Lawyer Salary in North Dakota
Based on 1K+ workers in North Dakota
Median Annual Salary (ND)
$106,880
$51.38/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-20.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$71K – $195K
1K employed in North Dakota
The median Lawyer salary in North Dakota stands at $106,880 annually, placing it 21% below the national average. With approximately 1,050 individuals employed in this profession within the state, the earning potential for legal professionals in North Dakota ranges from $70,500 to $194,840 per year, reflecting a distinct regional market.
Several factors influence a Lawyer salary in North Dakota. Experience level and years in practice are primary drivers, as are the specific area of law practiced and the size and type of the law firm or organization. Geographic location within North Dakota, client base, and individual performance can also contribute to variations in compensation.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in North Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $70,500 |
| 25th percentile | $92,510 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $106,880 |
| 75th percentile | $137,380 |
| 90th percentile | $194,840 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in North Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in North Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,890 |
| 2023 | $105,100 |
| 2024 | $104,940 |
| 2025 | $106,880 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,856 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Dakota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,890 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $105,100 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $104,940 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $106,880 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,856 | $137,202 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in North Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $92,510 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $106,880 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $137,380 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $194,840 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in North Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in North Dakota compare to Lawyer ($106,880 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial Law Clerk in ND | $85,530 | -20.0% | $41.12/hr |
| Title Examiner in ND | $59,980 | -43.9% | $28.84/hr |
| Paralegal in ND | $59,430 | -44.4% | $28.57/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in ND | $107,540 | +0.6% | $51.70/hr |
| Software Developer in ND | $105,600 | -1.2% | $50.77/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in ND | $105,470 | -1.3% | $50.71/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in ND | $105,170 | -1.6% | $50.56/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in ND | $108,990 | +2.0% | $52.40/hr |
| Database Administrator in ND | $109,430 | +2.4% | $52.61/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in ND | $110,810 | +3.7% | $53.27/hr |
| Veterinarian in ND | $102,180 | -4.4% | $49.13/hr |
| Construction Manager in ND | $102,070 | -4.5% | $49.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers typically make in North Dakota?
- The median salary for lawyers in North Dakota is $106,880 per year, which breaks down to about $51 per hour. This figure reflects the typical earnings for legal professionals in the state.
What is the salary range for lawyers in North Dakota?
- Lawyers in North Dakota can expect to earn within a range of $70,500 to $194,840 annually. This wide range indicates significant differences in compensation based on experience, specialization, and employer.
How does lawyer salary in North Dakota compare to the national average?
- Lawyers in North Dakota earn approximately 20.7% less than the national average salary. This means the typical North Dakota lawyer's salary is lower compared to their counterparts across the United States.
How many lawyers are employed in North Dakota?
- There are an estimated 1,050 lawyers employed in North Dakota. This number represents the total workforce of legal professionals currently practicing within the state.