Salaries in Minot, ND

You might think a city of 48,000 in the northern plains would be an economic backwater, but Minot’s 2% unemployment rate tells a different story. It’s one of the tightest labor markets you’ll find anywhere in 2026, and that changes the math for workers.

The real story here is purchasing power. With a cost of living index at 93—7% below the national average—your paycheck goes further. A software developer earning $124,588 sees their effective buying power jump to nearly $134,000 when adjusted for local costs. That same logic applies across the board, turning a median household income of $77,431 into a lifestyle that would require six figures in many coastal cities. For $837 a month, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment, a number that feels almost impossible elsewhere.

Minot’s economy is built on a few sturdy pillars. It’s a regional hub for healthcare (Sanford Health is a massive employer), education (Minot State University), and the energy sector, particularly the nearby Bakken oil fields. The Air Force Base also provides stable government employment. These industries fuel the demand for the city’s top-paying roles: software developers, nurses, accountants, and skilled tradespeople like electricians.

Here’s my honest take: while the COL-adjusted average salary of $60,010 is solid, the wage growth hasn’t been spectacular. The city works best for those in its dominant industries or remote workers capitalizing on the low costs. It’s less ideal if you’re in a niche field with limited local demand.

The data below breaks down exactly what you can expect to earn in the city’s top professions, both in raw dollars and what it means for your wallet.