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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | Database Architects | Technology | $109K | $52.61/hr |
| 42 | Computer Network Architects | Technology | $109K | $52.4/hr |
| 43 | Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $108K | N/A |
| 44 | Air Traffic Controllers | Transportation | $108K | $51.92/hr |
| 45 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | Management | $108K | N/A |
| 46 | Information Security Analysts | Technology | $108K | $51.7/hr |
| 47 | Lawyers | Legal | $107K | $51.39/hr |
| 48 | Transportation Inspectors | Transportation | $106K | $51.12/hr |
| 49 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | Repair & Maintenance | $106K | $50.9/hr |
| 50 | Software Developers | Technology | $106K | $50.77/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
Click a metro for detailed salary, rent, and cost-of-living data specific to that area.
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