Heavy Truck Driver in Dickinson, ND

Alright, let's get you the straight scoop on driving big rigs in Dickinson, North Dakota. If you're looking at the Bakken region for work, you know it's oil country, and that means freight moves. But Dickinson is a specific beast—it's not the booming hub it was a decade ago, but it's settled into a steady, reliable market. I’ve lived here long enough to see the cycles. This guide is for the driver who wants the facts, not the fluff.

We’re talking about a city where a 1BR apartment averages $837/month, the cost of living is about 7% below the national average (index of 93.0), and the metro population sits at 25,216. It’s a tight-knit community where everyone knows someone, but it’s also a critical logistics node for the energy and agricultural sectors. Let's break down what your life and wallet look like behind the wheel in Dickinson.

The Salary Picture: Where Dickinson Stands

Let's be direct: the numbers tell a clear story. The Median Salary for Heavy Truck Drivers in Dickinson is $51,975/year, which breaks down to an hourly wage of $24.99/hour. You might see a slightly higher National Average of 53,090/year, but that figure is skewed by high-cost coastal metros. In the real context of the Midwest and Northern Plains, Dickinson's pay is solid for the region, especially when factored against the lower cost of living.

The job market here is stable but not explosive. We're looking at approximately 100 jobs in the metro area for this occupation, with a projected 10-Year Job Growth of 4%. This isn't a boomtown growth rate, but it indicates a steady demand, primarily driven by the constant need to move oilfield equipment, frac sand, and agricultural products (like wheat and barley) to and from the region.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your pay will climb significantly with experience, safety records, and specialized endorsements. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Dickinson market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range (Dickinson)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	Local/Regional routes, less hazmat, may start on a "driver-trainer" program.
Mid-Level (3-7 years, clean record)	$48,000 - $58,000	Consistent over-the-road (OTR) or dedicated regional routes, may have tanker or hazmat.
Senior Driver (8-15 years, specialty endorsements)	$58,000 - $70,000+	OTR with premium pay, specialized loads (oilfield superloads), or trainer positions.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$65,000 - $85,000+	Owner-operator potential, coordination of complex projects, or high-demand niche hauling.

Comparison to Other ND Cities

Dickinson's salary is competitive within North Dakota. It's higher than Fargo or Grand Forks due to the energy sector premium, though it trails the absolute peak rates sometimes found in the Williston basin during boom cycles. Dickinson offers a "middle ground"—stronger pay than the state's agricultural centers, with more stability than the most volatile oil towns.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $51,975 salary sounds decent, but the real question is your monthly cash flow. Let's build a realistic budget for a single driver living in Dickinson.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Heavy Truck Driver ($51,975/year)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,331
• Taxes & Deductions (Est. 22%): -$953 (Federal, FICA, State Income Tax)
• Net Monthly Pay: $3,378

Monthly Expenses:

• Rent (1BR Average): -$837
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$200
• Groceries & Household: -$400
• Fuel (Personal Vehicle): -$180 (Dickinson is spread out; you'll drive)
• Insurance (Auto & Health): -$350
• Phone & Miscellaneous: -$150
• Retirement/Savings (10%): -$338

Remaining Cash: $923/month

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, it's very feasible. With a monthly surplus of nearly $1,000, saving for a down payment is realistic. The median home price in Dickinson hovers around $250,000. A driver with a few years of stable income and good credit could comfortably afford a mortgage here, especially with the lower property taxes compared to national averages. Many drivers here own modest homes or even small acreages outside town.

Where the Jobs Are: Dickinson's Major Employers

The job market is dominated by a mix of local carriers and nationally recognized trucking companies with a strong Dickinson presence. Overtly promotional language is useless here; these are the companies that have the trucks and the routes.

