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Veterinarians Salary in North Dakota: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Veterinarians salary really buy you in North Dakota?

North Dakota is 11.3% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$102,180
Median annual (2025)
+12.7%
Real Purchasing Power
$115,197
COL-adjusted (RPP=88.7)

North Dakota Cost of Living Index

North Dakota's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 88.7, meaning prices are 11.3% lower the national average. A Veterinarians earning $102,180 in North Dakota has the equivalent purchasing power of $115,197 in an average-cost US state.

ND: 88.7
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for North Dakota's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $81,420 $91,792 +$10,372
25th Percentile (P25) $88,610 $99,898 +$11,288
Median (P50) $102,180 $115,197 +$13,017
75th Percentile (P75) $115,210 $129,887 +$14,677
90th Percentile (P90) $153,720 $173,303 +$19,583
Key Insight

A Veterinarians in North Dakota earns $102,180 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 13% further — like earning $115,197 in an average-cost state. This makes North Dakota one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

North Dakota Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 88.7

North Dakota's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 88.7 means a basket of goods and services costs about 11.3% less than the national average. For a Veterinarians, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Sizable COL Effect Reshapes This Salary

+12.7%

Adjusting $102,180 for North Dakota's cost of living yields $115,197 — a 12.7% gain in real purchasing power. This magnitude usually reflects either a materially cheaper or materially pricier metro mix than the national average.

Bottom-Quartile COL-Adjusted Pay

#45 / 49

North Dakota ranks #45 of 49 — bottom quartile for Veterinarians real purchasing power. Relocation, employer negotiation, or remote roles at higher-paying markets tend to generate the biggest ROI.

Best States for Veterinarians (After Cost of Living)

Where does Veterinarians salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$155,400
RPP 105.0
2. Arizona
$152,172
RPP 99.9
$147,187
RPP 108.8
$146,183
RPP 109.8
$145,706
RPP 112.5
$144,607
RPP 89.2
$142,186
RPP 91.0
8. Iowa
$140,961
RPP 88.4
$138,794
RPP 96.2
10. Louisiana
$137,273
RPP 90.6

North Dakota ranks #45 out of 49 states for Veterinarians after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Veterinarians take-home pay in North Dakota after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Veterinarians in North Dakota after cost of living?

A Veterinarians in North Dakota earns a median salary of $102,180 per year. After adjusting for North Dakota's cost of living (RPP=88.7), the real purchasing power is $115,197 — a +12.7% difference.

Is North Dakota expensive to live in?

North Dakota's cost of living is 11.3% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for North Dakota is 88.7 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Veterinarians in North Dakota: $102,180 x (100 / 88.7) = $115,197. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Veterinarians in North Dakota financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Veterinarians in North Dakota enjoys 12.7% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

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