How North Dakota Taxes Your Paycheck
North Dakota uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets. Rates start at 0% on the lowest earnings and rise to 2.5% on income above $244,825 for single filers.
North Dakota has the lowest top income tax rate of any state with a tax — just 2.5% — and a 0% bottom bracket means most low earners owe nothing.
North Dakota Job Market Context
Oil and gas (Bakken Formation), agriculture, and energy.
Top Cities in North Dakota
The largest population centers in North Dakota:
- Fargo — 130,000 residents
- Bismarck — 75,000 residents
- Grand Forks — 59,000 residents
How North Dakota Compares to Neighboring States
Single-filer take-home on a $75,000 annual salary in 2026, federal + state income tax + FICA only:
| State | Take-Home | vs. North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota (here) | $61,368 | — |
| Minnesota | $57,981 | -$3,386 |
| South Dakota | $61,593 | +$225 |
| Montana | $58,654 | -$2,714 |
Take-home reflects single filer, no pre-tax deductions; SDI/PFML and local taxes excluded for an apples-to-apples comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the North Dakota state income tax rate?
North Dakota has progressive income tax brackets ranging from 0% to 2.5%. Most middle-income earners hit the middle brackets; the top rate applies only above $244,825.
How much is taken out of my paycheck in North Dakota?
For a single filer earning $75,000 in North Dakota (2026), expect roughly $7,670 in federal income tax, $5,738 in FICA, and $225 in North Dakota state tax — leaving about $61,368 take-home (18.2% effective tax rate). SDI/PFML and local taxes (if any) come out of that as well.
Is the North Dakota median household income enough to live comfortably?
The 2023 ACS reported a North Dakota median household income of about $77,900. Whether that's "comfortable" depends heavily on city — Fargo cost of living can differ substantially from rural areas. Use the calculator above to model your specific salary and deductions.
How does this North Dakota paycheck calculator work?
We calculate your annualized gross pay based on the pay frequency you select, then apply the 2025 or 2026 IRS percentage method for federal income tax, the North Dakota state tax schedule (if any), Social Security, and Medicare. Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and Section 125 health premiums reduce your taxable base before withholding is computed. You can switch between salary and hourly modes; hourly mode applies time-and-a-half to hours over 40/week prorated by pay period.