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Police Officer Salaries in North Dakota — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

North Dakota pays police officers a median wage of $75,530 per year — that's $36.31/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 1,850 police officers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.

Police Officer salaries in North Dakota are above the national average by approximately $2,289. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.

A solid industrial economy and stable population mean police officers in North Dakota enjoy reliable job security.

North Dakota Police Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in North Dakota after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$75,530
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$60,772

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — North Dakota Police Officer Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the North Dakota median of $75,530.

Your annual salary ($)

Police Officer Salary by Experience — North Dakota

Entry Level (0–2 years)$46,800/yr · $22.50/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in North Dakota.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$67,221/yr · $32.32/hr
Established professional working independently in North Dakota. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$83,838/yr · $40.31/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in North Dakota.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$108,800+/yr · $52.31/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in North Dakota.
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Police Officer Salary Trend in North Dakota — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Police Officer salaries in North Dakota have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in North Dakota's law enforcement and public safety.

2021
$66,315
2022
$70,167
+5.8%
2023
$73,415
+4.6%
2024
$74,623
+1.6%
2026
$75,530
+1.2%

Police Officer Salary by City — North Dakota

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Fargo$83,850$40.31+11.0%647
Bismarck$80,050$38.49+6.0%518
Grand Forks$77,800$37.40+3.0%333
Minot$72,500$34.86-4.0%166
West Fargo$68,750$33.05-9.0%111
Williston$65,700$31.59-13.0%74

Tip: Fargo offers the highest police officer salaries in North Dakota at $83,850/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

North Dakota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, North Dakota sits in the mid-range for police officers.

North Dakota — 2.5% state income tax$75,530 gross~$60,772 take-home
Minnesota — 9.85%$83,310 gross+10.3% vs ND
South Dakota — no state tax$60,300 gross-20.2% vs ND
Montana — 6.75%$69,910 gross-7.4% vs ND

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.

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Police Officer Job Outlook in North Dakota

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
1,850Currently employed
185+New jobs projected

Employment for police officers in North Dakota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the North Dakota job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean police officers in North Dakota enjoy reliable job security.

How to Earn More as a Police Officer in North Dakota

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a police officer in North Dakota typically adds $62,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Law Enforcement Training Commission can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Fargo pays police officers $83,850/yr — +11.0% above the North Dakota average. Simply relocating within North Dakota can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Police Officers who specialise in law enforcement and public safety typically command premium rates in North Dakota. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays police officers $83,310/yr — 10.3% vs North Dakota.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do police officers earn in North Dakota?
The average police officer salary in North Dakota is $75,530 per year, or $36.31 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $46,800 while experienced professionals earn $108,800 or more.
What city in North Dakota pays police officers the most?
Fargo pays police officers the most in North Dakota at an average of $83,850 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does North Dakota police officer salary compare to the national average?
North Dakota police officer salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $2,289. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
What is the take-home pay for a police officer in North Dakota?
A police officer earning the North Dakota average of $75,530 takes home approximately $60,772 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
Should you become a police officer in North Dakota?
Yes. Police Officer is a strong career choice in North Dakota with steady demand projected over the next decade. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean police officers in North Dakota enjoy reliable job security.
How do you become a licensed police officer in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, police officers are licensed through the State Law Enforcement Training Commission. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Law Enforcement Training Commission for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.