Paralegal Salary in North Dakota: $58,935 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across North Dakota's 8 metropolitan areas, the average median paralegal pay sits at $58,935/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 23-2011. Because North Dakota sits at BEA RPP 92.0 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $64,060 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Bismarck ($60,110), Minot ($59,430), Fargo ($57,550).
The projected average median salary for paralegals in North Dakota in 2026 is $58,934, which is significantly lower than the national median of $65,097, reflecting a salary gap of about 9.5%. The highest paying city is Bismarck, with a salary of $62,220, while Grand Forks offers the lowest at $51,020, creating a difference of $11,200. This variation can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, demand for legal services, and the presence of legal firms in different regions. In North Dakota, specific state licensing requirements and varying scope of practice laws can also influence salary potential and job responsibilities. The job market for paralegals in North Dakota appears to show promise, with a projected growth rate of 3.51% annually. As of 2026, there are 677 employed paralegals across the state, and the top five cities, alongside Bismarck, include Minot at $61,516, Fargo at $59,570, West Fargo at $58,858, and Dickinson at $58,560. This steady demand is driven by ongoing legal needs in various sectors, making paralegal positions a viable career path in the state. Understanding these local dynamics can help aspiring paralegals make informed decisions about their careers in North Dakota.
North Dakota Paralegal Salary Range
Overall salary range in North Dakota: $38,806 (lowest entry-level) to $91,230 (highest top earner)
North Dakota vs National Average
North Dakota paralegals earn 9.47% less than the national median ($-6,162/year difference).
North Dakota Paralegal Salary Distribution (2026)
Paralegal salaries in North Dakota range from $46,089 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $81,426 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $58,935. The North Dakota median is $6,162 below the US national median of $65,097. The average hourly rate is $28.34/hr. Approximately 677 paralegals are employed across 8 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,209
2025 BLS Actual
$56,936
2026 Current Est.
$58,935
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Paralegals in North Dakota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,209 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,257 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,138 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,956 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,548 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,267 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,936 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,935 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,003 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Dakota metropolitan area, the median paralegal salary grew 25.9% from $45,209 (2019) to $56,936 (2025). At a 3.51% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,003 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,794 (34.94%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Dakota metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.51% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in North Dakota
Lowest Paying Cities in North Dakota
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Grand Forks | $51,020 |
| Mandan | $55,974 |
| Williston | $57,148 |
| Dickinson | $58,560 |
| West Fargo | $58,858 |
Best Value Cities for Paralegals in North Dakota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these North Dakota cities offer the most purchasing power for paralegals.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minot | $61,516 | 87.028 | $70,685 |
| Bismarck | $62,220 | 91.024 | $68,356 |
| Fargo | $59,570 | 90.871 | $65,554 |
| West Fargo | $58,858 | 92 | $63,976 |
| Dickinson | $58,560 | 92 | $63,652 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in North Dakota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $46,089 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $58,935 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $81,426 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across North Dakota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 8 Cities in North Dakota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bismarck | $62,220 |
| 2 | Minot | $61,516 |
| 3 | Fargo | $59,570 |
| 4 | West Fargo | $58,858 |
| 5 | Dickinson | $58,560 |
| 6 | Williston | $57,148 |
| 7 | Mandan | $55,974 |
| 8 | Grand Forks | $51,020 |
More North Dakota Salary Data
Explore More Paralegal Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals make in North Dakota in 2026?
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How does North Dakota paralegal pay compare to the national average?
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.51% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 paralegal compensation across North Dakota. State averages are employment-weighted across 8 metro areas — larger metro areas with more paralegalscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.51%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for paralegals (SOC 23-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov