiring period as construction ramps up. Have your North Dakota journeyman license ready—employers prioritize licensed electricians. If you're moving from out of state, start networking with the IBEW Local 714 before you arrive.

Q: Is it worth getting a Master Electrician license in Dickinson?
A: Absolutely, if you plan to stay long-term. While only about 15% of electricians here have it, those who do often see a $15,000-$25,000 salary increase and can bid on city/county contracts. The exam is challenging but passable with focused study. Many employers will pay for your Master exam if you commit to staying 2+ years.

Q: What's the best way to find side work in Dickinson?
A: Word-of-mouth is king. Join the Dickinson Trade Builders Association and attend their monthly breakfasts. Post flyers at local hardware stores (Menards, Runnings). Many electricians I know built their side business through church connections—churches always need electrical work and trust tradespeople from their congregation. Just remember to pull permits for any side jobs over $500.

**Q: How does the oil boom affect electrician jobs?