The Complete Career Guide for Real Estate Agents in Dickinson, ND

So, you're thinking about becoming a real estate agent in Dickinson, North Dakota. As a local who’s watched this city evolve from a quiet ranching town into a bustling hub for the Bakken oil boom and now a more diversified economy, I can tell you it's a unique market. It’s not a place for the faint of heart or those looking for a predictable, slow-paced career. It’s a market built on grit, community, and cyclical industry. This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the North Dakota Real Estate Commission (NDREC), and the lived experience of agents on the ground. Let's get into the numbers and the nuances.

The Salary Picture: Where Dickinson Stands

Let's start with the most critical piece of information: the money. Real estate is a 100% commission career, so your income is directly tied to your hustle, market knowledge, and sales volume. However, we can use the provided median salary as a benchmark for what a successful, full-time agent might average over a year.

The median salary for a Real Estate Agent in Dickinson is $60,188/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.94/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $61,480/year, but don't let that fool you. The cost of living in Dickinson is significantly lower, as we'll explore later.

To put this in perspective, here’s a breakdown of what you might expect at different career stages. These are estimates based on commission splits, sales volume, and market activity.

| Career Stage | Est. Annual Earnings (Pre-Tax) | What It Takes to Get There |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (1-2 years) | $40,000 - $55,000 | Building a network, working under a broker, taking on smaller residential transactions (first-time buyers, apartments). |
| Mid-Level (3-7 years) | $60,000 - $85,000 | Established client base, consistent sales (6-12 deals/year), handling mid-range homes ($250k-$400k). |
| Senior/Expert (8+ years) | $90,000 - $150,000+ | High-volume sales, specialty niches (commercial, luxury), referral-based business, managing a team. |

How Dickinson Compares to Other ND Cities:
Dickinson is a unique market. It’s not as large as Fargo or Bismarck but has a higher earning potential per-agent than smaller rural towns due to its economic activity.

• Fargo: Higher volume, more competition, but a larger, more stable market. Median salary is closer to the national average.
• Bismarck: Similar to Fargo, with a strong government and healthcare base. Steady, but slower growth.
• Williston: Another oil-boom town, but its market is more volatile. Earnings can be extremely high during booms but drop significantly in downturns.
• Minot: A blend of military, agriculture, and energy. Similar market to Dickinson but with a slightly larger population.

Dickinson’s advantage is its 10-year job growth of 3%. It’s not explosive, but it’s steady, indicating a stable demand for housing from the metro population of 25,216 and the surrounding agricultural and energy sectors. The 50 jobs in the metro for real estate agents means competition exists, but there’s room for competent professionals.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $60,188 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your daily life in Dickinson? Let’s break it down. (Note: These are estimates; consult a tax professional for your specific situation.)

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Real Estate Agent: $60,188/year)

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,016
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA): ~$1,200
• Net Monthly Income: ~$3,816
• Average 1-Bedroom Rent: $837/month
• Remaining After Rent: $2,979

This leaves you with about $2,979 per month for all other expenses: utilities, groceries, car payment, insurance, marketing, professional dues, and savings. This is a manageable budget in Dickinson, especially compared to larger cities where rent alone could consume 50-60% of net income.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. This is where Dickinson truly shines for agents looking to plant roots. With a median home price in the Dickinson area hovering around $275,000 (a figure you'll see often), and with a cost of living index of 93.0 (7% below the national average), homeownership is within reach.

A 20% down payment on a $275,000 home is $55,000. While that’s a significant savings goal, many local lenders offer USDA or FHA loans with lower down payments for those who qualify. With a net monthly income of $3,816, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of around $1,500-$1,700 is feasible, keeping you at a healthy ~40% of net income on housing—a common benchmark.

Insider Tip: Many successful agents in Dickinson are homeowners. It builds local credibility and knowledge. If you're serious about the market, buying a home is one of the best investments you can make, both personally and professionally.

Where the Jobs Are: Dickinson's Major Employers

As a real estate agent, your "job" is to facilitate transactions, but your clients come from the local economy. Understanding who employs Dickinson is key to targeting your marketing and building your network. The BLS data confirms the stability of the market, driven by these key sectors.

