North Dakota’s Salary Scene: Making It Rain in the Peace Garden State

North Dakota may be known for its sprawling farmland, hearty winters, and warmhearted residents, but guess what? It's also climbing the charts in a less obvious category—median salary! According to a new study by ADP Research, the payroll data gurus, North Dakota ranks fourth in the nation with a median income of $68,500 per year.

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Move over, Wall Street big shots. The Peace Garden State is proving you don’t need a Manhattan address to rake in a decent paycheck. Of course, topping the list is Washington, D.C., where the cost of living might make your $100,400 salary feel more like Monopoly money. Following D.C. are Massachusetts, Alaska, and—surprise, surprise—our very own North Dakota, just ahead of Colorado.

The Secret Behind North Dakota’s Paycheck Power

So, what makes North Dakota a paycheck powerhouse? Perhaps it’s the state’s booming energy industry, robust agriculture sector, or simply the fact that North Dakotans know how to get things done. It’s also worth noting that North Dakota combines financial success with affordability, making those hard-earned dollars stretch further than a prairie sunset.

And if you're feeling bad for the states at the bottom of the salary totem pole—looking at you, New Mexico with $40,200—you might be tempted to send them a casserole. After all, it’s the Midwest way.

So next time someone asks, "What’s in North Dakota?" you can confidently say, “High salaries, a great quality of life, and yes, some darn good lefse!”

North Dakota: it’s not just about living; it’s about thriving. Just don’t forget to invest in a good snowblower—you’ve earned it!