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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | Management Analysts | Business & Finance | $90K | $43.38/hr |
| 92 | Social and Community Service Managers | Management | $87K | $41.65/hr |
| 93 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Technology | $86K | $41.56/hr |
| 94 | Mechanical Engineers | Engineering | $86K | $41.51/hr |
| 95 | Judicial Law Clerks | Legal | $86K | $41.12/hr |
| 96 | Physical Therapists | Healthcare | $85K | $41.02/hr |
| 97 | Loan Officers | Business & Finance | $85K | $40.7/hr |
| 98 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | Science | $85K | $40.66/hr |
| 99 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | Healthcare | $84K | $40.55/hr |
| 100 | Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | Science | $84K | $40.42/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
What salary do you need to live comfortably in North Dakota?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data