Pharmacist in Dickinson, ND

Hello, and welcome to Dickinson. If you're a pharmacist considering a move to western North Dakota, you're looking at a market that's a bit of a paradox: a small-town feel with a surprisingly robust healthcare grid, but with some clear economic headwinds for the profession. I've lived here for over a decade, watched the oil boom come and go, and seen how that affected the pharmacy landscape. This guide is the straight talk you need—no fluff, just the data and the local reality.

The Salary Picture: Where Dickinson Stands

Let's get the big number out of the way. In Dickinson, the median salary for a pharmacist is $133,173 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $64.03. It's important to put this in context. The national average for pharmacists is $136,030/year, so Dickinson is slightly below the national norm, but not dramatically so. For a city of our size (metro population of 25,216), this is a respectable wage, especially when you factor in our lower cost of living.

The 10-year job growth for pharmacists in Dickinson is -3%. This is a critical data point. It's not a boomtown for the profession like it was for oilfield workers a decade ago. The market is stable, but not expanding. With only 50 jobs in the metro area, openings are competitive. When a position at Sanford or a lead pharmacist role at a major grocery chain opens, you'll see a handful of qualified applicants, often from within the existing local workforce.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range (Dickinson)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$115,000 - $125,000	Often starts at retail chains (CVS, Walgreens) or hospital staff pharmacist roles.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$125,000 - $140,000	Gains in specialty roles, lead staff positions, or independent pharmacy management.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$135,000 - $150,000	Clinical specialist roles (e.g., oncology, anticoagulation), pharmacy manager, or director roles.
Expert/Management (15+ yrs)	$145,000+	Director of Pharmacy, complex institutional roles, or regional management for chains.

Compared to other North Dakota cities, Dickinson sits in the middle. Fargo, with its larger hospitals and mega-retail presence, often sees a higher median (closer to $140,000). Bismarck, the state capital, is similar to Dickinson. Minot, another oil-influenced city, can be volatile but often has similar pay scales. Grand Forks, with UND, might have slightly lower wages due to the academic influence but more specialty niches.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $133,173 is a strong number in Dickinson, but let's get real about what it means for your monthly cash flow. We'll use 2024 tax brackets and local costs.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Pharmacist Earning $133,173/year

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Details & Assumptions
Gross Monthly Pay	$11,098	$133,173 / 12
Federal Tax (est.)	-$1,950	Assuming single filer, standard deduction, no dependents.
State Tax (ND)	-$550	North Dakota has a flat income tax rate of 2.5%.
FICA (7.65%)	-$849	Social Security (6.2%) + Medicare (1.45%).
Net Take-Home Pay	$7,749	This is your "in-hand" pay before other deductions.
Health Insurance (employer)	-$400	Typical premium for a single individual.
Retirement (401k, 6%)	-$666	Highly recommended, especially with lower living costs.
Adjusted Net Pay	$6,683	Your realistic monthly budget to work with.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$837	$837/month is the average for a 1BR apartment.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	-$200	Dickinson winters are cold; heating costs are real.
Groceries	-$450	For one person; groceries are slightly above national avg.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$600	Assumes a moderate car payment + ND's high insurance rates.
Misc/Entertainment	-$500	Eating out, gym, hobbies.
Remaining	$4,096	This is your discretionary income and savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With over $4,000/month in discretionary income after all core expenses, homeownership is very accessible. The median home price in Dickinson is around $285,000 (as of late 2023). A 20% down payment ($57,000) is a significant investment, but with the savings potential shown above, it's achievable within a few years. A 30-year mortgage at 7% on a $228,000 loan would be roughly $1,517/month—well within your budget, even after increasing your estimated rent for a house payment. This is one of the biggest draws of Dickinson: your salary goes significantly further here than in most metro areas.

Where the Jobs Are: Dickinson's Major Employers

The pharmacy job market here is dominated by a few key players. Knowing who they are and their hiring trends is crucial.

