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Average Legal Occupations Salary in North Dakota

In North Dakota, professionals in Legal Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $98,310. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $143,370, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand for legal services within the state. The unique economic landscape and industry concentration in North Dakota directly influence compensation levels for these roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $98,310 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $169,200.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,120 individuals in Legal Occupations, North Dakota presents a moderately sized, yet specialized, job market. The Location Quotient of 0.6 indicates that this field is less concentrated here compared to the national average, suggesting potential opportunities for growth and development for those entering or already established in the legal sector within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$98,310

The average Legal Occupations in North Dakota earns-31.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$47.3

Weekly

$1,891

Monthly

$8,193

Legal Occupations Salary Distribution in North Dakota

Salary progression in Legal Occupations is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior roles, such as managing partners or specialized counsel, can earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear career advancement pathways and the increasing value placed on seasoned legal professionals.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support.10% (Entry)$46,580$22.4
AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently.25% (Junior)$73,733$35.4
Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience.50% (Median)$81,430$39.1
Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases.75% (Senior)$122,888$59.1
Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy.90% (Expert)$169,200$81.3

Detailed Legal Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$98,310

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$104,474

Adjusted for COL (94.1)

The average annual salary of $98,310 in North Dakota for Legal Occupations is quite favorable when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 94.1. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of this salary is relatively strong, allowing residents to maintain a good standard of living despite the nominal salary being below the national average.

Job Market Context

2,120

Total Jobs

4.992

Per 1K Jobs

0.6

Location Quotient

Below Average

North Dakota has 0.60x the national average concentration of Legal Occupations 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 0.6 for Legal Occupations in North Dakota signifies that the concentration of these jobs is lower than the national average. This suggests that while the legal field is present, it is not a dominant industry within the state's overall employment landscape, potentially indicating a less saturated market for job seekers compared to more concentrated regions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Legal Occupations

CitySalaryDist.
Bismarck, ND Legal Occupations Salary$99,150↑ 1%68 mi
Minot, ND Legal Occupations Salary$88,290↓ 10%85 mi

Comparing salaries near North Dakota

Hiring Legal Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Legal Occupations make in North Dakota?

The median annual salary for a Legal Occupations in North Dakota is $98,310. This typically ranges from $46,580 for entry-level positions to $169,200 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in North Dakota is 31.4% lower than the national median of $143,370.

Is North Dakota a lucrative place for Legal Occupationss?

No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $98,310 is substantial, it falls significantly below the national average of $143,370. However, the lower cost of living offers some compensation for this difference.

Is North Dakota a good place to live for Legal Occupations?

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 ($99,150) and Minot, ND.

How does North Dakota's average legal salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Legal Occupations in North Dakota is $98,310, which is considerably lower than the national average of $143,370.

What is the Cost of Living in North Dakota relative to the national average?

North Dakota has a Cost of Living Index of 94.1, meaning it is approximately 5.9% cheaper to live there than the national average (indexed at 100).

How concentrated are Legal Occupations jobs in North Dakota?

Legal Occupations are less concentrated in North Dakota, with a Location Quotient of 0.6, indicating fewer jobs per capita compared to the national average.

What is the total number of people employed in Legal Occupations in North Dakota?

There are approximately 2,120 individuals employed in Legal Occupations across 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 2,120 employees in the North Dakota area with a job density of 4.992 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Legal Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in North Dakota