1. BNSF Railway: While not a trucking company per se, BNSF runs a massive railyard in Dickinson. They're a huge employer for logistics coordinators, yard jockeys, and drivers for their intermodal operations. They handle a significant volume of oilfield supplies and grain.
2. Hub Group: A major intermodal carrier with a strong presence in Dickinson. They specialize in moving containers from rail to truck and vice-versa. They're a stable employer with a focus on regional routes.
3. C.R. England / Werner Enterprises: These national mega-carriers have terminals and dedicated contract operations in Dickinson, servicing the oil and agriculture sectors. They often have "dedicated" accounts for specific local businesses, meaning you might run the same route for one client.
4. Local Aggregate & Construction Firms: Companies like Knife River (a major player in aggregates and construction materials) and Mountain Iron are constantly moving gravel, cement, and equipment. These jobs often involve local or short-haul routes, home nightly.
5. Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Service: This is a local example of a non-traditional but steady employer. They need reliable drivers for their mortuary services, a niche but consistent need.
6. Oilfield Services Companies (e.g., Halliburton, Patterson-UTI): While their corporate offices are elsewhere, their field operations in the Bakken rely on a network of company drivers and contracted owner-operators to move rigs, pumps, and chemicals. Getting on with one of these is a direct pipeline to the energy sector.
7. McDonald's Distribution (or similar regional food service distributors): There's a constant need for food and beverage haulers servicing the retail and restaurant sector across western ND.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is steady. The 4% growth reflects a "replace and maintain" market rather than explosive expansion. Companies are looking for drivers with clean records (MVR), solid work history, and preferably some specialty endorsements (Tanker, Hazmat). The best way to find jobs is through Indeed, local union halls (if applicable), and direct company websites. Don't discount walking into a local terminal and asking for the terminal manager.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota's licensing is straightforward but has specific steps. You'll need to go to the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Motor Vehicle Division.

• Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must pass a general knowledge test and any endorsement tests (like Passenger, School Bus, Tank Vehicle, Hazmat). Study the ND Commercial Driver's Manual. Cost: ~$15 for the permit.
• CDL Skills Test: After holding your CLP for at least 14 days (and provided you've had your regular license for at least a year), you can schedule your skills test. This includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test. Cost: ~$50 for the test.
• Total Timeline: If you study diligently and schedule your tests promptly, you can get your CLP and complete training within 4-6 weeks. Many local truck driving schools (like those in Bismarck or Fargo, or mobile schools that come to Dickinson) offer accelerated programs.
• Endorsements: In Dickinson, the most valuable are H (Hazmat), T (Doubles/Triples), and N (Tank Vehicle). Hazmat requires a TSA background check (additional cost and time), but it opens up the highest-paying loads, especially in the oilfield.

Best Neighborhoods for Heavy Truck Drivers

Dickinson is a driving town. You need to consider commute to terminals (often on the south side or near I-94) and parking for your personal vehicle (and sometimes your semi if you're local). Here’s the lay of the land:

1. South Dickinson (Near I-94 Exit 61): This is the prime spot. You're minutes from the BNSF railyard, major truck stops (like the Flying J), and company terminals. It's mostly residential with older homes and newer apartment complexes. Rent Estimate: $750 - $900/month. A short commute is a huge perk for a driver.
2. West Dickinson (Towards the Airport): A quieter, more spread-out area. Good for drivers who want a bit more space and don't mind a 10-15 minute drive to work. Some small acreages are available here. Rent Estimate: $700 - $850/month for apartments or small rentals.
3. Central Dickinson (Downtown/ Near Dickinson State University): Walkable to restaurants and shops, but parking can be a challenge if you have a large personal truck. Commute to industrial areas is still reasonable. Rent Estimate: $800 - $950/month.
4. East Dickinson (Towards the Mall/Riverside): More modern subdivisions and apartment complexes. Easy access to shopping and amenities. Commute is still very manageable. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,000/month.

