Here is a comprehensive career guide for Physical Therapists considering a move to Dickinson, ND.

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The Physical Therapist’s Guide to Dickinson, ND: Salary, Jobs, and Lifestyle

As a career analyst who has watched Dickinson’s economy shift from its oil boom days to a more stabilized healthcare-focused market, I’ve seen physical therapists become a critical part of this community. Dickinson isn’t a sprawling metropolis; it’s a tight-knit hub in the heart of western North Dakota. If you’re considering a move here, you’re trading a fast-paced city for a community where you can know your patients outside the clinic and where your salary goes a lot further. Let’s break down the data, the lifestyle, and the career path for a PT in Dickinson.

The Salary Picture: Where Dickinson Stands

First, the numbers. North Dakota consistently ranks as one of the top states for physical therapist salaries, and Dickinson reflects this. While the national average sits at $99,710/year, Dickinson’s median salary for PTs is slightly lower at $97,616/year. This difference is minor and is more than offset by the city’s low cost of living.

The hourly rate is a solid $46.93/hour, which is fantastic for a region where overtime is often available, especially in hospital and skilled nursing settings. The job market is small but stable—there are approximately 50 jobs in the metro area for PTs and PTAs. More importantly, the 10-year job growth is projected at 14%, which is robust for a rural area, driven by an aging population and the expansion of outpatient orthopedic and home health services.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Your earning potential in Dickinson will rise with experience. Here’s how it typically breaks down:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Settings
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$82,000 - $90,000	Hospitals, skilled nursing, home health (under mentorship)
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$95,000 - $105,000	Outpatient orthopedics, sports med, hospital inpatient
Senior (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $115,000	Clinic director, specialty orthopedics, home health lead
Expert (15+ years)	$115,000+	Private practice owner, advanced certifications (OCS, SCS)

How Dickinson Compares to Other ND Cities

While Dickinson’s salary is high, it’s part of a strong statewide network. Here’s how it stacks up against other major ND hubs:

| City | Median Salary | Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100) | Key Employers |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | Sanford, CHI, Altru |
| Dickinson | $97,616 | 93.0 | CHI St. Alexius, Sanford, local clinics |
| Fargo | $98,500 | 92.1 | Sanford, Essentia, Altru |
| Bismarck | $97,200 | 94.5 | Sanford, CHI, BHS |
| Grand Forks | $96,800 | 90.2 | Altru, Sanford |

Dickinson holds its own. While Fargo and Bismarck might offer slightly higher salaries or more job openings, the cost of living in Dickinson is marginally lower, and the competition for jobs is often less intense. For a PT who values a balance of good pay and a manageable pace of life, Dickinson is a strong contender.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. The numbers look great on paper, but what does life actually cost in Dickinson?

Assuming a $97,616/year salary (roughly $46.93/hour), your take-home pay after federal, state (ND has a flat 2.5% income tax), and FICA taxes will be approximately $74,500/year or about $6,208/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single PT

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Federal/State/FICA Taxes	~$2,058	(Deducted from gross pay)
Take-Home Pay	$6,208
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$837	Average for the city
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; winters are costly
Groceries	$400	Dickinson has standard grocery prices (Walmart, Hornbacher's)
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential; no reliable public transit
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$300	Varies by employer
Discretionary (Eating out, entertainment, savings)	$2,921	Ample room for savings or debt repayment

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Dickinson is around $275,000. With a 20% down payment ($55,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would be roughly $1,400/month. A PT earning the median salary can comfortably afford this while still saving for retirement and other goals. The low cost of living is the single biggest financial advantage of living in Dickinson.

Where the Jobs Are: Dickinson's Major Employers

The job market for PTs in Dickinson is dominated by a few key players. While there are only 50 total positions in the metro, turnover is low, and openings are typically filled quickly. However, the expansion of senior living and outpatient services creates steady opportunities.

1. CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson: The largest employer in the region. They run a full-service hospital with an inpatient rehab unit, outpatient PT, and skilled nursing facilities. They often hire for acute care, orthopedics, and home health. Insider Tip: CHI is part of a larger Catholic health system, which can offer good benefits and tuition reimbursement for specialty certifications.
2. Sanford Clinic Dickinson: A major competitor, offering outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, and pediatric PT. Sanford is known for investing in tech and continuing education. They have a strong focus on sports rehab, which aligns with the active local lifestyle (hiking, hunting, fishing).
3. Dickinson Physical Therapy (Independent Clinic): A locally owned outpatient orthopedic clinic that has been a staple for decades. They often provide a more intimate, community-focused environment and may be more flexible with treatment approaches.
4. Benedictine Living Communities: With an aging population, skilled nursing and long-term care facilities are a major employer. PTs here focus on geriatrics, balance, and fall prevention. These roles are stable and crucial to the community.
5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Comfort Keepers, Home Instead): While not always a full-time salaried position, home health PRN or part-time work is widely available and pays well per visit. This is a great way to supplement income or for retirees looking to stay active.
6. West River Regional Medical Center (Hettinger): A 30-minute drive south. They sometimes have openings and offer a slightly different rural hospital experience.

