Healthcare North Dakota (ND) Rank #38 of 50

Surgeon Salary in North Dakota

The median surgeon salary in North Dakota is $229,599 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $255,110.

Median Salary
$229,599
vs National
$-25,511
State Rank
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Surgeon Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #38 out of 50 states for surgeon compensation. Surgeon salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $229,599 per year, surgeons in North Dakota earn $25,511 less than the national median of $255,110.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $229,599 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $255,110 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: surgeons at the 10th percentile earn $108,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $378,000 — a $270,000 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 $239,803.

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

Surgeon Salary in North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level surgeon earns around $117,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $360,000 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$117,000
$-13,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$234,000
$-26,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$360,000
$-40,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $108,000
25th Percentile $157,500
Median (50th) $229,599
75th Percentile $315,000
90th Percentile $378,000

Surgeon Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for surgeons 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 Surgeon in North Dakota

Education

Most surgeon positions require a doctoral degree. North Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurgeryAnatomyPatient CareDecision MakingDexterityLeadership

Job Outlook in North Dakota

Nationally, surgeon 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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Data shows Surgeons who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $130,401 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Surgeon make in North Dakota? ▼
The median surgeon salary in North Dakota is $229,599 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $108,000 (10th percentile) to $378,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $229,599, a surgeon in North Dakota earns approximately $110 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for surgeons? ▼
North Dakota ranks #38 out of 50 states for surgeon pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level surgeons earn $117,000, while senior professionals earn $360,000.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for surgeon salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surgeons is Hawaii at $454,096. North Dakota's median of $229,599 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($229,599) and Nebraska ($229,599).
What is the entry-level surgeon salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level surgeon in North Dakota earns approximately $117,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $234,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $360,000.
What city in North Dakota pays surgeons the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for surgeons, with a median salary of $239,803. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.