Average Lawyers Salary in North Dakota
Lawyers in North Dakota earn an average annual salary of $122,430, which is notably lower than the national average of $194,940. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific legal needs of the state's population, and the overall demand for legal services within North Dakota's unique market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $122,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $189,260.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,070 legal professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.52, the job market for lawyers in North Dakota appears less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a potentially less saturated market, where dedicated professionals may find stable opportunities, though the overall demand, indicated by 2.53 jobs per 1,000 workers, is moderate.
Salary Overview
The average Lawyers in North Dakota earns-37.2%below the national average.
$58.9
$2,354
$10,203
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for lawyers in North Dakota have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and evolving legal landscapes within the state likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation for legal professionals.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in North Dakota
The career progression for lawyers in North Dakota, as elsewhere, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned attorneys with specialized expertise and a proven track record can expect to earn substantially more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $75,000 | $36.1 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $91,823 | $44.1 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $104,940 | $50.5 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $153,038 | $73.6 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $189,260 | $91 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$122,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$130,106
Adjusted for COL (94.1)
The average lawyer salary of $122,430 in North Dakota is quite favorable when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 94.1. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary translates to a stronger purchasing power for legal professionals residing in the state, making the effective income potentially higher than the raw numbers suggest.
Job Market Context
1,070
Total Jobs
2.53
Per 1K Jobs
0.52
Location Quotient
North Dakota has 0.52x the national average concentration of Lawyers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.52 indicates that lawyers are less concentrated in North Dakota compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not as dominant a field relative to other occupations within the state's economy. This could imply a more specialized or niche demand for legal services rather than a widespread abundance of legal jobs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND Lawyers Salary | $121,570↓ 1% | 68 mi |
| Minot, ND Lawyers Salary | $116,060↓ 5% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Dakota
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in North Dakota?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in North Dakota is $122,430. This typically ranges from $75,000 for entry-level positions to $189,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Dakota is 37.2% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is North Dakota a lucrative place for Lawyerss?
Yes, with a caveat regarding cost of living.While the average salary of $122,430 is below the national average, North Dakota's cost of living index of 94.1 means your earnings can stretch further. This makes the effective income more competitive than the nominal salary might initially suggest.
Is North Dakota a good place to live for Lawyers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.1 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Dakota?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bismarck, ND ($121,570) and Minot, ND.
How does North Dakota's lawyer salary compare to the national average?
Lawyers in North Dakota earn an average of $122,430 annually, which is significantly lower than the national average of $194,940.
What is the job market like for lawyers in North Dakota?
The job market is moderately concentrated, with 2.53 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 1,070, indicating a stable but not overly saturated demand.
Does the cost of living affect a lawyer's salary in North Dakota?
Yes, North Dakota's cost of living is 5.9% lower than the national average, meaning the $122,430 salary provides greater purchasing power than it would in a higher cost-of-living state.
How many lawyers are there in North Dakota?
There are approximately 1,070 lawyers employed in North Dakota.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,070 employees in the North Dakota area with a job density of 2.53 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Lawyers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in North Dakota