North Dakota’s oil boom may have gone bust in recent years, but the state still remains the second largest oil producer in the nation (behind Texas). Other drivers of the economy here have done a great job at picking up where oil and gas fell short, allowing the state’s economic growth to hold steady. Construction, manufacturing, and agriculture remain big players in the state’s economy, allowing major players like Noridian Mutual Insurance Company in Fargo and MDU Construction Services Group in Bismarck to take the lead.
This is great news for the legal services industry here and the paralegals who lend their talents in corporate legal departments, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and regional law firms like Crowley Fleck PLLP in Bismarck and Fredrikson & Byron P.A. in Bismarck and Fargo.
Paralegal Job Market Trends in North Dakota
As of May 2020, the average paralegal salary in North Dakota was $47,290, or $22.74 per hour. But for those paralegals with extensive experience, industry credentials, and a good, working knowledge of one or more areas of law like family law, criminal litigation, labor law, or immigration law, professional opportunities and the higher salaries that accompany them abound.
In fact, during this same period, the top 10% of paralegals in North Dakota earned about $70,860, or $34.07 per hour – that’s about $23,000 more than the state average for this profession.
Average Paralegal Salary in North Dakota by City
Paralegals in Fargo earned significantly more at the average point than their colleagues in other parts of the state, as of May 2020, which is likely due to its strong economy that’s represented by the technology, manufacturing, financial services, and healthcare industries. Just some of this region’s largest employers include Microsoft Business Solutions, Bobcat, John Deere Electronic Solutions, and Titan Machinery.
Fargo:
Average – $53,310 ($25.63 hourly)
Top 10% – $78,550 ($37.76 hourly)
Bismarck:
Average – $44,460 ($21.37 hourly)
Top 10% – $72,550 ($34.88 hourly)
Grand Forks:
Average – $43,900 ($21.11 hourly)
Top 10% – $62,010 ($29.81 hourly)
May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary, growth, and job market trends for paralegals and legal assistants. Figures represent state data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2021.