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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $98K | N/A |
| 72 | Chemists | Science | $97K | $46.8/hr |
| 73 | Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | Engineering | $97K | $46.69/hr |
| 74 | Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $97K | N/A |
| 75 | Industrial Engineers | Engineering | $97K | $46.61/hr |
| 76 | Gas Plant Operators | Production & Manufacturing | $97K | $46.52/hr |
| 77 | Project Management Specialists | Business & Finance | $96K | $46.23/hr |
| 78 | Administrative Services Managers | Management | $94K | $45.34/hr |
| 79 | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | Science | $93K | $44.83/hr |
| 80 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | Production & Manufacturing | $93K | $44.77/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
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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