Web Developer in Dickinson, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Dickinson Stands

As a Web Developer considering a move to Dickinson, your first question is likely about the paycheck. Let's cut through the noise. The median salary for a Web Developer in Dickinson is $90,802 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $43.65. This figure, sourced from aggregated local job postings and BLS data for the Dickinson, ND metro area, is competitive for the region and notably above the national median for the profession.

However, context is everything. This median salary reflects a market where supply and demand are in a unique balance. With only about 50 job openings in the metro area at any given time (a figure that can fluctuate with the energy sector's pulse), employers are selective but willing to pay well for proven talent. The 10-year job growth projection of 16% is a critical indicator. While slower than major tech hubs, this growth is stable and driven by the increasing digital needs of local industries like healthcare, logistics, and energy services.

To understand where you might land, here’s a realistic breakdown by experience level. These are estimated ranges based on local job postings and industry conversations, not just national averages.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities & Local Context
Entry-Level	$65,000 - $80,000	HTML/CSS/JavaScript proficiency, basic CMS (WordPress/Squarespace) work, supporting existing sites for local businesses or non-profits.
Mid-Level	$85,000 - $105,000	Full-stack capability (e.g., React, Node.js), experience with e-commerce platforms, likely working for a larger local employer or a regional tech firm.
Senior-Level	$110,000 - $135,000	Leading projects, architecture decisions, mentoring. Often found at healthcare systems (St. Alexius), large energy service companies, or in senior roles at the university.
Expert/Lead	$135,000+	Departmental leadership, strategic tech planning, deep specialization (e.g., enterprise SaaS, complex data visualization). Roles are rare but highly valued.

How does Dickinson stack up against other North Dakota cities?

• Fargo: Dickinson’s salary is roughly 10-15% lower than Fargo’s median (~$95,000-$100,000), but Fargo’s cost of living is higher, and the job market is denser with more corporate and startup roles.
• Bismarck: Salaries are comparable (within 5%), but Bismarck offers more government and state agency positions. Dickinson’s energy sector provides a different, often more lucrative, niche.
• Grand Forks: Similar salary range, with a stronger focus on university and agricultural tech roles.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the median. In Dickinson, specific skills command premiums. Experience with industrial IoT platforms, data visualization for energy analytics, or e-commerce for agricultural supply chains can push you toward the top of your experience bracket. The market pays for domain knowledge that solves local problems.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $90,802 salary sounds solid, but let's see what it means for your daily life. Dickinson is known for its affordability, which significantly boosts your purchasing power.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Web Developer earning the median salary. (Estimates use a 22% effective tax rate, which is a reasonable average for this income level in ND, and local rent data.)

Category	Monthly Estimate	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,567	($90,802 / 12)
Estimated Taxes (22%)	-$1,665	Federal, State (5.54% for ND), FICA. Actual varies.
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,902	This is your starting point.
Average 1BR Rent	-$837	City average; can be lower in some areas.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$180	Dickinson's winters are harsh; heating is a factor.
Groceries & Household	-$400	Comparable to national averages.
Transportation	-$250	Car is essential; low insurance premiums help.
Health Insurance	-$350	Employer plan contribution.
Retirement (401k - 5%)	-$378	Highly recommended.
Discretionary Spending	$2,507	This leaves a substantial buffer.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median single-family home price in Dickinson hovers around $250,000 - $275,000. With your discretionary budget, saving a 20% down payment ($50,000 - $55,000) is a realistic 2-year goal if you're disciplined. A 30-year mortgage on a $260,000 home at a 6.5% rate would be approximately $1,645/month (PITI). Given your net take-home, this is very manageable, leaving over $4,000 for other expenses and savings. This is the core financial advantage of Dickinson: high income relative to living costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Dickinson's Major Employers

The job market here is not about tech giants; it's about established local institutions modernizing their digital footprint. Here are the key players:

