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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Petroleum Engineers | Engineering | $132K | $63.52/hr |
| 22 | Optometrists | Healthcare | $132K | $63.51/hr |
| 23 | Natural Sciences Managers | Management | $131K | $63.16/hr |
| 24 | Purchasing Managers | Management | $130K | $62.55/hr |
| 25 | Nurse Practitioners | Healthcare | $130K | $62.53/hr |
| 26 | Managers, All Other | Management | $126K | $60.79/hr |
| 27 | Marketing Managers | Management | $126K | $60.38/hr |
| 28 | Power Plant Operators | Production & Manufacturing | $122K | $58.73/hr |
| 29 | Fundraising Managers | Management | $122K | $58.53/hr |
| 30 | Sales Managers | Management | $120K | $57.69/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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Compare North Dakota to other cities
Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
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See what your salary is worth in North Dakota
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