1. Sanford Health Dickinson Medical Center: The largest employer in the city. Their pharmacy is a 24/7 operation serving the hospital and multiple outpatient clinics. They hire for staff pharmacists, clinical specialists (often in areas like infectious disease or oncology), and management. Hiring trends are stable but slow; turnover is low. It often takes an internal connection or a perfectly timed opening. They are the most likely place to find a "career" pharmacy role with growth.

2. CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson: The other major hospital system. Similar scale to Sanford but with a different corporate culture. Their pharmacy team is tight-knit. Jobs here are even less frequent than Sanford. They value pharmacists with strong clinical knowledge and a team-player attitude.

3. Kmart Pharmacy (Yes, it's still here): Dickinson is one of the last cities with a functioning Kmart. Their pharmacy is a community staple. It's a lower-prescription-volume environment but offers a unique, less corporate feel. A good option for someone who wants a predictable retail schedule without the Big Chain pressure.

4. Major Grocery Chains (Hugo's, Cash Wise): These stores have full-service pharmacies. They are often the first point of entry for new pharmacists to the city. The pace is faster than hospital but slower than a stand-alone chain like CVS. They offer competitive retail salaries and a more community-focused atmosphere.

5. CVS and Walgreens: The national chains have a presence here. They offer the standard corporate retail experience, with potential for multi-store management roles. Hiring can be more frequent but often through corporate postings rather than local knowledge.

6. Independent Pharmacies: There are a few small, independent pharmacies in the city. They are the hardest to get into, often requiring you to know the owner or have a very specific skill set (e.g., compounding, niche compounding). They offer the most autonomy but likely the lowest base pay.

Insider Tip: The "Dickinson Pharmacy Mafia" is real. Everyone knows everyone. Your reputation precedes you. A strong interview at one place can get you a referral to another. The best way to find out about openings is to connect with pharmacists currently working here, not just cold-call HR.

Getting Licensed in ND

If you're coming from another state, you'll need to get licensed by the North Dakota State Board of Pharmacy.

1. Primary Source License Verification (NABP): You must have an active license in your home state. The ND Board uses the NABP for primary source verification. This is a standard process.
2. Fingerprinting & Background Check: You will need to schedule fingerprinting through the ND Board's approved vendor. This is a key step. Cost is around $50-$75.
3. Application & Fees: The application fee is $125. The total cost for licensure by reciprocity is typically under $200.
4. MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam): You must pass the North Dakota MPJE, which tests your knowledge of state-specific pharmacy law. This is a computer-based exam.
5. Experiential Requirements: If you're a new graduate, you'll need to complete any required internship hours and pass the NAPLEX.

Timeline to Get Started: From submitting your application to receiving your license, plan for 2-4 months. The MPJE can be scheduled once your application is processed. Start this process before you move, as you cannot legally practice without an ND license.

Insider Tip: The ND Board is responsive. Email them with specific questions. They appreciate professional, direct communication. Don't be afraid to follow up politely.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Dickinson is very navigable. You can live almost anywhere and have a short commute. Here’s a breakdown by lifestyle and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Pharmacist Fit	Estimated 1BR Rent
West Dickinson	The most established, with older homes and larger lots. Close to the medical centers. A 10-12 minute drive to either hospital.	Ideal for those who want a traditional, quiet home life. Very popular with healthcare professionals.	$750 - $950
East Dickinson / Belfield	Newer developments, more modern homes. Growing area with new schools. Commute to hospitals is 15-20 minutes.	Good for young professionals or families wanting more space and modern amenities.	$800 - $1,100
Downtown Dickinson	Walkable, historic, with a growing number of restaurants and breweries. Fewer large apartment complexes.	Perfect for someone who wants an urban, social lifestyle and doesn't mind renting a house or older apartment.	$700 - $900 (for a house share or older 1BR)
Near the University (Dickinson State)	A mix of student rentals and quiet family homes. Some noise, but also energy.	A good fit if you're pursuing further education or enjoy a more vibrant, youthful atmosphere.	$650 - $850