Insider Tip: If you're an OTR driver, your "home base" is more about where you store your personal vehicle and crash between runs. South Dickinson is the most convenient. If you're a local driver who's home nightly, prioritize a short commute above all else.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% job growth isn't about new companies flooding in; it's about internal promotion and specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: In this market, endorsements are king. A driver with Tanker (N) and Hazmat (H) endorsements can command a $3-$5/hour premium over a base driver, especially in oilfield hauling. Doubles/Triples (T) are valuable for intermodal and agricultural bulk haul.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Trainer: Many companies will pay a trainer premium to mentor new hires.
  2. Lead Driver/Dispatcher: Moving into a coordination role, often with a pay bump and regular hours, though less time on the road.
  3. Owner-Operator: This is the classic path. Dickinson's stable freight base makes it a viable location for an owner-op, though you must manage your overhead carefully. Local owners often lease onto larger carriers (like Hub Group or a regional flatbed company).
  4. Logistics/Safety Manager: With experience, you can move into a terminal management or safety role, which is a salaried position with benefits.
• 10-Year Outlook: The energy sector will remain a driver, but so will agriculture. The key will be adapting to shifts in the oil market. Drivers with flexible skill sets (able to run flatbed, reefer, or tank) will have the most job security. The advent of more automated trucking may affect long-haul OTR first, but the local, specialized, and irregular routes in Dickinson are likely to remain human-driven for the foreseeable future.

The Verdict: Is Dickinson Right for You?

Here’s the straight comparison.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches further here than in most places.	Isolation: It's a remote location. The nearest major city (Bismarck) is 2 hours away.
Stable Job Market: The 100 jobs and 4% growth indicate reliable, steady work.	Harsh Winters: Snow and ice are a major factor for 4-5 months of the year, impacting driving conditions.
Strong Community: The small-town feel means you'll get to know people in the industry.	Limited Entertainment: Dining and nightlife are basic; it's a work-focused town.
Gateway to the Bakken: Direct access to oilfield and energy sector hauling.	Boom/Bust Cycles: While more stable now, the local economy is still tied to oil prices.
Good for Homeownership: Affordable housing market for a driver with steady income.	Limited Diversity in Freight: You'll see a lot of the same types of loads (oil, ag, intermodal).

Final Recommendation: Dickinson is an excellent choice for a career-focused driver who values stability over the glamour of a big city. It's particularly well-suited for those willing to get specialized endorsements and who don't mind a remote, seasonal lifestyle. If you're starting a family, the low cost of living and good school systems (like Dickinson Public Schools) are a major plus. If you crave constant new experiences or mild weather, look elsewhere.

FAQs

Q: How is the parking situation for trucks in Dickinson?
A: It's manageable. The main truck stops (Flying J, TA) on I-94 have ample space. Company terminals have dedicated spots. Street parking for oversized trucks is restricted in residential areas, so check with your landlord if you plan to bring your semi home.

Q: What's the best way to find a job here if I'm moving from out of state?
A: Start with online applications to the major carriers (Werner, C.R. England, Hub Group) that have Dickinson terminals. Also, search for "oilfield driver" and "aggregate driver" on local job boards. Be prepared to possibly stay in a motel for a few weeks while you secure housing and start orientation.

Q: Are there many team driver opportunities here?
A: Primarily with the national OTR carriers. Local and regional work in Dickinson is mostly solo. Team driving is more common on long-haul routes that originate from the area.

Q: What's the winter driving like for a trucker?
A: It's serious. You need to be prepared for whiteouts, icy roads, and extreme cold (-20°F is not uncommon). Companies will require you to have proper cold-weather gear for inspections. Experience with winter driving is a huge asset on your resume.

Q: Is it worth getting a hazmat endorsement in Dickinson?
A: Absolutely. The oilfield sector moves a lot of Class 3 (flammable liquids) and Class 2 (gases) materials. Having the H endorsement is frequently a requirement for the highest-paying local and regional jobs. The TSA background check is a small hurdle for a significant pay increase.

Sources: Salary and job growth data are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023 data for the Dickinson Metropolitan Statistical Area. Cost of living and rent data are aggregated from local market analyses and the NDDOT for licensing information.