Healthcare North Dakota (ND) Rank #38 of 50

Veterinarian Salary in North Dakota

The median veterinarian salary in North Dakota is $92,934 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $103,260.

Median Salary
$92,934
vs National
$-10,326
State Rank
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Veterinarian Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #38 out of 50 states for veterinarian compensation. Veterinarian salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $92,934 per year, veterinarians in North Dakota earn $10,326 less than the national median of $103,260.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $92,934 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $103,260 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: veterinarians at the 10th percentile earn $58,680, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $156,780 — a $98,100 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 $97,064.

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in North Dakota and beyond.

Veterinarian Salary in North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $61,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,500 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,500
$-10,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$139,500
$-15,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $58,680
25th Percentile $72,360
Median (50th) $92,934
75th Percentile $120,960
90th Percentile $156,780

Veterinarian Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for veterinarians 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 Veterinarian in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook in North Dakota

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). North Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Veterinarians who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $46,566 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Veterinarian make in North Dakota? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in North Dakota is $92,934 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $58,680 (10th percentile) to $156,780 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,934, a veterinarian in North Dakota earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for veterinarians? ▼
North Dakota ranks #38 out of 50 states for veterinarian pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level veterinarians earn $61,200, while senior professionals earn $139,500.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for veterinarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for veterinarians is Hawaii at $183,803. North Dakota's median of $92,934 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($92,934) and Nebraska ($92,934).
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level veterinarian in North Dakota earns approximately $61,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $94,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $139,500.
What city in North Dakota pays veterinarians the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for veterinarians, with a median salary of $97,064. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.