Insider Tip: If you work at Sanford or St. Alexius, living in West Dickinson is the most convenient. You can get to work in under 10 minutes, even in a snowstorm. The main roads are well-maintained.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a -3% job growth forecast, your long-term growth won't come from the number of new positions. It will come from vertical movement and specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: The most significant salary bump comes from specializing. Sanford and St. Alexius are the best places to do this. An Oncology Pharmacist or an Anticoagulation Clinic Manager can command a $10,000 - $15,000 premium over the median salary. This requires additional certification (e.g., BCOP, BCPS) and often a move into a clinical specialist role.
• Management Tracks: The path to Director of Pharmacy at a hospital or Regional Manager for a chain is the highest-paying route. It requires a strong business acumen and leadership skills. The local market is small, so these roles are rare. You may need to look to Bismarck or Fargo for larger opportunities.
• The Independent Route: A few pharmacists have opened successful independent pharmacies in Dickinson, often focusing on compounding or personalized services. This is high-risk but offers unlimited earning potential if you have an entrepreneurial spirit.

10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable but stagnant. The core need for pharmacists will remain tied to the hospitals and major retail chains. Growth will be minimal, and competition for the best roles will remain high. Your best bet for significant advancement is to gain a specialty at one of the hospitals and become an indispensable clinical resource. If your goal is rapid career expansion, a larger market like Fargo might be a better long-term bet. However, if you value quality of life and stability, Dickinson can be a rewarding place to build a career, especially with the cost-of-living advantage.

The Verdict: Is Dickinson Right for You?

Here’s the final breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living. Your $133,173 salary feels like $180,000 in most other cities.	Limited job growth (-3%) and limited job openings (50 total). It's a stable but saturated market.
Short, easy commutes. Most pharmacists live within 15 minutes of work.	Harsh winters. The weather is a real factor that can impact your daily life for 5-6 months.
Strong, close-knit healthcare community. You can build a powerful professional network quickly.	Isolation. Dickinson is remote. The nearest city of comparable size (Bismarck) is 2+ hours away.
Access to outdoor recreation. The Badlands, hunting, fishing, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are your backyard.	Limited cultural and dining scene. It's a small town, not a metropolitan hub.
Friendly, "neighborly" atmosphere. People are generally welcoming and community-focused.	Economic volatility. The city's economy is still tied to oil prices, which can affect the broader job market.

Final Recommendation:

Dickinson is a fantastic choice for a mid-career pharmacist prioritizing financial stability and quality of life over rapid career advancement. It's ideal for those who love the outdoors, value a short commute, and want to pay down debt or buy a home quickly. It's a poor fit for a new graduate seeking a dynamic, fast-paced career with dozens of employer options, or for someone who thrives in a bustling, diverse urban environment. If you can secure a job at Sanford or St. Alexius and specialize, you can build a rewarding, financially secure career here. But if you need growth, you'll likely need to start here and eventually look to a larger market.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the pharmacy job market in Dickinson?
A: It is moderately competitive. With only 50 total jobs, openings are infrequent. Having a North Dakota license already is a major advantage. Networking with current pharmacists is often more effective than applying online.

Q: What is the typical retail vs. hospital pharmacy split?
A: In Dickinson, it's roughly a 60/40 split in favor of retail (including grocery and chain stores). Hospital pharmacy (Sanford & St. Alexius) is more stable but has fewer total positions.

Q: Is the -3% job growth a major concern?
A: It is a key factor in your decision. It means you should not expect a flood of new openings. Plan to stay in your first role for at least 2-3 years to build local credibility before moving up. Job changes require patience.

Q: What's the social scene like for a single professional?
A: It's what you make of it. There are active young professional groups, especially in healthcare. The universities (DSU, BSC) host events, and the local breweries and restaurants are community hubs. You won't find a nightlife scene like in a big city, but you'll find deep friendships and community involvement.

Q: How does the cost of living really compare?
A: The Cost of Living Index is 93.0 (US avg = 100). This means 7% cheaper than the average. However, this doesn't capture the full picture. While rent and housing are much cheaper, groceries and utilities can be slightly higher. The real savings are in housing and transportation, which is why your take-home pay of $7,749/month goes so far.