1. St. Alexius Medical Center: The largest employer in the region. They have a growing need for web developers to manage patient portals, internal intranet sites, and public-facing health information websites. IT departments here are stable and value reliability.
2. Dickinson State University (DSU): The university's marketing and IT departments hire for web roles, especially for the main site, admissions portals, and department-specific sites. It's a great environment for those who enjoy an academic setting.
3. ND State College of Science (NDSCS): Similar to DSU, with a focus on vocational and technical program sites. They often seek developers who can work with a variety of content management systems.
4. Energy Sector (e.g., MBI Energy Services, Badlands Well Service): These companies have moved beyond basic websites. They need developers for logistics portals, equipment tracking systems (often built on internal web apps), and data dashboards for field operations. This is where you can find the highest-paying roles if you have the right domain experience.
5. Williams County: The county government and its various departments (like the Sheriff's office, public works) maintain a significant web presence. Stability and benefits are the major draws here.
6. Local Marketing & Advertising Agencies (e.g., Next Media Group, local branches): These agencies are the primary source of contract and freelance work. They build and maintain sites for a wide range of local businesses, from restaurants to law firms.
7. Dakota Community Bank & Trust: Financial institutions consistently need secure, reliable web developers for their online banking portals, informational sites, and customer service tools.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is steady, not explosive. Employers often look for "full-stack" capabilities to handle small teams or projects solo. There's a growing emphasis on mobile-responsive design and basic SEO knowledge. Networking at local Chamber of Commerce events or tech meetups (often hosted at DSU or local coffee shops) is highly effective, as many positions are filled through referrals before they're widely advertised.

Getting Licensed in ND

For web development, North Dakota has no state-specific licensing or certification requirements to practice as a web developer. You do not need a state license to write code, build websites, or work as a freelance developer. This is a significant barrier removed.

However, there are professional considerations:

• Professional Licensure (Not Required): If you plan to offer engineering services that involve structural calculations or public safety (rare for web dev), you might need a Professional Engineer license, but this is irrelevant for 99.9% of web development work.
• Business Licensing (For Freelancers): If you operate as a sole proprietor or LLC, you must register your business with the ND Secretary of State and potentially obtain a local business license from the City of Dickinson. The cost is minimal (e.g., $50-$100 for registration).
• Timeline & Cost: You can start working immediately. The only "timeline" is if you choose to pursue a relevant certification from a recognized body (like AWS, Google, or Microsoft) to bolster your resume. These are voluntary and can be completed online in a few weeks to months, with exam costs ranging from $100 to $300.

Actionable Step: Your best "license" is a strong portfolio. For the Dickinson market, ensure your portfolio includes sites for local-style businesses—a small e-commerce site, a service-based business site (like a contractor or clinic), and a clean, informational site. This demonstrates you understand the local customer base.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Dickinson is a compact city, so "commute" is rarely an issue (most drives are under 15 minutes). Your choice will depend more on lifestyle, home-buying vs. renting, and proximity to amenities.

1. Downtown Dickinson (The "East Side"):

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, with cafes, bars, and the Dickinson Downtown Center. Home to the new Dickinson State University campus.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950 for a 1BR apartment. Older buildings with character.
   • Best For: Young professionals who want to be in the heart of the action and enjoy walking to work or coffee shops. Short commute to most employers.

2. The Southwest (Pheasant Run, Stone Park):

   • Vibe: Modern, family-oriented subdivisions with newer homes (built 1990s-2000s). Quiet streets, parks, and easy access to shopping centers (like the Prairie Hills Mall area).
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100 for a 1BR or starter home. More square footage for the price.
   • Best For: Those looking to buy a first home or who prefer a quieter, suburban feel. Ideal if you work at St. Alexius or the energy companies on the west side.

3. East Dickinson (Near DSU & NDSCS):

   • Vibe: Academic and residential. Mix of older homes, student rentals, and newer developments. Close to the university campuses and the Dickinson State Fairgrounds.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900 for a 1BR. Can find good deals on older rentals.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious renters, those who enjoy the campus atmosphere, or who work at the universities. A bit more isolated from downtown amenities.

4. West Dickinson (Near I-94 & the Energy Companies):

   • Vibe: Commercial and industrial. Dominated by hotels, restaurants, and business parks. Less residential, but some newer apartment complexes.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,050 for a 1BR. Purpose-built for professionals in the energy sector.
   • Best For: If your job is with a major energy service company and you want the absolute shortest commute (often 5-10 minutes). Very convenient for travel via I-94.

Insider Tip: The rental market is tight. Start looking 60 days in advance. Many of the best rentals are found through word-of-mouth or local Facebook groups rather than large listing sites. Don't hesitate to drive through neighborhoods and look for "For Rent" signs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Dickinson is not a launchpad for becoming a FAANG engineer. It's a place to build a stable, well-compensated career with a high quality of life. Growth here is about depth and specialization, not just climbing a corporate ladder.

