Financial Analyst in Dickinson, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Dickinson Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Dickinson isn't the epicenter of high-finance like Fargo or Bismarck, but it has its own economic pulse, largely tied to the energy sector and regional commerce. For Financial Analysts, this means a stable, if modest, market. The median salary here is $96,930/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.6/hour. This is slightly below the national average for the role, which sits at $99,010/year, but the lower cost of living in western North Dakota helps offset that gap.

The job market is tight but specific. With only about 50 financial analyst roles in the metro area (which encompasses Dickinson, Gladstone, and Taylor), competition is focused rather than fierce. The 10-year job growth projection is 9%, which is solid and indicates a steady demand for analytical skills, particularly in industries that require budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level within the Dickinson market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Dickinson
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Supporting senior analysts, data entry, basic reporting, learning industry-specific ERP systems.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$95,000 - $110,000	Independent analysis, budgeting, variance analysis, some client or departmental interaction.
Senior/Lead (8-12 years)	$115,000 - $130,000	Leading projects, mentoring juniors, strategic forecasting, complex financial modeling.
Expert/Manager (12+ years)	$135,000+	Department management, CFO advisory, enterprise-level planning, mergers & acquisitions support.

How Dickinson Compares to Other ND Cities:

• Fargo & Bismarck: These state capitals have larger, more diverse economies with major banking and insurance headquarters. Salaries here are typically 10-15% higher, and there are significantly more job openings. However, the cost of living, especially housing, is also 20-30% higher.
• Grand Forks: Home to UND and a strong aerospace sector, salaries are comparable to Dickinson, but the job market is slightly larger and more tied to government and education contracts.
• Minot: Similar to Dickinson in its energy sector reliance (oil, agriculture), Minot’s salary range is nearly identical. The choice between Dickinson and Minot often comes down to personal network and specific employer fit.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the paycheck. For a single filer earning the median $96,930, after federal taxes, state income tax (ND has a progressive tax), and FICA, your take-home pay is roughly $73,000 to $75,000 annually, or about $6,080 to $6,250 per month.

With the average 1BR rent in Dickinson at $837/month, your housing costs are incredibly manageable. Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Financial Analyst earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Monthly Estimate	Notes for Dickinson
Take-Home Pay	$6,150	(After taxes, based on median salary)
Rent (1BR)	$837	Can be lower in suburbs; higher in downtown-adjacent areas.
Utilities	$250	Includes heating (critical in winter), electricity, water, internet.
Groceries	$450	Competitive prices at Hornbacher's, Dan's Supermarket.
Transportation	$300	Gas is cheap; car insurance is moderate. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$400	(Employer-subsidized premium)
Retirement (401k)	$600	(10% contribution is aggressive but smart)
Entertainment/Personal	$500	Dining, hobbies, occasional travel.
Remaining/Savings	$2,813	Significant surplus for aggressive savings or home down payment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $2,813 monthly surplus, saving for a down payment is fast. The median home price in Dickinson is around $225,000. A 20% down payment is $45,000, which could be saved in under two years with disciplined budgeting. A 30-year mortgage at current rates (around 7%) on an $180,000 loan would be roughly $1,200/month, including taxes and insurance—still very affordable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Dickinson's Major Employers

The financial analyst roles in Dickinson are not typically with Wall Street firms. They are embedded in local industries. Here’s where you’ll find opportunities:

1. St. Joseph's Hospital & Health Center: As the largest healthcare provider in the region, they have a dedicated finance department needing analysts for budgeting, cost accounting, and financial reporting. The hospital is a major employer in the area.
2. Dickinson Public Schools (K-12): School districts require financial analysts for bond management, grant accounting, and operational budgeting. These are stable, government-backed positions.
3. BANK OF NORTH DAKOTA (Dickinson Branch): The state-owned bank has a significant presence here, particularly in agricultural and commercial lending. They employ financial analysts for credit risk, portfolio analysis, and loan servicing.
4. Local Energy & Agribusiness Firms (e.g., CHS, Nuverra, regional oil service companies): The backbone of the local economy. These companies need analysts for project costing, supply chain finance, and profitability analysis related to oil, agriculture, and logistics. Hiring is cyclical but tied to commodity prices.
5. City of Dickinson & Stark County Government: Municipal governments require analysts for tax revenue forecasting, capital improvement planning, and internal auditing. These jobs offer excellent benefits and job security.
6. Regional Accounting Firms (e.g., Anderson, Bohl & Co., local CPA offices): While not always hiring for dedicated analyst roles, these firms often need skilled financial professionals for client advisory services, especially with local businesses.
7. Dickinson State University: The university's business office and endowment fund are potential employers for analysts focused on institutional finance and grants management.

Insider Tip: Many of these roles are not heavily advertised on national job boards. The key is to network locally through the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce events and to check the "Careers" sections of these employers' websites directly. The 9% growth is promising, but openings can be sporadic.

Getting Licensed in ND

For a Financial Analyst role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field. North Dakota does not have a state-specific "Financial Analyst" license, but certain credentials are highly valued and sometimes required.

