Average RN Salary in North Dakota: See How Much ND Nurses Make
Updated July 6, 2023 · 4 Min Read
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North Dakota is home to some of America's most beautiful scenery, and the projected growth rate for registered nurse (RN) jobs is above the national average. This guide provides data about RN salaries in North Dakota, including which metropolitan areas offer the highest RN salaries, cost of living, and other nursing specialty salaries.
Keep reading for the information you need to maximize your earnings.
- Average North Dakota RN Salary: $71,200 (Ranks 35th among all states)
- Hourly North Dakota RN Salary: $34.23
- Projected North Dakota RN Employment Growth (2018-2028): 16.5%
Source: BLS, Projections Central
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Average RN Salaries in North Dakota
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual RN salary in North Dakota is $71,200, or $34.23 per hour. Half of all registered nurses in North Dakota earn between $60,840 and $78,310. The top 10% of RN salaries in North Dakota reach $95,360 annually.
While this means most North Dakota RNs make less than the national median RN salary of $77,600, registered nurse salaries in North Dakota stretch farther, thanks to the state's low cost of living. For a regional comparison, RNs in South Dakota make only $60,540.
| Percentile | Average Annual RN Salary | Average Hourly RN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $59,810 | $28.76 |
| 25% | $60,840 | $29.25 |
| 50% (Median) | $73,250 | $35.22 |
| 75% | $78,310 | $37.65 |
| 90% | $95,360 | $45.85 |
Source: BLS
North Dakota RN Salary, Adjusted for Cost of Living
Cost-of-living indexes measure how expensive it is to live in different locations, based on the cost of housing, food, transportation, apparel, and other expenses. The national rate across the U.S. is set at 100. With a cost-of-living index of 92, RN salaries in North Dakota hold 8% more spending power than in the country as a whole. When adjusted for cost of living, RN salaries in the state become $76,896, ranking 30th among all states.
- Average RN Salary Adjusted for Cost of Living: $76,896 (Ranks 30th among all states)
- Cost of Living Index (RPP): 92 (8% less than the U.S. average)
Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in North Dakota
The three highest-paying cities in North Dakota stay right around the average RN salary in North Dakota. In the Fargo metropolitan area, famous for its winter recreational activities, the average RN salary is $72,650.
In Grand Forks, often called Greater Grand Forks, the University of North Dakota, Altru Health System, and the Grand Forks Air Force base are among the biggest RN employers and largest healthcare providers in the state. Bismarck, the state capital, hosts Sanford Health and CHI St. Alexius Medical Center. Sanford Medical Center is the only Magnet hospital in the state.
| City | Average RN Salary |
|---|---|
| Fargo, ND-MN | $72,650 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $68,910 |
| Bismarck, ND | $70,740 |
Source: BLS
Average Salaries for Other Nursing Roles in North Dakota
If the average RN salaries in North Dakota do not match your financial aspirations, one option is to earn a graduate degree to become an advanced practice nurse. To work as a nurse midwife or nurse practitioner, you need a master of science in nursing degree. Nurse anesthetists earn the highest nursing income. However, these professionals need a doctor of nursing practice to work in healthcare.
- Nursing Assistants: $36,070
- LPN/LVNs: $50,130
- Nurse Practitioners: $112,720
- Nurse Anesthetists: $208,170
Methodology and Sources
Registered nursing salary data by state is collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, released on March 31, 2022. Data reflects RN salaries as of May 2021. The highest-paying cities and states for RNs are ranked by average annual salary.
Cost-of-living data is collected from the U.S Bureau of Economic Analysis real personal income for states and metropolitan areas, released on December 14, 2021. RN salary adjusted for cost of living is calculated by multiplying each state's RN salary by its regional price parity (RPP). RPP measures differences in the cost of goods and services in a region compared to national prices.
Projected employment growth data by state is collected from Projections Central.
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