What the numbers say
The median Accountant or Auditor in North Dakota earned $72,180 in 2024, about 14.5% below the US median of $84,407. That gap is real, but it tells only part of the story.
North Dakota's cost of living runs roughly 8% below the national average. Once you account for what the money actually buys, the effective gap narrows to closer to 6 or 7 percentage points. A $72,180 paycheck stretches further here than the same number would in most coastal states.
The spread between entry-level and experienced pay is meaningful but not extreme. The bottom 10% of earners in the state took home around $49,470, while the top 10% reached $103,400. Top earners make about twice what those starting out do. That ratio sits close to the national pattern for this occupation, suggesting the state does not compress or inflate the high end in any unusual way.
Employment totaled 4,110 across the state in 2024. For a state this size, that represents a stable professional base, concentrated in Fargo, Bismarck, and the agricultural finance sector that anchors a good share of the demand here.
BLS projects employment for Accountants and Auditors to grow 4.6% between 2024 and 2034 nationally, a pace it classifies as average. North Dakota follows that same projection. Steady demand, not a surge.
Salary distribution
Where North Dakota accountants and auditors fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $60,090 and $85,580, with a median of $72,180.
Accountants and Auditors pay by experience level in North Dakota
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in North Dakota over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Economics and Accounting
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 3.9 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 3.9 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Mathematical Reasoning
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Prepare detailed reports on audit findings.
- 02
Report to management about asset utilization and audit results, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities.
- 03
Collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance, fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.
- 04
Supervise auditing of establishments, and determine scope of investigation required.
- 05
Inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency, effectiveness, and use of accepted accounting procedures to record transactions.
- 06
Examine and evaluate financial and information systems, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity.
- 07
Confer with company officials about financial and regulatory matters.
- 08
Inspect cash on hand, notes receivable and payable, negotiable securities, and canceled checks to confirm records are accurate.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.6%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Accountants and Auditors in North Dakota?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Accountants and Auditors in North Dakota is $72,180.
- How does North Dakota compare to the national median for Accountants and Auditors?
- The North Dakota median is -14.5% versus the BLS national figure of $84,407.
- What is the salary range for Accountants and Auditors in North Dakota?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $49,470 and the 90th-percentile at $103,400, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Accountants and Auditors a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.6% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Accountants and Auditors?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.