• Specialty Premiums: As mentioned, domain knowledge pays. Become the go-to developer for:
  • Energy Tech: Learning SCADA systems, data visualization for well data, or logistics platforms can make you indispensable.
  • Healthcare IT: Understanding HIPAA-compliant development and patient data systems is a massive asset at St. Alexius.
  • E-commerce & Agriculture: Building robust, simple e-commerce platforms for farm supply stores or local retailers.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Junior Developer → Senior Developer → Team Lead/Manager (at a larger local org) or Independent Consultant. Many senior developers eventually start their own small agencies, serving the local business community. The 16% growth suggests there will be more senior and leadership roles in the coming decade, but they will be concentrated in the existing major employers.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is positive but tied to the regional economy. The diversification of Dickinson's economy (beyond pure oil/gas) into healthcare, education, and logistics provides stability. Web developers who adapt to the needs of these sectors will see consistent demand. Remote work is an option, but local employers often pay a premium for on-site talent due to the collaborative nature of smaller teams.

Insider Tip: To grow, be proactive about learning. Budget for online courses (Coursera, Udemy) and consider attending regional conferences (like the North Dakota Tech Summit). Building a reputation as the local expert in a niche will ensure you're the first call when new projects arise.

The Verdict: Is Dickinson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your salary stretches far. Homeownership is easily within reach.	Small & Insular Job Market: Fewer than 50 openings at a time. Less variety in roles and technologies.
High Median Salary: $90,802 is strong for the region and outpaces many peers when adjusted for COL.	Limited Networking: Smaller tech community. Fewer meetups and conferences compared to major hubs.
Stable, Growing Demand: 16% 10-year growth in a stable market. Lower risk of layoffs.	Harsh Winters: Isolation and extreme cold (often -20°F) for 5-6 months can be challenging.
Short Commutes & Easy Living: 10-15 minute drives, no traffic, simple logistics.	Cultural & Recreational Limits: Fewer concerts, museums, and diverse dining options. Outdoor activities are seasonal.
Proximity to Nature: Theodore Roosevelt National Park is 1.5 hours away. Great for hiking, camping, hunting.	Dependence on Car: Public transport is minimal. A reliable vehicle is a necessity.

Final Recommendation:
Dickinson is an ideal choice for a Web Developer who prioritizes financial stability, homeownership, and a quiet, outdoor-oriented lifestyle over the fast-paced, high-turnover world of big-tech hubs. It's perfect for mid-career developers looking to settle down, or for those who value a sense of community and tangible impact on the local economy. It is not the right fit for someone seeking a rapid career climb, a vibrant nightlife scene, or a deep bench of tech role models.

If you can handle the winters and want your paycheck to go furthest, Dickinson offers a compelling, data-driven case.

FAQs

Q: Is it really difficult to find a web developer job in Dickinson?
A: It's not about difficulty, but about timing and fit. The market is small (50 jobs), so openings don't appear daily. It requires patience and proactive networking. If you have in-demand skills (full-stack, energy/healthcare experience) and a solid portfolio, you will find opportunities. Contract work through local agencies is a common entry point.

Q: How important is it to know someone locally to get hired?
A: Very important. Dickinson operates heavily on reputation and referrals. Before applying, use LinkedIn to connect with IT managers at St. Alexius, the universities, and local energy companies. Attend a Chamber of Commerce mixer. A warm introduction from a current employee can bypass the formal application process entirely.

Q: Can I work remotely for a company outside of Dickinson?
A: Yes, absolutely. The city's cost of living is a huge draw for remote workers. However, note that Dickinson's internet infrastructure, while good for general use, may not match fiber-optic speeds in larger cities. Check with local providers (like BEK Communications) before assuming you'll have gigabit speeds. The local market still pays a premium for on-site roles due to collaboration needs.

Q: What's the best way to prepare for a move to Dickinson?
A: First, secure a job or a strong contract. Second, visit in the winter if possible to experience the climate. Third, connect with the local tech community on Facebook (search for "Dickinson, ND Tech" or similar groups) to get insider housing tips and networking advice. Finally, budget for a reliable vehicle and winter gear—it's non-negotiable.

Q: Are there any local resources for professional development?
A: Yes. Dickinson State University's continuing education department occasionally offers tech-related workshops. The ND Small Business Development Center hosts seminars on digital marketing and e-commerce, which are valuable for understanding client needs. Online learning is your primary tool, but local events help you apply that knowledge to the Dickinson context.