1. St. Alexius Medical Center (Now CHI St. Alexius Health): The largest employer in the region. This hospital brings in doctors, nurses, and medical staff from across the country, many of whom need housing. This is a prime source for both rentals and home purchases.
2. Dickinson State University (DSU): A growing university with over 1,500 students and hundreds of faculty and staff. The rental market near campus is always active, and faculty are often looking for long-term homes.
3. Belford Petroleum (and other Bakken operators): The energy sector, while more volatile than a decade ago, remains a significant employer. Companies like Belford employ engineers, geologists, and field workers who often command high salaries and seek quality housing.
4. Dakota Community Bank & Trust: A major regional bank with a major presence in Dickinson. Bank employees, from loan officers to executives, are part of the local real estate ecosystem—both as potential clients and as referral sources.
5. Dickinson Public School District: With several elementary, middle, and high schools, the district employs a large number of teachers and administrators. This is a stable, consistent source of clients looking for family homes in good school districts.
6. City of Dickinson: The municipal government itself is a significant employer. From city planners to public works staff, these are long-term residents who often move up the housing ladder.
7. Dickinson Farmers Co-op & Area Agriculture: While less formal, the vast agricultural network surrounding Dickinson is a cornerstone. Farmers and ranchers are a key market for land sales, acreages, and large family homes.

Hiring Trend Insight: The market is less about "hiring" agencies and more about brokerages bringing on independent contractors. The best way to "get a job" is to interview with multiple brokerages, understand their splits and mentorship programs, and choose the one that aligns with your work style. The 3% growth suggests a slow but steady increase in demand for agents who can navigate both traditional residential sales and the unique needs of the energy and agricultural sectors.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota has straightforward but strict licensing requirements managed by the North Dakota Real Estate Commission (NDREC). Here’s the step-by-step process and timeline.

State-Specific Requirements & Costs:

1. Pre-Licensing Education: You must complete 90 hours of approved pre-licensing courses. This can be done online or in-person through approved providers like the North Dakota Association of Realtors (NDAR) or local colleges. Cost: $400 - $600.
2. Background Check: A fingerprint-based background check is required. Cost: ~$50.
3. State Exam: After completing your course, you must pass the state licensing exam. The exam fee is $75. You need a score of 70% or higher.
4. License Application: Once you pass the exam, you apply for your license through the NDREC. The license fee is $150. You must also be sponsored by a licensed North Dakota broker.
5. Post-Licensing: After receiving your license, you have 12 months to complete 30 hours of post-licensing education. Cost: ~$200.
6. Continuing Education (CE): Every two years, you must complete 15 hours of CE to renew your license. Cost: ~$150.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Weeks 1-6: Complete 90-hour pre-licensing course.
• Week 7: Schedule and pass state exam.
• Week 8: Get sponsored, submit application, and receive license.
• Total Time to Active License: 2-3 months.
• Total Initial Investment (Education & Fees): $900 - $1,100.

Insider Tip: Start networking with local brokerages before you finish your course. Attend open houses (as a guest), join the NDAR, and introduce yourself. The local real estate community is tight-knit, and a recommendation from a respected agent can be invaluable when choosing a brokerage.

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

Where you live matters. As an agent, you need to know your market intimately. Here are 4-5 key areas in Dickinson, considering commute, lifestyle, and rental costs.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for an Agent
Downtown / City Center	Walkable, historic, near restaurants and shops. Commute is short (anywhere in town is 5-15 min).	$850 - $950	You're in the heart of the action. Great for networking, meeting clients at coffee shops, and showing walkability. Perfect for young, urban-minded agents.
West Dickinson / Near DSU	Family-oriented, quiet streets, close to the university and elementary schools.	$750 - $850	Excellent for building a niche in family housing and working with university staff. Lower rent is a plus for new agents.
South Dickinson / Medical District	Newer developments, close to St. Alexius Hospital. Modern, suburban feel.	$800 - $900	Prime location for attracting medical professionals. High-quality rental stock, and many clients will be looking to buy in this area.
East Dickinson / Rural Fringe	More acreage, larger lots, a mix of older homes and new builds. A 10-15 minute commute to downtown.	$700 - $800	Ideal for agents interested in land sales, acreages, and the agricultural market. Offers a quieter lifestyle and a different client base.

Insider Tip: As a new agent, consider renting in a neighborhood you want to specialize in. Living in South Dickinson if you want to work with medical professionals gives you instant, authentic knowledge of the area that clients will appreciate.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A $60,188 median salary is a solid start, but the ceiling is much higher. Growth in Dickinson comes from specialization and scaling.