• Series 7 & 63 Licenses: If you're moving into a role with a broker-dealer or investment firm (less common in Dickinson), you'll need these finra licenses. The exam fees are around $80-$100 per exam, but the sponsor firm typically covers the cost.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): While not mandatory for all analyst roles, a CPA is a major career booster in North Dakota. The ND State Board of Accountancy requires:
  1. A 150-credit hour education (a bachelor's + extra credits).
  2. Pass all four parts of the Uniform CPA Exam (exam fees: ~$1,000 total).
  3. One year of work experience under a licensed CPA.
• Certified Financial Analyst (CFA): A globally recognized credential that is respected in any market, including Dickinson. It requires passing three strenuous exams and has a total cost of approximately $3,000+ for all levels if you pass on the first try.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're a new graduate, you can begin applying for entry-level roles immediately. If you're pursuing a CPA or CFA, you can start the process while employed, as many employers support this with tuition reimbursement. The licensing itself is not a barrier to entry for most local analyst jobs, but it's the key to long-term advancement.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Dickinson is a compact city where commutes are short, but neighborhood choice affects lifestyle and budget.

1. Downtown Dickinson:
   • Commute: Walkable to City Hall, the courthouse, and some state offices. Close to banks and main employers.
   • Lifestyle: Historic, with a growing scene of restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries. Best for young professionals who want to be near the action.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
2. South Dickinson (Near the University):
   • Commute: 5-10 minute drive to most major employers. Good access to Highway 10.
   • Lifestyle: More residential, quieter, with a mix of older homes and newer developments. Near parks and Dickinson State University.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950 for a 1BR.
3. West Dickinson (Near the Mall & Hospital):
   • Commute: 5-15 minute drive. Home to West River Community Center and the medical district.
   • Lifestyle: Suburban feel with newer apartment complexes and shopping centers. Family-friendly and convenient.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000 for a 1BR.
4. East Dickinson:
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes, as it's farther from the core. Requires a car.
   • Lifestyle: More affordable and spacious, with larger lots and newer housing developments. Quieter, less traffic.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900 for a 1BR.
5. The Historic District / Near ST. Joe's:
   • Commute: Walkable to the hospital and some downtown offices.
   • Lifestyle: Established neighborhoods with character, close to the hospital and cultural sites. Can be older housing stock.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,000 for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: In winter, a short commute is a luxury. Prioritize a location within a 10-minute drive of your office to minimize time on potentially icy roads.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Dickinson, career growth for a Financial Analyst often means moving into senior analyst or management roles within the same employer or a similar local industry. The path isn't about hopping between investment banks; it's about deepening expertise.

• Specialty Premiums: Analysts with niche skills command higher salaries. Expertise in oil & gas project finance, agricultural commodity hedging, or healthcare reimbursement models can push you toward the $130,000+ range. A CPA or CFA can add a 15-20% premium to your salary.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Junior Analyst -> Financial Analyst -> Senior Financial Analyst -> Finance Manager -> Director of Finance/Controller. In smaller firms, you might wear multiple hats (e.g., analyst + HR admin).
• 10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth is a positive sign. The energy sector in western ND is resilient, and the push for data-driven decision-making in all sectors (government, education, healthcare) will sustain demand. However, the ceiling in a small market like Dickinson is lower than in a major metro. The trade-off is a high quality of life and rapid savings accumulation.

The Verdict: Is Dickinson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living allows for a high savings rate and easy homeownership.	Limited job market (only ~50 roles); less diversity in industry and employer size.
Short commutes and minimal traffic congestion.	Social scene is limited compared to larger cities; can feel isolating for some.
Stable, niche industries (energy, agriculture, healthcare) provide job security.	Harsh winters with extreme cold, snow, and wind are a significant lifestyle factor.
Strong sense of community and friendly, tight-knit professional networks.	Career mobility is slower; advancement often requires waiting for retirements.
Outdoor recreation is readily accessible (hunting, fishing, Theodore Roosevelt NP).	Lack of major metropolitan amenities (diverse culinary scene, major sports, etc.).

Final Recommendation: Dickinson is an excellent choice for a Financial Analyst who is practical, values financial security, and prioritizes work-life balance. It's ideal for early to mid-career professionals looking to build a strong financial foundation quickly. It's less suitable for those seeking a high-paced, competitive finance career with rapid advancement and a vibrant urban social life. If you can handle the winters and the scale of the city, Dickinson offers a rare combination of a robust salary relative to living costs and a surprisingly strong sense of place.

FAQs

1. What’s the real winter like? Do I need a special car?
Winters are severe. From November to March, expect temperatures regularly below 0°F with significant snowfall and wind. A reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended. Budget for winter tires, a block heater, and an emergency kit. Your commute will be short, but safety is paramount.

2. How is the social scene for a young professional?
It’s what you make of it. It’s not a bustling city life. Socializing often revolves around community events, outdoor activities, and small gatherings. The university and hospital host some cultural events. It’s best for those who enjoy close-knit communities over anonymous nightlife.

3. Are remote/hybrid work options common for financial analysts here?
Post-pandemic, some flexibility has emerged, especially with employers like the hospital or school district. However, most local employers (energy, agribusiness) prefer in-office presence for collaboration. Hybrid is possible but not the norm; fully remote roles are rare unless you work for a firm based elsewhere.

4. Is a CPA worth it if I’m not in public accounting?
Absolutely. In Dickinson’s market, a CPA is a powerful differentiator. It opens doors to controller, finance director, and CFO roles in both private industry and government. Many employers, especially the hospital and school district, value the CPA for senior positions and may offer reimbursement for exam costs.

5. What’s the best way to find a job before moving?
Use LinkedIn to connect with financial professionals at the employers listed above. Check the North Dakota Job Service website (jobs.nd.gov) and local newspapers’ online job boards. Be prepared to interview via video and be willing to move for the role—local employers are hesitant to hire out-of-state candidates without a guaranteed move. (Source for salary data: BLS, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, North Dakota-specific reports; Cost of Living Index: Council for Community and Economic Research, Q4 2023; Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 Estimate.)