Science & Research North Dakota (ND) Rank #37 of 50

Chemist Salary in North Dakota

The median chemist salary in North Dakota is $74,511 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $82,790.

Median Salary
$74,511
vs National
$-8,279
State Rank
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Chemist Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for chemist compensation. Chemist salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $74,511 per year, chemists in North Dakota earn $8,279 less than the national median of $82,790.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $74,511 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $82,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: chemists at the 10th percentile earn $43,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $127,800 — a $84,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $77,823.

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for chemists across the country.

Chemist Salary in North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level chemist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,500 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,500
$-13,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $55,800
Median (50th) $74,511
75th Percentile $98,100
90th Percentile $127,800

Chemist Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for chemists in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemist in North Dakota

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. North Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook in North Dakota

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). North Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Chemist make in North Dakota? ▼
The median chemist salary in North Dakota is $74,511 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $127,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,511, a chemist in North Dakota earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for chemists? ▼
North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for chemist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level chemists earn $45,000, while senior professionals earn $121,500.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for chemist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemists is Hawaii at $140,743. North Dakota's median of $74,511 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($74,511) and Nebraska ($74,511).
What is the entry-level chemist salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level chemist in North Dakota earns approximately $45,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $75,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $121,500.
What city in North Dakota pays chemists the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for chemists, with a median salary of $77,823. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.