Software Developers in North Dakota. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
The median wage for Software Developers in North Dakota was $98,550 in 2024, about 29% below the US median of $138,520. That is one of the larger state-level gaps we see for this occupation.
The mean of $103,610 sits close to the median, which tells us the top earners here are not pulling the average up as sharply as they do in states like California or Washington. The spread from the 10th to the 90th percentile runs from $63,140 to $153,280, a ratio of roughly 2.4 to 1. For context, that range is real but not unusually wide for this occupation nationally. Experience and specialization still move the needle considerably.
North Dakota's cost of living runs below the US baseline. The BEA regional price index we use puts it at 91.9, meaning goods and services cost about 8% less here on average than across the country. After adjusting for that, the effective purchasing power of the state median comes to roughly $107,200 in national-baseline dollars. The headline gap with the US median narrows from 29% to closer to 23%.
BLS projects employment for Software Developers to grow 15.8% nationally between 2024 and 2034, a rate it classifies as much faster than average. The North Dakota market is small at an estimated 1,510 employed developers, so percentage swings in openings can look dramatic even when the absolute numbers stay modest.
Salary distribution
Where North Dakota software developers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $78,870 and $126,510, with a median of $105,600.
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Software Developers 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.
Software Developers in North Dakota, by industry
Median offered wage across 35 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Technology and software leads with a median of $90,000.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology and software | APPAREO SYSTEMS, LLC. | 16 | $90,000 |
| Education | University of North Dakota | 6 | $77,490 |
| Professional services | Fargo Engineering, Inc. | 6 | $88,774 |
| Finance and insurance | Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota | 3 | $124,925 |
| Manufacturing | Deere & Company | 3 | $77,562 |
| Retail and wholesale | Border States Industries, Inc. | 1 | $95,118 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in North Dakota over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
Common tasks (O*NET)
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+15.8%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing much faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Software Developers in North Dakota?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Software Developers in North Dakota is $105,600.
- How does North Dakota compare to the national median for Software Developers?
- The North Dakota median is -26.1% versus the BLS national figure of $142,947.
- What is the salary range for Software Developers in North Dakota?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $62,900 and the 90th-percentile at $158,060, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Software Developers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 15.8% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Software Developers?
- 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.