Financial Analyst in Mandan, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Mandan Stands

If you’re a Financial Analyst eyeing Mandan, North Dakota, the first thing to know is that the pay here is solid, especially considering the low cost of living. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in the Mandan area is $95,920/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.12/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $99,010/year, the difference is more than made up for by the region's affordability. Mandan is part of the Bismarck-Mandan metropolitan area, a hub for state government, agriculture, and energy, which supports a steady demand for financial expertise.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Mandan market. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry conversations, reflecting the $95,920 median.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Mandan
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $78,000	Often start in state agencies or local banks. Strong analytical skills are key.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $110,000	This is the sweet spot for most roles at major employers. Performance bonuses are common.
Senior (8-15 years)	$110,000 - $135,000	Leadership roles in finance departments or specialized consulting.
Expert/Manager (15+ years)	$135,000+	Director-level positions at large firms or partners at local accounting firms.

When you compare Mandan to other North Dakota cities, the picture becomes interesting. Fargo, with its larger corporate base and university presence, often sees slightly higher salaries, but the cost of living is also higher. Grand Forks, home to UND, is similar. Bismarck, Mandan's sister city across the Missouri River, is the direct comparison. Jobs in the metro area total 48, a figure that underscores the tight-knit, specialized nature of the market. The 10-year job growth for financial analysts in the region is projected at 9%, which is steady, if not explosive. This growth is tied to the stability of the energy and agricultural sectors, which are perennial in the Bismarck-Mandan area.

Insider Tip: The $95,920 median is a strong benchmark, but don't anchor your negotiations solely on it. In Mandan, local knowledge—understanding the financial rhythms of agriculture (planting/harvest cycles) or energy (oil and gas commodity price swings)—can command a premium in the right role.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally practical. You can make a great salary, but if it's eaten up by taxes and housing, it doesn't matter. North Dakota's income tax is progressive, ranging from 1.10% to 2.90%. For a single filer earning the median $95,920 (which puts you in the 24% federal bracket), your estimated take-home pay is roughly $73,000 annually, or about $6,083/month after federal, state, FICA, and local taxes.

Now, let's layer in the housing cost. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Mandan area is $806/month. This is a game-changer. Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Financial Analyst earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for Mandan
Take-Home Pay	$6,083	Based on $95,920 gross salary.
Rent (1BR)	$806	Well below the national average.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet)	$250	Mandan winters are cold; heating costs can be significant.
Groceries	$450	Competitive prices, but limited selection compared to larger cities.
Car Payment/Insurance	$550	A car is a necessity. Insurance rates are moderate.
Health Insurance (Employer-Subsidized)	$300	Varies by employer; state jobs have excellent plans.
Retirement Savings (10% of gross)	$800	You can save aggressively here.
Discretionary Spending	$1,927	This leaves a very comfortable cushion for dining, entertainment, and travel.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. In fact, it's often the smarter long-term financial move. The Bismarck-Mandan median home price is around $320,000. With a 20% down payment of $64,000, a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would result in a monthly payment of approximately $1,600 (including taxes and insurance). This is still very manageable on a $95,920 salary, especially since you can build equity and potentially deduct mortgage interest.

Insider Tip: The real estate market in Mandan and Bismarck moves fast. If you're serious about buying, get pre-approved with a local credit union like Dakota Community Bank or First International Bank & Trust. They have a deep understanding of the local market and can close deals quickly.

Where the Jobs Are: Mandan's Major Employers

Mandan’s job market is intertwined with Bismarck’s, and the opportunities for Financial Analysts are concentrated in a few key sectors: government, healthcare, energy, and agriculture. The 48 jobs in the metro are not scattered; they’re clustered at specific employers.

1. North Dakota State Government (Bismarck): As the state capital, Bismarck is the largest employer. The State Treasurer’s Office, the Office of Management and Budget, and various energy and agricultural departments all hire financial analysts. Hiring trends are stable, with consistent openings for both entry-level and senior roles. The benefits, particularly pensions, are a major draw.

2. Sanford Health (Bismarck): One of the largest regional health systems, Sanford has a massive finance department. They need analysts for budgeting, grant management, and financial reporting. The trend here is toward specialization in healthcare finance, which can command a premium. Sanford is a frequent user of Bismarck State College graduates.

