Social Worker Salaries in North Dakota — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Social Workers in North Dakota earn an average of $66,900 per year ($32.17/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 780 social workers.
Social Worker salaries in North Dakota are above the national average by approximately $9,520. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean social workers in North Dakota enjoy reliable job security.
North Dakota Social Worker Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter 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%.
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 Social Worker Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the North Dakota median of $66,900.
Social Worker Salary by Experience — North Dakota
Social Worker Salary Trend in North Dakota — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Datasocial workers pay in North Dakota has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the social worker workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in North Dakota's healthcare, education and government.
Social Worker Salary by City — North Dakota
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | $74,250 | $35.70 | +11.0% | 273 |
| Bismarck | $70,900 | $34.09 | +6.0% | 218 |
| Grand Forks | $68,900 | $33.12 | +3.0% | 140 |
| Minot | $64,200 | $30.87 | -4.0% | 70 |
| West Fargo | $60,900 | $29.28 | -9.0% | 50 |
| Williston | $58,200 | $27.98 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Fargo offers the highest social worker salaries in North Dakota at $74,250/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
North Dakota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, North Dakota sits in the mid-range for social workers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
Social Worker Job Outlook in North Dakota
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for social workers 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 social workers in North Dakota enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as a Social Worker in North Dakota
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a social worker in North Dakota typically adds $54,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Social Work Examiners can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Fargo pays social workers $74,250/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. Social Workers who specialise in healthcare, education and government 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 social workers $65,010/yr — -2.8% vs North Dakota.
Find Social Worker Jobs in North Dakota
Live ListingsSearch current social worker job vacancies in North Dakota:
🔍 Social Worker jobs in North Dakota — Indeed→ 🔍 Social Worker jobs in North Dakota — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Social Worker jobs — Fargo, ND→