Do North Dakota teachers get paid during the summer?

Most North Dakota districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in North Dakota?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across North Dakota.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in North Dakota?

Yes. Almost every North Dakota district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in North Dakota

Q: What is the average teacher salary in North Dakota?

The average public-school teacher salary in North Dakota is approximately $57,826 per year (source: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

Q: How does North Dakota teacher pay compare to the national average?

North Dakota teachers earn about 16% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

North Dakota teachers earn an average of $57,826 per year — 16% below the national average.

$57,826State Average

$38,000Entry-Level (BS)

#32National Rank

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North Dakota Teacher Salary Overview

$38,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$57,826Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▼ North Dakota teachers earn 16% less than the national average (-$10,643)

How North Dakota Teacher Salaries Work

North Dakota has no state minimum teacher salary. Districts set pay individually. Fargo Public Schools, Bismarck Public Schools, and Grand Forks Public Schools are among the highest-paying. Rural districts vary widely.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

North Dakota's oil boom brought increased state revenue that partially benefited education funding. Teacher recruitment to rural areas remains challenging. The state offers loan forgiveness for teachers in shortage areas.

Top Hiring Districts in North Dakota

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Lamoure 8103 open positions Minot 147 open positions Devils Lake 128 open positions Wahpeton 3713 open positions Goodrich 168 open positions

199 total open positions across North Dakota school districts.

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See the full picture

North Dakota ranks #32 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in North Dakota?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid North Dakota teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

North Dakota Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in North Dakota — apply directly on district sites.

View North Dakota jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the North Dakota Department of Education.