Is a $118,000 Data Scientist Salary in North Dakota Worth It? (2026 Audit)
A quantitative breakdown of real net take-home pay, 1.10% - 2.50% state tax deductions, median rent burdens in the Fargo metro, and purchasing power parity against UK & global benchmarks.
By MazicBay Labor Bureau•Updated for 2026 IRS & State Tax Brackets•Verified with BLS Data
North Dakota Economic Audit
Verified Bureau Report
Fargo Metropolitan Economic Profile (2026)
Data Scientist Compensation Architecture in North Dakota
Median Gross Salary
$118,000
Above: Data scientist analyzing statistical econometric regression models and distributions.Photo: Analytics & Data Bureau
Median Annual Gross
$118,000
$56.73/hr equivalent
Est. Net Take-Home Pay
$90,093
~$7,508/month
State Income Tax Rate
1.10% - 2.50%
COL Index: 92.5
Median Monthly Rent
$1,100
Fargo Metro Avg
Data Scientist Earning Spectrum & Net Pay Breakdown (North Dakota)
2026 Distribution Curve
Entry-Level (25th %)Median Benchmark (50th %)Senior Top Tier (90th %)
$84,960$118,000$171,100
Take-Home Pay ($90,093)Federal + North Dakota Tax ($27,907)
76% Net Income
24% Taxes
Keep $7,508/month after all withholdings.State Tax Bracket: 1.10% - 2.50%
Cross-Border Global Purchasing Power Benchmark:
A $118,000 USD salary in North Dakota converts approximately to:
UK Equivalent (GBP)
£93,220 / yr
EU Equivalent (EUR)
€108,560 / yr
FARGO, ND (AP) —For professionals evaluating career relocation or compensation packages, North Dakota offers a distinct trade-off between gross earning potential and localized cost burdens. A Data Scientist in the Fargo metropolitan area commands a median gross income of $118,000 per year.
However, top-line numbers can be deceiving without factoring in North Dakota's tax architecture (1.10% - 2.50%). After federal income withholding, mandatory FICA contributions, and local state withholdings, the estimated take-home pay stands at $90,093.
2026 North Dakota Take-Home Pay & Tax Calculator
Estimate your net paycheck after Federal Income Tax, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and North Dakota State Taxes.
Gross Pay
$9,833
Total Deductions
-$2,837
~29% Est. Tax
Net Take-Home
$6,996
In Your Pocket
Based on 2026 IRS Single filer tax brackets and North Dakota state revenue statutes.
Data Scientist Compensation & Career Specifications
Career Category
Technology
Entry-Level (25th Percentile)
$84,960 / year
Senior Professional (90th Percentile)
$171,100 / year
National U.S. Baseline
$128,000 / year
Projected 10-Year Job Growth
+28% (High Demand)
Required Education / License
Master's in Statistics/CS
Top Hiring Employers in North Dakota
Sanford Health, Continental Resources, Microsoft Campus
Highest Demand Skillsets
SQL • Machine Learning • R/Python • A/B Testing
Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist in North Dakota
As of 2026, the median annual salary for a Data Scientist in North Dakota is $118,000 ($56.73/hour). Entry-level roles average $84,960, while senior professionals command upwards of $171,100.
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