3. The MDU Resources Group (Bismarck): A Fortune 250 company headquartered in Bismarck, MDU is the parent company of operating utilities like Cascade Natural Gas and Intermountain Gas. Their corporate finance team is a perennial employer of analysts. With their deep ties to the energy sector, they have a strong need for analysts who can model commodity price volatility. This is one of the highest-paying local employers.

4. North Dakota State University (NDSU) - Bismarck Campus: While the main campus is in Fargo, the Bismarck campus handles agricultural research and extension services. This creates niche opportunities for financial analysts focused on agribusiness and research funding. Hiring is less frequent but highly specialized.

5. First International Bank & Trust (Fargo/Mandan/Bismarck): A major regional bank headquartered in North Dakota. They employ analysts in their corporate offices for credit analysis, loan portfolio management, and internal financial reporting. The trend is steady growth as they expand their footprint in the Upper Midwest.

6. Bismarck State College (BSC): As a public institution, BSC has a dedicated finance and administration office. They hire analysts for budgeting, tuition revenue analysis, and state fund management. It’s a stable, lower-stress environment with excellent public employee benefits.

7. Local Accounting Firms (e.g., Eide Bailly, Brady Martz): While not headquartered in Mandan, these large regional firms have offices in Bismarck and service clients across the agricultural and energy sectors. They hire analysts for audit and tax support, offering a path to a CPA and partnership.

Insider Tip: LinkedIn is your best friend here, but so is the North Dakota Workforce Connection website. Many state and local government jobs are posted there exclusively. For the energy and ag sectors, personal connections at events like the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce annual dinner can be invaluable.

Getting Licensed in ND

For Financial Analysts, licensing isn't always a hard requirement like it is for CPAs or CFAs, but having the right credentials will set you apart in Mandan’s competitive market. The state follows federal guidelines, but there are local nuances.

• Certified Financial Planner (CFP®): Not required for corporate analyst roles, but essential if you plan to go into wealth management. You must complete a CFP Board-registered program, pass the comprehensive exam, and have 6,000 hours of professional experience. The exam is offered quarterly in Bismarck. The total cost for education, exam, and initial certification is approximately $1,500 - $2,500. The timeline from start to finish is typically 12-18 months.

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®): Highly respected, especially in energy and agriculture. It’s a rigorous, self-study program with three exam levels. It’s not state-specific but is recognized globally. The total cost for all three levels is around $3,000 - $4,000 (including curriculum and exam fees). The timeline is a minimum of 2.5 years, but many candidates take longer. Passing Level I makes you a strong candidate for roles at MDU Resources or major banks.

• Series Licenses (7, 63, etc.): Required if you are selling securities or providing investment advice. You must be sponsored by a FINRA-registered firm (like a bank or broker-dealer). The cost for the exams is a few hundred dollars, but the real investment is your employer’s sponsorship and training. This is common for wealth management roles in Mandan.

• State-Specific Licensing: North Dakota does not have a state-specific financial analyst license. However, the North Dakota Securities Department regulates the sale of securities. If your role involves advising on investments, you may need to register as an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR). The cost is minimal, but the compliance work is significant. Always check with the North Dakota Securities Department for the latest rules.

Insider Tip: Don't overlook certifications like the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). For state government and healthcare finance roles, these can be more valuable than a CFA. Consider joining the Bismarck chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) for networking.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Mandan is smaller and more suburban than Bismarck, but it offers distinct neighborhoods. Most Financial Analysts will work in Bismarck, so commute is a key factor. Bismarck is divided by the Missouri River, with the east side being more commercial and the west side more residential.

1. Downtown Bismarck (East Bank): This is the hub for state government and banking. You’ll find many financial analysts working here. The vibe is urban, with older, walkable buildings. Commute is a walk or a 5-minute drive for most. Rent for a 1BR in a historic building is around $900 - $1,100/month. Best for young professionals who want to be in the middle of the action.

2. Highland Acres (West Bismarck): A classic, quiet suburb with mature trees and larger homes. It’s popular with families and mid-career professionals. The commute to downtown is 10-15 minutes. Rent for a 1BR apartment is slightly lower, around $750 - $900/month. It’s a great balance of space and accessibility.

3. South Bismarck (Near the Capitol/University): This area is a mix of government buildings, the Bismarck State College campus, and newer apartment complexes. It’s a hotbed for entry-level and mid-career analysts. You’ll find modern 1BR apartments for $850 - $1,000/month. The commute is easy, and you’re close to amenities.

