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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | Legal | $171K | $82.26/hr |
| 12 | Chief Executives | Management | $165K | $79.12/hr |
| 13 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Management | $149K | $71.7/hr |
| 14 | Physical Scientists, All Other | Science | $148K | $70.99/hr |
| 15 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Management | $147K | $70.86/hr |
| 16 | Pharmacists | Healthcare | $142K | $68.29/hr |
| 17 | Human Resources Managers | Management | $139K | $66.85/hr |
| 18 | Financial Managers | Management | $136K | $65.33/hr |
| 19 | Physician Assistants | Healthcare | $133K | $64.16/hr |
| 20 | Commercial Pilots | Transportation | $133K | N/A |
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