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Food Service · North Dakota

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in North Dakota

Cooks, Restaurants in North Dakota earn a median salary of $36,060/year, which is 2% below the national average. North Dakota has a state income tax of ~1.9%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,114/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$36K
Median salary in North Dakota
-2%
vs. national average
1.9%
State income tax
4,400
Employed in North Dakota

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in North Dakota

Gross annual salary$36,060
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 1.9% state tax)$2,526/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Dakota)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home55.9% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$36,060/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,114/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in North Dakota

1

Meet education requirements

Cooks, Restaurant positions in North Dakota typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Dakota. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many cooks, restaurant positions in North Dakota require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain North Dakota licensure or certification

North Dakota may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, restaurants. Requirements vary by state — contact the North Dakota Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in North Dakota

North Dakota employs 4,400 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Bismarck and Fargo.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in North Dakota

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Bismarck$37K$17.59/hr820
Fargo$37K$17.57/hr1,570
Minot$36K$17.32/hr360
Grand Forks$36K$17.32/hr590

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in North Dakota

10th percentile (entry)
$28K
25th percentile
$29K
Median (50th)
$36K
75th percentile
$38K
90th percentile (senior)
$46K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, restaurant make in North Dakota?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in North Dakota is $36,060 per year ($17.34/hr). This is 2% below the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $27,560 to $45,500.

What are the requirements to become a cooks, restaurant in North Dakota?

Cooks, Restaurant positions in North Dakota typically require No formal educational credential. North Dakota may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Dakota licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in North Dakota?

At the median salary of $36,060, a cooks, restaurant in North Dakota would take home approximately $2,526/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 55.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in North Dakota?

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in North Dakota are Bismarck ($36,600), Fargo ($36,540), Minot ($36,020). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does North Dakota have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

Yes, North Dakota has a state income tax rate of approximately 1.9%. On a $36,060 salary, this means roughly $703/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.