Registered nurse salary in North Dakota

The median registered nurse in North Dakota earned $80,730 a year in 2025, $16,820 (17%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 43rd of 51 states.

Median yearly pay
$80,730
Average yearly pay
$83,600
Employed in North Dakota
11,340

How North Dakota compares

  • California highest state$140,270
  • United States national median$97,550
  • Middle state median of state medians$93,600
  • North Dakota 43rd of 51$80,730
  • Alabama lowest state$77,080

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.

Nursing pay in North Dakota

Median pay by nursing role in North Dakota
RoleMedian yearly payEmployed
Registered nurse$80,73011,340
LPN or LVN$62,3001,920
Nurse practitioner$130,0701,290

A nurse practitioner in North Dakota earns a median $49,340 more than a registered nurse ($130,070 against $80,730). A registered nurse earns a median $18,430 more than an LPN or LVN here ($80,730 against $62,300).

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Common questions

How much does a registered nurse make in North Dakota?

The median is $80,730 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in North Dakota earn more and half earn less.

Is North Dakota a high-paying state for registered nurses?

North Dakota ranks 43rd of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so North Dakota pays 17% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.

How many registered nurses work in North Dakota?

BLS counted 11,340 registered nurses employed in North Dakota in May 2025.

Why is the average different from the median?

The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In North Dakota the average is $83,600, $2,870 above the median.

What do you need to work as a registered nurse in North Dakota?

North Dakota requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.