Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Dickinson, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Dickinson Stands

Welcome to Dickinson. If you're a CNA considering a move here, let's get straight to the numbers. This isn't a place where a CNA salary will make you rich, but the cost of living is your biggest advantage. The median salary for a CNA in Dickinson is $35,009/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.83. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, but that national figure doesn't account for the stark differences in cost of living between, say, Dickinson and Boston. For context, the metro area has about 50 jobs for CNAs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 4%.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level in the Dickinson market. These figures are based on local job postings and conversations with healthcare administrators in the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Local Context
Entry-Level	$31,000 - $34,000	Often starting at long-term care facilities. You'll be learning the ropes on the job.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$34,000 - $38,000	This is the median range. You can expect this in most hospitals and larger nursing homes.
Senior/Lead CNA	$38,000 - $42,000	Requires shift lead experience, training new hires, or specialized unit experience (e.g., ICU, rehab).
Expert/Specialized	$42,000+	Rare in Dickinson; often tied to niche roles in home health or with specific certifications (like phlebotomy or EKG tech) that broaden your scope.

How does this stack up against other North Dakota cities? It's important to understand the regional landscape. Let's compare it to two other major ND metro areas.

City	Median CNA Salary	1BR Rent Avg.	Cost of Living Index
Dickinson	$35,009	$837	93.0
Fargo	$37,200	$895	94.5
Bismarck	$36,800	$865	94.0

As you can see, Dickinson's salary is the lowest of the three, but the rent is also the most affordable. The key metric here is purchasing power. You might make a bit more in Fargo, but you'll also pay more for housing and likely face more traffic and a higher pace of life. Dickinson offers a slower, more manageable environment with a cost of living that is 7% below the U.S. average (index of 93.0 vs. 100).

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Health insurance and retirement benefits are significant factors. The major employers in Dickinson, like Sanford Health, offer competitive benefits packages that can add thousands of dollars in value to your total compensation. Always ask about the full benefits package during an interview.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's do some real math. If you're earning the median salary of $35,009/year, your monthly take-home pay (after federal, state, and FICA taxes) will be approximately $2,350. This is an estimate; your exact take-home will vary based on your filing status and withholdings.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single CNA in Dickinson:

• Take-Home Pay: $2,350
• Rent (1BR Average): $837
• Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $300
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): $200
• Healthcare/Insurance Premiums: $150 (if not fully covered)
• Miscellaneous (Phone, Clothing, Entertainment): $200
• Total Expenses: $1,867
• Remaining for Savings/Debt: $483

With nearly $500 left over each month, you have a solid base for savings. This assumes a low debt load. If you have significant student loans or a car payment, that "savings" number will shrink.

Can you afford to buy a home? Let's look at the local real estate market. The median home price in Dickinson is around $260,000. With a $500 monthly savings, you could build a 5% down payment ($13,000) in about two years. However, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $260,000 home would likely be around $1,400-$1,500, which is significantly higher than your current rent. For a CNA earning the median salary, homeownership is a long-term goal that would require a dual-income household or a significant increase in your salary. Renting is the more financially sound choice for an individual in a starter role.

Where the Jobs Are: Dickinson's Major Employers

Dickinson's healthcare scene is dominated by a few key players. The job market is tight but steady, with a constant need for direct care staff. Here are the primary employers you should target:

1. Sanford Health Dickinson: This is the largest employer in the city and the flagship medical center. It's a Level III Trauma Center and offers a wide range of services. Hiring trends here favor CNAs with experience in hospital settings, specifically in medical-surgical floors, the emergency department, or the orthopedics unit. They often post jobs directly on their Sanford Careers portal. Insider Tip: Sanford is known for investing in employee education. They may offer tuition reimbursement if you want to pursue your LPN or RN degree.

2. St. Luke's Nursing Home: A major long-term care facility located on the west side of town. This is a classic CNA job. It's a stable employer with a high turnover rate (common in the industry) meaning there are often openings. Hiring is frequent, and they are less likely to require prior hospital experience. The facility is known for serving a strong local and rural population.

3. CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson: Another major hospital and a key competitor to Sanford. It's part of a larger Catholic health system. They have a strong maternity ward, cardiac care, and a busy surgical department. Their hiring trends are similar to Sanford's. Working here often means you're part of a close-knit team. Check their careers page on the CHI website.

4. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Agrace, local private agencies): The demand for home health aides is growing as Dickinson's population ages. These jobs offer more independence and a varied day, but often come with less consistent hours and fewer benefits than hospital jobs. You'll need a reliable vehicle and a clean driving record. This is a great option if you prefer one-on-one patient care over a busy hospital unit.

5. Dickinson Senior Living & The Heritage (Assisted Living): These facilities offer a middle ground between nursing homes and independent living. The pace is generally slower than a hospital, and you often build closer relationships with residents. Hiring trends show a steady need for staff, especially for morning and evening shifts. These facilities often look for CNAs with a compassionate, patient demeanor.

6. Williams County Nursing Home: Located just north of Dickinson in Williston, this is a 30-minute commute but a significant employer in the region. They often have competitive wages and benefits to attract staff from the larger Dickinson metro area.

Hiring Trend: The market is consistently hungry for CNAs. You should have no trouble finding a job, but you'll be most competitive if you have your BLS (Basic Life Support) certification and any experience in a hospital or long-term care setting. Many employers will help you get your BLS if you don't have it.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota has a straightforward but mandatory process. You cannot work as a CNA without state certification. The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees this.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training, which includes both classroom and clinical practice. In Dickinson, you can find programs at:

   • Dickinson State University (DSU): Offers a CNA certificate program through its nursing department. This is a reputable, well-structured option.
   • Sanford Health: Sometimes offers in-house training programs for new hires, especially during nursing shortages.
   • Local Vocational Tech Centers: Check with the Dickinson Career Academy or similar adult education programs.
   • Cost: Tuition for these programs typically ranges from $800 to $1,500, depending on the institution and included materials.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the North Dakota CNA competency exam, which consists of a written test and a skills demonstration. The exam fee is approximately $125.

3. Submit Application to State Registry: Once you pass the exam, your name is added to the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry. You must also submit to a criminal background check. The overall timeline from starting a class to being on the registry is typically 6-10 weeks.

Insider Tip: If you are already a CNA in another state, you may be eligible for reciprocity. You'll need to contact the ND Nurse Aide Registry for a reciprocity application. This process is faster than starting from scratch, often taking 2-4 weeks.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Dickinson is a compact city, and commute times are generally short. However, choosing a neighborhood can impact your lifestyle and budget. Here are 4-5 areas to consider:

1. The West End (around 10th Ave SW):

   • Rent: $750 - $900/month
   • Vibe: This is a quiet, residential area close to Sanford Health Dickinson and St. Luke's Nursing Home. You can often walk or bike to work. It's family-friendly with good access to parks. This is a top choice for CNAs who work at Sanford and value a short, stress-free commute.

2. Downtown Dickinson:

   • Rent: $800 - $1,000/month
   • Vibe: The historic heart of the city. You'll be in walking distance of local restaurants, coffee shops, and Dickinson State University. It's a vibrant, walkable area if you're off the main drags. Commute to the hospitals is 5-10 minutes by car. Ideal for those who want to be in the center of activity.

3. The Northridge Area:

   • Rent: $900 - $1,100/month
   • Vibe: A newer, more suburban development on the north side of town. Homes and apartments are modern, and the area feels very open. It's a short drive to the Dickinson Regional Health Complex (CHI St. Alexius). The rent is a bit higher, but you get more space and newer amenities.

4. South Dickinson (near the Mall):

   • Rent: $800 - $950/month
   • Vibe: This is a convenient, commercial area with easy access to grocery stores, the mall, and restaurants. It's a practical choice for someone who wants to minimize errands. Commute times to all major employers are under 10 minutes.

Commute Note: Traffic in Dickinson is minimal. Regardless of where you live, you will not face a significant commute. The longest drive from one side of town to the other is about 15 minutes. Your choice should be based more on budget and lifestyle preference than commute time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Dickinson is a stable starting point, but career advancement requires planning. The growth path is well-defined but requires further education.

