Healthcare North Dakota (ND) Rank #38 of 50

Physician Assistant Salary in North Dakota

The median physician assistant salary in North Dakota is $113,409 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $126,010.

Median Salary
$113,409
vs National
$-12,601
State Rank
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Physician Assistant Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #38 out of 50 states for physician assistant compensation. Physician Assistant salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $113,409 per year, physician assistants in North Dakota earn $12,601 less than the national median of $126,010.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $113,409 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $126,010 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: physician assistants at the 10th percentile earn $75,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $156,600 — a $81,000 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 $118,449.

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in North Dakota and beyond.

Physician Assistant Salary in North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $79,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,800 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,200
$-8,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,400
$-12,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,800
$-16,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $75,600
25th Percentile $95,400
Median (50th) $113,409
75th Percentile $135,900
90th Percentile $156,600

Physician Assistant Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for physician assistants 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 Physician Assistant in North Dakota

Education

Most physician assistant positions require a master's degree. North Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook in North Dakota

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). North Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Physician Assistant make in North Dakota? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in North Dakota is $113,409 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $75,600 (10th percentile) to $156,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $113,409, a physician assistant in North Dakota earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for physician assistants? ▼
North Dakota ranks #38 out of 50 states for physician assistant pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level physician assistants earn $79,200, while senior professionals earn $145,800.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for physician assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physician assistants is Hawaii at $224,298. North Dakota's median of $113,409 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($113,409) and Nebraska ($113,409).
What is the entry-level physician assistant salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level physician assistant in North Dakota earns approximately $79,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $113,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $145,800.
What city in North Dakota pays physician assistants the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for physician assistants, with a median salary of $118,449. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.