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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | Computer Programmers | Technology | $92K | $44.37/hr |
| 82 | Facilities Managers | Management | $92K | $44.25/hr |
| 83 | Atmospheric and Space Scientists | Science | $92K | $44.02/hr |
| 84 | Environmental Engineers | Engineering | $91K | $43.93/hr |
| 85 | Postmasters and Mail Superintendents | Management | $91K | $43.77/hr |
| 86 | Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers | Repair & Maintenance | $91K | $43.7/hr |
| 87 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $91K | N/A |
| 88 | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | Repair & Maintenance | $91K | $43.56/hr |
| 89 | Dental Hygienists | Healthcare | $91K | $43.53/hr |
| 90 | Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining | Construction & Trades | $90K | $43.45/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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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