• Specialty Premiums: As a CNA, you generally don't receive a "specialty premium" like an RN might. However, gaining experience in high-acuity units (ER, ICU, Sterile Processing) can make you more valuable and lead to a higher base pay within the $38,000 - $42,000 range. Certifications like Phlebotomy or EKG Tech can open doors to hybrid roles.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): This is the most common next step. It requires 1-2 years of school. In Dickinson, DSU offers an LPN program. An LPN in ND can earn $45,000 - $55,000+. This is a significant jump and the standard career ladder.
  2. Registered Nurse (RN): The ultimate goal for many. An Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes about 2 years. RNs in the Dickinson area can earn $65,000 - $80,000+. DSU and other regional universities offer pathways.
  3. CNA II / Lead CNA: Some facilities offer a formal "CNA II" or "Lead CNA" role with additional responsibilities and a modest pay increase. This is a good way to gain leadership experience without going back to school.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth rate, the demand for CNAs will remain steady, tracking with the aging population. However, the real growth is in the number of nursing roles. The local hospitals are constantly expanding their nursing staff. A CNA who uses their experience to fund and succeed in an LPN or RN program will have excellent, stable job prospects in Dickinson for the long term. The healthcare infrastructure is solid and growing.

The Verdict: Is Dickinson Right for You?

The decision to move to Dickinson as a CNA hinges on what you value most: affordability and a quiet pace of life, or higher earning potential and a bustling urban environment.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your paycheck goes much further than in most of the country.	Lower Base Salary: The median salary of $35,009 is below the national average.
High Job Availability: With only 50 jobs in the metro, the market is not flooded, and employers are looking.	Limited Career Options: Without further education, you're somewhat capped at the CNA level.
Short, Easy Commutes: You can live anywhere in town and be at work in under 10-15 minutes.	Isolation & Climate: Winters are long, harsh, and can be isolating. The city is small and can feel remote.
Stable Healthcare Employers: Sanford and CHI are large, stable organizations with good benefits.	Limited Diversity & Nightlife: The culture is predominantly local and family-oriented. Social life revolves around community events.

Final Recommendation:
Dickinson is an excellent choice for a CNA who is budget-conscious, values a predictable and quiet lifestyle, and is interested in using the lower cost of living as a springboard for further education. It is a place to build a foundation. If you are a new CNA looking to gain experience without the pressure of a high-cost city, Dickinson is a smart move.

It is likely not the best fit if you are a seasoned CNA at your salary cap with no desire for more school, or if you crave a diverse, fast-paced, 24/7 urban environment. For you, the higher salaries in Fargo or Bismarck, or a larger city out of state, might be a better fit.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for new CNAs in Dickinson?
A: Not very competitive. Healthcare is one of the largest employers, and the turnover rate for CNA positions is nationally high. If you are certified, have a clean background, and present yourself professionally, you should be able to find a job within a few weeks.

Q: Is it easy to find a second job or per-diem shifts to boost my income?
A: Yes. The major hospitals (Sanford and CHI) and nursing homes often need staff for weekends, holidays, and night shifts. Many CNAs work a 36-hour full-time schedule and pick up an extra 8-12 hour shift per week, which can significantly increase your annual earnings.

Q: What is the weather really like, and how does it affect the job?
A: Be prepared. Dickinson experiences a continental climate with cold, snowy winters (often below freezing from November to March) and warm, dry summers. The healthcare facilities are well-prepared, but you'll need a reliable car with winter tires. The weather can make commuting a bit more challenging, but the infrastructure is built for it.

Q: Are there opportunities for CNA training without paying tuition?
A: Sometimes. Large employers like Sanford Health may offer "tuition reimbursement" or direct training programs if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 1-2 years). It's always worth asking about during an interview. Governor Doug Burgum's administration has also supported workforce development programs that may include subsidized CNA training; check with the North Dakota Department of Commerce for current opportunities.

Q: What is the social scene like for a single CNA moving to Dickinson?
A: It's what you make of it. The community is tight-knit. Socializing often happens through work, churches, local gyms, and community events. There are a few bars and restaurants, but it's not a nightlife city. If you are outgoing and make an effort to join local groups (running clubs, hobby groups, etc.), you'll find your people. The beautiful western ND landscape also offers great outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, and fishing.