Public Service North Dakota (ND) Rank #37 of 50

Police Officer Salary in North Dakota

The median police officer salary in North Dakota is $59,211 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $65,790.

Median Salary
$59,211
vs National
$-6,579
State Rank
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Police Officer Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for police officer compensation. Police Officer salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $59,211 per year, police officers in North Dakota earn $6,579 less than the national median of $65,790.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $59,211 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $65,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: police officers at the 10th percentile earn $36,360, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $95,400 — a $59,040 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 $61,843.

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for police officers across the country.

Police Officer Salary in North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level police officer earns around $37,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,200 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,200
$-9,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $36,360
25th Percentile $46,080
Median (50th) $59,211
75th Percentile $78,480
90th Percentile $95,400

Police Officer Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for police officers 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 Police Officer in North Dakota

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. North Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook in North Dakota

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). North Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Police Officer make in North Dakota? ▼
The median police officer salary in North Dakota is $59,211 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $36,360 (10th percentile) to $95,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,211, a police officer in North Dakota earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for police officers? ▼
North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for police officer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level police officers earn $37,800, while senior professionals earn $88,200.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for police officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for police officers is Hawaii at $111,843. North Dakota's median of $59,211 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($59,211) and Nebraska ($59,211).
What is the entry-level police officer salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level police officer in North Dakota earns approximately $37,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $88,200.
What city in North Dakota pays police officers the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for police officers, with a median salary of $61,843. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.