4. Mandan’s West River (Near the Missouri): On the Mandan side, this area is rapidly developing. It offers newer housing at a slightly lower price point than Bismarck. The commute across the Memorial Bridge is 5-10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR in a new complex can be as low as $800 - $950/month. It’s ideal for those who want more space and a quieter life without giving up city access.

5. North Bismarck (Near the Hawk Creek Area): This is a growing area with new subdivisions and shopping centers. It’s family-oriented and a bit further out, with a 15-20 minute commute to downtown. Rent for a 1BR is in the $700 - $850 range. Good for those who work at Sanford Health on the north side.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Bismarck-Mandan is rarely a problem, except during major events or winter storms. The real commute challenge is the weather. A reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicle is non-negotiable, especially from October to April. When choosing a neighborhood, prioritize a simple, major-road commute (like I-94 or ND-1804) over a complex back-road route.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 9% job growth over the next decade is a solid foundation. Growth in Mandan is not about dot-com booms; it’s about stability and specialization. Here’s how you can leverage that for long-term career advancement.

Specialty Premiums: Financial Analysts who develop deep expertise in certain industries will earn a premium.

• Energy Sector (Oil & Gas, Utilities): Analysts who can model oil price volatility, regulatory impacts, and commodity trading will be in high demand at MDU Resources and related firms. This can add a 10-15% premium to your base salary.
• Agriculture & Agribusiness: With the strong presence of Dakota Growers Pasta (part of Campbell Soup) and myriad co-ops, analysts who understand crop cycles, futures, and supply chain finance are valuable.
• Healthcare Finance: With Sanford Health and St. Alexius Medical Center, analysts who master budgeting for large, complex medical systems are essential. This is a rapidly growing niche.

Advancement Paths: The typical path is from a generalist analyst to a senior analyst, then to a manager or director. Many also pivot into:

• Consulting: Local and regional firms hire experienced analysts to work with small and mid-sized businesses in the area.
• Wealth Management: After getting a CFP®, moving to a local firm like First International Bank or Merrill Lynch can be lucrative.
• Government Leadership: Starting in a state analyst role can lead to a deputy director position in a key department, leveraging public sector experience for a high-impact career.

The 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain stable, driven by the core sectors of energy, agriculture, and government. The 9% growth will be met by a mix of local graduates from Bismarck State College and University of Mary, as well as incoming professionals. To stay ahead, focus on building a network within these three sectors. The community is small, and your reputation will follow you.

Insider Tip: Consider a flexible role that requires occasional service on a local nonprofit board (like the Bismarck-Mandan United Way or the North Dakota Heritage Center). It’s a powerful way to build your network with the city’s business leaders outside of your direct workplace.

The Verdict: Is Mandan Right for You?

Mandan is not a place for someone seeking a fast-paced, anonymous career in a mega-city. It’s for a professional who values stability, affordability, and a strong sense of community. The financial analyst role here is integral to the functioning of the region’s key industries.

Pros	Cons
Strong purchasing power with a median salary of $95,920 and low cost of living (Index: 89.6).	Limited job market with only 48 metro jobs. Switching roles often means moving to a different employer, not a new city.
Stable, recession-resistant industries (energy, agriculture, government).	Harsh winters can be a major lifestyle adjustment, impacting daily commutes and outdoor activities.
No traffic, easy commutes (under 15 minutes for most).	Limited cultural/diversity offerings compared to larger cities. Social life often revolves around sports and community events.
Tight-knit professional network. It’s easy to know the key players in the finance community.	Social scene can feel small. If you’re single and in your late 20s/early 30s, the dating pool is limited.
Excellent opportunity for homeownership and building wealth.	Growth is steady, not explosive. You won’t see the rapid salary jumps of tech hubs.

Final Recommendation: Mandan is an excellent choice for a Financial Analyst who is early to mid-career and looking to build a stable, financially secure life. It’s perfect if you value outdoor recreation (hunting, fishing, hiking) and a slower pace. It’s less ideal if you crave the anonymity, cultural diversity, and constant career churn of a major metro area. For the right person, the combination of a $95,920 median salary and an $806 average rent creates a financial runway that’s hard to find anywhere else.

FAQs

1. What is the winter weather really like for commuting?
Winters are severe, with temperatures frequently below zero and heavy snowfall. A 4WD/AWD vehicle with good winter