Last Updated: May 2026

North Dakota RN Salary 2026: Pay, No Income Tax & Loan Repayment

Name: US Nurse Salary Data by State and Specialty 2026
Creator: NurseSalaryIntel
License: https://nursesalaryintel.com

North Dakota RNs earn an average of $72,140/year ($34.68/hr)in 2026 — below the national average, but no state income tax and a cost of living index of ~88 make the real take-home more competitive than the headline suggests. Sanford Health and Essentia Health are the dominant employers, anchored in Fargo and Bismarck respectively. For nurses with student loans, North Dakota's widespread rural shortage area designations create access to NHSC and NURSE Corps loan repayment programs that can add $25,000–$50,000 in tax-free value.

North Dakota RN Salary by City (2026)

Metro Area	Avg. Annual Salary	Avg. Hourly Rate
Fargo	$76,000–$85,000	$36.54–$40.87/hr
Bismarck	$72,500–$81,000	$34.86–$38.94/hr
Grand Forks	$70,000–$78,000	$33.65–$37.50/hr
Minot	$69,000–$77,000	$33.17–$37.02/hr
State Average	$72,140	$34.68/hr

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 + NurseSalaryIntel 2026 projections

North Dakota RN Salary by Experience Level

ND RN Salary by Years of Experience (2026)

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate
New Grad (0–1 yr)	$57,000–$63,000	$27.40–$30.29/hr
Early Career (2–4 yrs)	$65,000–$73,000	$31.25–$35.10/hr
Mid-Career (5–9 yrs)	$73,000–$83,000	$35.10–$39.90/hr
Senior (10+ yrs)	$83,000–$96,000	$39.90–$46.15/hr

Source: NurseSalaryIntel 2026 data

Loan Repayment & Rural Incentives

North Dakota has one of the highest concentrations of Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) in the Midwest. Nurses working in qualifying rural facilities can access NHSC Loan Repayment (up to $50,000 tax-free for a 2-year commitment) and the NURSE Corps program. These programs effectively add $25,000–$50,000 in real value on top of base salary — a compelling factor for new grads with federal loans.

Travel Nursing in North Dakota

Travel RN assignments in North Dakota pay $1,900–$2,600/week. Rural facilities and critical access hospitals offer the strongest packages for specialty nurses. Demand is consistent due to the state's chronic staffing shortage in rural corridors.

Travel Nurse Salary Guide →

Compare North Dakota to Neighboring States

Minnesota RN Salary →

Higher pay, but 9.85% income tax

South Dakota RN Salary →

Similar market, no income tax

📊 Data Methodology

Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.

Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do nurses make in North Dakota?

The average RN salary in North Dakota is $72,140/year ($34.68/hr) — below the national average but with no state income tax and a low cost of living (index ~88). After adjusting for taxes and COL, North Dakota nurses take home competitively relative to the national picture.

Does North Dakota have state income tax for nurses?

No — North Dakota has no state income tax as of 2026, after eliminating it for most residents. On a $72,140 salary, this saves $2,500–$4,500/year compared to states with 4–6% income tax, meaningfully closing the nominal pay gap.

What is the biggest hospital employer in North Dakota?

Sanford Health is by far the dominant employer, operating hospitals across Fargo, Bismarck, and the surrounding region. Essentia Health covers the northern corridor. Both offer structured step increases, competitive sign-on bonuses, and strong benefits packages.

Are there nursing loan repayment programs in North Dakota?

Yes. North Dakota has persistent nursing shortage designations across rural areas, making many positions eligible for NHSC Loan Repayment (up to $50,000 tax-free for 2 years) and the NURSE Corps program. Sanford and Essentia facilities in rural corridors frequently qualify.