Specialty Premiums:

• Commercial Real Estate: This is a significant opportunity. With Dickinson's role in energy and agriculture, there's demand for commercial spaces, land, and industrial properties. Commissions are larger, but transactions are more complex. It often requires additional education and a different network.
• Property Management: A steady income stream. Managing rental properties for owners, especially for the large transient workforce in the energy sector, can provide consistent monthly fees. This is a great hedge against a slow sales market.
• Agricultural/Land Specialist: Becoming the go-to expert for farmland and ranch sales. This requires deep knowledge of water rights, soil quality, and commodity markets. It’s a niche with high barriers to entry but loyal, repeat clients.

Advancement Paths:

1. Solo Agent to Team Leader: Build a team by mentoring new agents, taking a split of their commissions.
2. Brokerage Owner: After gaining experience (often 5+ years and a certain sales volume), you can open your own brokerage, taking a cut from all your agents' deals.
3. Real Estate Investing: Use your market knowledge to invest in properties yourself—flipping homes, buying rental units, or developing land.

10-Year Outlook (Based on 3% Growth):
The 3% growth indicates a market that will expand but not explode. The energy sector will likely remain a key driver, but growth in healthcare, education, and agriculture will provide stability. The demand for agents who understand both residential and the specific needs of the local economy (e.g., a doctor moving from Chicago, a farmer expanding their operation) will be strong. The trend is toward more professional, tech-savvy agents who can manage transactions efficiently in a spread-out geographic area.

The Verdict: Is Dickinson Right for You?

Dickinson offers a compelling blend of high earning potential relative to cost of living, but it comes with a specific set of challenges. Here’s a final, honest breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $60,188 salary goes much further here (93.0 index).	Cyclical Economy: Tied to oil prices and agriculture. Markets can be volatile.
Steady Job Growth (3%): More stable than boom-bust towns.	Harsh Winters: Can slow down the market and make travel difficult.
Strong Niche Opportunities: Energy, agriculture, medical.	Limited Inventory: During tight markets, finding homes for buyers can be a challenge.
Tight-Knit Community: Word-of-mouth is powerful; reputation matters.	Geographic Isolation: It's a long drive to major cities (5+ hours to Fargo).
Affordable Homeownership: Achievable on an agent's salary.	Small Metro Population (25,216): Client pool is limited; you must actively prospect.

Final Recommendation:
Dickinson is an excellent choice for a self-starting, resilient, and community-oriented agent. If you thrive on building deep local connections, aren't afraid of hard work, and can handle economic cycles, you can build a very profitable and fulfilling career here. It's less ideal for someone who wants a fast-paced, highly diversified urban market or who is uncomfortable with a close-knit, "everyone knows everyone" environment. If you're willing to put in the work to understand this unique market, Dickinson can be more rewarding than many larger, more competitive cities.

FAQs

Q: Can I make a living in Dickinson as a brand-new agent?
A: It's challenging but possible. Your first year will be the toughest. Expect to earn closer to the $40,000 range as you build your business. Having 6-12 months of living expenses saved is highly recommended. Working under a strong, supportive brokerage is crucial.

Q: How much competition is there among agents in Dickinson?
A: With 50 agents in the metro, the competition is moderate. It's not as cutthroat as in a big city, but you still need a clear value proposition. Specializing in a neighborhood or a client type (e.g., first-time buyers, medical professionals) can help you stand out.

Q: Is the market dominated by a few big brokerages?
A: Dickinson has a mix. There are a few large, established brokerages and several smaller, boutique firms. Interview with multiple. Ask about their mentorship programs, commission splits (typically 70/30 to 50/50 for new agents), and marketing support. The right fit is more important than the name.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake new agents make in Dickinson?
A: Assuming the market is just like everywhere else. Failing to understand the local drivers—the Bakken's influence, the importance of the hospital and university—is a fatal error. You must immerse yourself in the local economy and community to succeed.

Q: How do I handle the slow winter months?
A: Winter is traditionally slower, but it's your time to work. Use the downtime for continuing education, building your database, creating marketing plans, and networking. The most successful agents are busiest when others are hibernating. Also, winter sales happen; people still need to move for jobs.

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Sources:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
• North Dakota Real Estate Commission (NDREC) - Licensing Requirements.
• U.S. Census Bureau - Metro Population Data.
• Local Market Analytics & Brokerage Surveys - Rent and home price estimates.