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Registered Nurse Salaries in North Dakota — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Registered Nurses in North Dakota earn an average of $78,260 per year ($37.62/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 11,000 registered nurses.

Registered Nurse salaries in North Dakota are below the national average by approximately $11,916. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.

North Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for registered nurses across both urban and rural areas.

North Dakota Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator

Interactive

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
$78,260
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$62,897

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 Registered Nurse Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the North Dakota median of $78,260.

Your annual salary ($)

Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — North Dakota

Entry Level (0–2 years)$48,500/yr · $23.32/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in North Dakota.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$69,651/yr · $33.49/hr
Established professional working independently in North Dakota. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$86,868/yr · $41.76/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in North Dakota.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$112,700+/yr · $54.18/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in North Dakota.
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Registered Nurse Salary Trend in North Dakota — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Registered Nurse 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 healthcare and hospitals.

2021
$68,712
2022
$72,703
+5.8%
2023
$76,068
+4.6%
2024
$77,320
+1.6%
2026
$78,260
+1.2%

Registered Nurse Salary by City — North Dakota

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Fargo$86,850$41.75+11.0%3,849
Bismarck$82,950$39.88+6.0%3,080
Grand Forks$80,600$38.75+3.0%1,980
Minot$75,150$36.13-4.0%990
West Fargo$71,200$34.23-9.0%660
Williston$68,100$32.74-13.0%440

Tip: Fargo offers the highest registered nurse salaries in North Dakota at $86,850/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 registered nurses.

North Dakota — 2.5% state income tax$78,260 gross~$62,897 take-home
Minnesota — 9.85%$100,870 gross+28.9% vs ND
South Dakota — no state tax$69,510 gross-11.2% vs ND
Montana — 6.75%$81,560 gross+4.2% 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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Registered Nurse Job Outlook in North Dakota

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
11,000Currently employed
1,100+New jobs projected

Employment for registered nurses in North Dakota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the North Dakota job market. North Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for registered nurses across both urban and rural areas.

How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in North Dakota

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in North Dakota typically adds $64,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Fargo pays registered nurses $86,850/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. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals 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 registered nurses $100,870/yr — 28.9% vs North Dakota.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a registered nurse make in North Dakota?
The average registered nurse salary in North Dakota is $78,260 per year, or $37.62 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $48,500 while experienced professionals earn $112,700 or more.
Which North Dakota city has the highest registered nurse salary?
Fargo pays registered nurses the most in North Dakota at an average of $86,850 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does North Dakota stack up nationally for registered nurse pay?
North Dakota registered nurse salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $11,916. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
What is the take-home pay for a registered nurse in North Dakota?
A registered nurse earning the North Dakota average of $78,260 takes home approximately $62,897 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
Are registered nurse jobs worth pursuing in North Dakota?
Yes. Registered Nurse is a strong career choice in North Dakota with steady demand projected over the next decade. North Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for registered nurses across both urban and rural areas.
How do you get a registered nurse licence in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, registered nurses are licensed through the State Board of Nursing. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Board of Nursing 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.