Lawyer salary in Bismarck, ND
Lawyers in the Bismarck, ND metro area earn a median of $109,010 a year ($52.41 an hour), based on BLS data for 290 workers.
Pay ranges from $74,230 for the lowest-paid 10% to $195,080 for the top 10%. That is 32% lower than the national median of $159,670. Pay here is 2% higher than the North Dakota statewide median of $106,880. There are 4.1 lawyers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $130,740, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for lawyers in Bismarck, ND
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $74,230 | $35.69 |
| 25th percentile | $96,560 | $46.42 |
| Median | $109,010 | $52.41 |
| 75th percentile | $141,080 | $67.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $195,080 | $93.79 |
| Average (mean) | $130,740 | $62.85 |
Half of lawyers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $9,084.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,542.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,192.69 |
| Weekly | $2,096.35 |
| Hourly | $52.41 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Lawyer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Minot, ND | $114,180 | 70 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $111,090 | 410 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $104,210 | 90 |
Highest-paying states for lawyers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $207,860 |
| District of Columbia | $195,190 |
| California | $195,080 |
| Massachusetts | $176,680 |
| Delaware | $173,510 |
| Colorado | $168,520 |
| Virginia | $167,210 |
| Connecticut | $163,600 |
| New Jersey | $161,430 |
| Illinois | $160,800 |
See Lawyer pay in every state or the North Dakota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Bismarck, ND
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $60,110 | $28.90 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 23-1011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a lawyer make in Bismarck, ND?
The median salary for lawyers in the Bismarck, ND metro area is $109,010 a year, or $52.41 an hour. Pay ranges from $74,230 for the lowest-paid 10% to $195,080 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid lawyers make in Bismarck, ND?
The top 10% of lawyers in the Bismarck, ND metro area earn at least $195,080 a year. The top 25% earn $141,080 or more.
What is the starting pay for lawyers in Bismarck, ND?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $74,230 a year, and a quarter of lawyers earn $96,560 or less.
How many lawyers work in Bismarck, ND?
About 290 lawyers are employed in the Bismarck, ND metro area, not counting the self-employed.