North Dakota Salaries 2025
Energy-driven economy with near-zero income tax
Median Household Income
North Dakota Salary Overview 2025
North Dakota transformed from quiet agricultural state to energy powerhouse during the Bakken oil boom. The state's median household income of $68,000 approaches the national average, driven by energy sector wages and consistently low unemployment (often the nation's lowest).
The state essentially has no income tax for most residents—the top rate of 1.95% kicks in only above $225,000, and rates below that are negligible. Combined with affordable housing and low overall costs, North Dakota offers exceptional value for those willing to embrace its harsh winters and sparse population.
Fargo has emerged as a genuine tech hub with Microsoft, Amazon, and homegrown companies. Agriculture remains foundational, and energy (oil and increasingly wind) drives western regions. The state's challenge is attracting and retaining workers in a cold, isolated location. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
North Dakota Salary Snapshot
| Metric | North Dakota | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $68,000 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $86,000 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $40,000 | $37,638 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 100 |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 1.95% | Varies |
Salaries by North Dakota Region
Fargo-Moorhead – State's Largest Metro
Median Household Income: $65,000
Fargo has emerged as an unlikely tech hub. Microsoft campus, Amazon operations, and homegrown companies (Great Plains Software legacy) create tech employment. Healthcare (Sanford Health, Essentia) adds stability. Software engineers $75,000-$125,000, healthcare competitive. Housing affordable ($300,000 median) with improving urban amenities.
Bismarck – State Capital
Median Household Income: $70,000
State government, healthcare (Sanford, CHI St. Alexius), and energy company offices drive employment. Very affordable ($290,000 median home). Stable government employment.
Western ND (Williston, Dickinson) – Oil Country
Median Household Income: $85,000
The Bakken formation created boom-and-bust oil economy. During high production, wages are extraordinary: roughnecks $80,000-$120,000+, engineers $100,000-$180,000, truck drivers $70,000-$100,000. Housing costs spiked during boom but have moderated. Work is demanding (12-hour shifts, harsh conditions) but lucrative.
Grand Forks
Median Household Income: $55,000
University of North Dakota and Grand Forks Air Force Base anchor the economy. UND's aviation program is nationally recognized. Very affordable ($240,000 median).
| Region | Median Income | Median Home | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | $65,000 | $300,000 | Tech, Healthcare, Education |
| Bismarck | $70,000 | $290,000 | Government, Healthcare, Energy |
| Williston | $85,000 | $320,000 | Oil & Gas |
| Grand Forks | $55,000 | $240,000 | Education, Military, Aviation |
Top Paying Industries in North Dakota
Oil & Gas (Bakken)
The Bakken formation made North Dakota the nation's #2 oil producer. Petroleum engineers $110,000-$180,000, geologists $80,000-$140,000, roughnecks $70,000-$120,000, CDL drivers $65,000-$100,000. Work is cyclical with oil prices but pays premium wages during production. Western ND offers some of America's highest blue-collar wages.
Technology (Fargo)
Fargo's tech scene has genuine substance. Microsoft maintains significant campus. Homegrown companies in agriculture tech, software, and fintech. Software engineers $70,000-$130,000, with lower costs creating strong purchasing power.
Healthcare
Sanford Health and Essentia Health serve the region. Physicians $260,000-$420,000+ (rural areas offer significant incentives), nurses $55,000-$78,000. Healthcare provides stable employment across the state.
Agriculture
Large-scale farming of wheat, soybeans, corn, and sunflowers. Farm income varies dramatically with commodity prices. Agricultural technology and precision farming create technical employment.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering | $90,000 | $130,000 | $180,000+ |
| Software Engineering | $60,000 | $90,000 | $130,000+ |
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $260,000 | $340,000 | $420,000+ |
| Oil Field Services | $55,000 | $80,000 | $120,000+ |
North Dakota Tax Advantage
Near-Zero Income Tax
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $44,725 | 0% |
| $44,726 – $225,975 | 1.95% |
| $225,976+ | 2.50% |
Most North Dakotans pay effectively zero state income tax. Even high earners pay minimal rates compared to other states.
| Salary | ND Tax | MN Tax | SD Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | ~$590 | ~$4,600 | $0 |
| $100,000 | ~$1,080 | ~$6,600 | $0 |
| $150,000 | ~$2,055 | ~$11,000 | $0 |
Property Tax: Average 0.98%—moderate.
Highest Paying Jobs in North Dakota 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $280,000 | $420,000+ |
| Petroleum Engineers | $145,000 | $200,000+ |
| Dentists | $165,000 | $250,000+ |
| IT Directors | $115,000 | $155,000+ |
| Geologists (Oil) | $110,000 | $150,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $115,000 | $140,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How bad are the winters?
Harsh. Fargo averages -3°F in January with significant wind chill. Blizzards are common. However, infrastructure handles winter well, and locals adapt. Those from cold climates adjust; those from warm areas should visit in January before committing.
Is oil work worth it?
For the right person, yes. Wages are exceptional for workers without college degrees. Work is demanding (long hours, harsh conditions, away from family). Boom-bust cycles create instability. Best as short-term wealth building rather than career.
Is Fargo actually a tech hub?
Surprisingly, yes. Microsoft's presence is substantial. Homegrown companies thrive. The scene is small but genuine. Cost of living enables excellent lifestyle on tech salaries. Not Silicon Valley, but legitimate.