BLS data on registered nurse pay, hourly rates, specialty salaries, and job growth for nurses in North Dakota.
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Registered nurses in North Dakota earn an average of $70,540 per year ($33.91/hour) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2023). This places North Dakota at #38 nationally out of 51 states and territories.
The national average RN salary is $89,010/year. North Dakota nurses earn 21% less than the national average. Job growth of 4.4% through 2032 indicates steady demand for nurses across North Dakota's healthcare system.
Individual RN salaries in North Dakota vary significantly based on experience, specialty, education (ADN vs. BSN vs. MSN), employer type, and shift differentials. Nurses in metropolitan areas typically earn 10–20% more than rural counterparts. Specialty certifications and advanced degrees consistently yield higher compensation regardless of geography.
Estimates based on national specialty salary premiums applied to the North Dakota state average. Actual pay varies by employer and experience.
| Specialty | Est. Annual Salary | Est. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $151,661 | $72.91 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $91,702 | $44.08 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $83,237 | $40.01 |
| Emergency Department RN | $79,005 | $37.98 |
| Operating Room RN | $77,594 | $37.30 |
| Labor & Delivery RN | $76,183 | $36.62 |
| Medical-Surgical RN | $70,540 | $33.91 |
| Home Health RN | $67,013 | $32.21 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2023, adjusted using national specialty premium benchmarks. CRNA salary reflects national BLS SOC 29-1151 data.
North Dakota is projected to see 4.4% growth in registered nurse employment through 2032, according to BLS state-level employment projections. This translates to thousands of new and replacement RN positions opening over the decade.
Key drivers of nursing demand in North Dakota include an aging baby boomer population requiring more healthcare services, retirements among the existing nursing workforce, expansion of outpatient and telehealth care settings, and ongoing nursing school enrollment constraints. Nurses with BSN or higher degrees, specialty certifications, and experience in high-acuity settings (ICU, ED, OR) will be most competitive for top-paying positions.
To practice as an RN in North Dakota, you must be licensed by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. North Dakota is a compact state — multistate license eligible. License renewal is every 2 years with 12 CE hours required.
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