Top Paying Jobs in North Dakota
North Dakota has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 54,410 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Surgeons, All Other ($604,890), Radiologists ($553,140), Physicians, All Other ($454,550). The cost of living index is 88.89 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,034/month.
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State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$134K
Avg. median salary
88.89
Cost of living index
$1,034
Median 2BR rent
783,926
Population
Highest paying careers in North Dakota
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surgeons, All Other | Healthcare | $605K | $290.81/hr |
| 2 | Radiologists | Healthcare | $553K | $265.93/hr |
| 3 | Physicians, All Other | Healthcare | $455K | $218.53/hr |
| 4 | Obstetricians and Gynecologists | Healthcare | $414K | $199.07/hr |
| 5 | Emergency Medicine Physicians | Healthcare | $393K | $188.89/hr |
| 6 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | Healthcare | $338K | $162.69/hr |
| 7 | Family Medicine Physicians | Healthcare | $280K | $134.67/hr |
| 8 | Nurse Anesthetists | Healthcare | $244K | $117.42/hr |
| 9 | Pediatricians, General | Healthcare | $235K | $112.96/hr |
| 10 | Dentists, General | Healthcare | $221K | $106.09/hr |
Affordability snapshot: North Dakota
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average-11.1% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,034/mo
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Metro areas in North Dakota
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Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
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Calculate take-home pay in North Dakota
After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in North Dakota?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
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Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data