Hiring Trends: Most hiring happens in the spring and fall. Employers are increasingly looking for PTs with Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) certifications to differentiate their clinics. Experience with dry needling or manual therapy is a significant plus.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The North Dakota State Board of Physical Therapy (NDPT) oversees it.

• Requirements:
  1. Doctorate (DPT) Degree: From a CAPTE-accredited program.
  2. NPTE Exam: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (written). You must apply to the ND Board for authorization to take it.
  3. Jurisprudence Exam: A state-specific open-book exam on ND laws and rules. This is a simple pass/fail.
  4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal history check is required.
• Timeline: The process can take 2-4 months after graduation. Application fees are approximately $200 for initial licensure. It’s best to start the application process as soon as you graduate, as the board can take a few weeks to process paperwork.
• Costs: Budget around $500-$700 total for application fees, exam fees, and background checks.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Dickinson is compact, and commutes are rarely an issue. However, your choice of neighborhood can impact your lifestyle and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
North Dickinson	Quiet, residential, close to shopping (Walmart, Menards). 10-15 min drive to hospitals.	$900 - $1,000	Families, those who want more space.
South Dickinson (near Dickinson State)	Lively, younger demographic, near restaurants and bars. Close to Sanford Clinic.	$950 - $1,100	New grads, those wanting proximity to social scene.
West Dickinson	More affordable, mix of older homes and new developments. Easy access to I-94.	$750 - $900	Budget-conscious professionals, easy highway access.
East Dickinson	Established, quiet, close to the hospital and CHI St. Alexius.	$800 - $950	Those working at the hospital, prefer a traditional neighborhood.

Insider Tip: Most PTs live between 1st Ave W and 10th Ave W. The South Dickinson area is popular with young professionals due to its walkability to places like Brew & Burgers and The Paragon.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career growth in Dickinson is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about deepening clinical expertise and taking on leadership roles within a smaller system.

• Specialty Premiums: Obtaining an OCS or SCS can immediately boost your salary by 5-10% and make you a highly sought-after candidate. Sanford and CHI both have pathways to support certification.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical Ladder: Move from staff PT to Senior PT, then to Clinical Instructor or Clinic Director.
  • Entrepreneurial: Opening a cash-based pelvic health or performance clinic could be a niche opportunity, as these services are limited in the region.
  • Home Health Leadership: With experience, you can move into a supervisory role managing a team of PTs and PTAs across a vast western ND territory.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 14% job growth is promising. As the population ages, demand for geriatric PT, balance training, and post-surgical rehab will only increase. The key is to stay adaptable—be willing to work in multiple settings (hospital, outpatient, home health) to maximize your opportunities and income.

The Verdict: Is Dickinson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: Your salary stretches very far.	Limited Cultural/Entertainment Scene: No symphony, major museums, or pro sports teams.
Low Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are highly affordable.	Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and windy winters (Oct-April) can be isolating.
In-Demand, Stable Jobs: PTs are essential in this community.	Small Job Market: Few employers means less negotiation power if you want to switch jobs.
Tight-Knit Community: You’ll know your colleagues, patients, and neighbors.	Travel Limitations: You’re a 3-hour drive from Bismarck and 5+ hours from a major airport.
Outdoor Recreation: Unmatched access to hunting, fishing, hiking, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.	Limited Diversity: The community is predominantly white and conservative.

Final Recommendation:
Dickinson is an excellent choice for a pragmatic PT who prioritizes financial stability and work-life balance over urban amenities. It’s ideal for someone who enjoys outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community. If you’re a new graduate looking for a supportive environment to start your career or an experienced PT wanting to buy a home and build long-term wealth, Dickinson offers a compelling package. However, if you crave constant variety, diverse dining, and big-city energy, you may find it limiting.

FAQs

1. Is the oil industry still affecting the PT job market in Dickinson?
The massive boom of 2010-2015 has passed, but its legacy remains. The population is larger and younger, which sustained demand for healthcare. The current economy is more diversified between agriculture, healthcare, and education (Dickinson State University). The PT job market is now stable and based on demographic needs, not oil.

2. What’s the weather really like for someone moving from a warmer climate?
Be prepared. Winters are long and severe. However, the community is built for it. Homes are well-insulated, and the healthcare system is fully operational. Invest in a good winter coat, block heater for your car, and all-wheel drive. Summers are beautiful, with long days and mild temperatures.

3. Are there opportunities for PTs with a sports focus?
Yes, but they are niche. Sanford Clinic has a sports medicine focus, and with Dickinson State University’s athletics, there are opportunities. However, the bulk of work is in orthopedics and geriatrics. The real "sports" opportunities lie in treating the active outdoor community for hiking, hunting, and fishing-related injuries.

4. What is the community like for a single professional?
It’s a family-oriented town. Social life often revolves around work, sports, and outdoor activities. There are bars and restaurants, but the nightlife is quiet. Joining community groups, a gym, or a hiking club is the best way to build a social network. For dating, the pool is smaller, but the community is welcoming.

5. How do I find housing as a new transplant?
Start with online searches (Zillow, Rent.com) but also check the Dickinson State University off-campus housing boards and local Facebook rental groups. The market moves fast, especially in the summer. A real estate agent can also be helpful for rentals, though a fee is often involved. Plan to have housing secured at least a month before your start date.