North Dakota Paycheck Calculator

North Dakota Income Tax Rate

North Dakota taxes wage income using low, bracketed rates that have trended downward in recent years. Payroll begins with gross pay, subtracts pre-tax benefits—traditional 401(k), Section 125 health premiums, HSA/FSA, and commuter plans—to reach taxable wages. Employers then compute federal withholding, FICA, and North Dakota withholding based on your NDW-R elections and pay frequency. Supplemental wages (bonuses and commissions) may be withheld using percentage or aggregate methods aligned with federal rules. North Dakota cities generally do not levy employee wage taxes, so your primary statutory layers are federal and state. The table shows the top bracket over the last decade; your effective rate is usually lower after deductions, credits, and pre-tax benefits reduce taxable income across the year.

North Dakota Median Household Income

North Dakota’s median household income reflects energy, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and university-driven employment across Fargo–Moorhead, Bismarck–Mandan, Grand Forks, Williston, Dickinson, and Minot. After the energy downturn and pandemic volatility, nominal gains resumed as labor markets tightened and population stabilized in key metros. The figures below are nominal, directional benchmarks for budgeting and offer comparisons. For purchasing power, consider “real” (inflation-adjusted) dollars and regional cost differences—housing, transportation, childcare, and insurance vary by county and metro. Household size and employer benefits (health coverage, retirement match, HSA contributions) meaningfully influence take-home value and savings capacity statewide.

North Dakota Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)

FICA applies uniformly in North Dakota. Employees pay 6.2% Social Security on wages up to the federal wage base (employers match) and 1.45% Medicare on all wages (also matched). High earners owe an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax above federal thresholds; employers do not match that surtax. Section 125 health premiums normally reduce both income-tax and FICA wages; traditional 401(k) reduces income-tax wages but not FICA. North Dakota pay stubs typically list Social Security, Medicare, federal withholding, state withholding, pre- and post-tax deductions, and year-to-date totals—useful for verifying accuracy after raises, life events, or benefit changes.

North Dakota Number of Cities with Local Income Taxes

North Dakota cities do not levy employee-paid local wage income taxes. Withholding usually includes federal income tax, FICA, and North Dakota state income tax only.

How Your North Dakota Paycheck Works

Your paycheck starts with gross wages for the pay period. Payroll subtracts pre-tax benefits—traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, Section 125 health premiums, and eligible commuter benefits—to determine taxable wages. Withholding then includes federal income tax (per W-4), FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and North Dakota state income tax (NDW-R elections). Because there are no employee local wage taxes, layers are simpler than in many states. Post-tax deductions—Roth 401(k), garnishments, union dues, charitable gifts—come out after taxes and don’t reduce taxable wages. Pay frequency (weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly) alters cash-flow timing but not annual tax owed.

North Dakota Wage and Hour Laws: Overtime, Pay Frequency

Overtime: North Dakota follows FLSA—most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek; exemptions apply based on duties and salary thresholds.
Pay frequency: Employers must set regular paydays and pay consistently; many use biweekly or semimonthly schedules. State rules also require timely final pay and itemized wage statements—review employer policy for specifics.

North Dakota FAQs

How do I use the North Dakota Paycheck Calculator?

Enter gross pay, schedule, W-4/NDW-R details, pre-tax benefits, and deductions to estimate federal, FICA, and state withholding.

Does North Dakota have local wage taxes?

No. Municipalities do not levy percent-of-wages income taxes on employees.

What is North Dakota’s top state income tax rate?

It has fallen in recent years; see the 10-year table for context and current top rate.

Why did my withholding change midyear?

Raises, overtime, bonuses, updated forms, or benefit elections can change brackets and per-check withholding.

How are bonuses withheld in North Dakota?

Employers may use federal percentage or aggregate methods; state withholding follows current North Dakota guidance.

Do 401(k) and HSA contributions reduce my taxes?

Yes—both reduce income-tax wages; traditional 401(k) does not reduce FICA, while many Section 125 health premiums do.

What appears on a North Dakota pay stub?

Federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, ND state tax, pre/post-tax deductions, year-to-date totals, and net pay.

How often must I be paid in North Dakota?

Employers pay on regular, published schedules—commonly biweekly or semimonthly—subject to wage-payment rules.

Are tips taxable in North Dakota?

Yes. Reported tips are subject to federal income tax, FICA, and North Dakota income tax.

Does remote work affect North Dakota withholding?

Residents are taxed on all income; nonresidents owe tax on ND-sourced wages. Check employer location and sourcing rules.

Which benefits reduce FICA in North Dakota?

Section 125 health premiums often reduce FICA; traditional 401(k) does not. HSA via cafeteria plan can also reduce FICA.

What if I work overtime frequently?

Expect higher gross and withholding; review W-4/NDW-R and benefits to keep annual taxes aligned with income.

How does pay frequency affect my taxes?

It changes timing of cash flow, not total annual tax; withholding should scale with total yearly wages.

Where can I find my ND state form?

Your employer’s HR/Payroll portal usually provides NDW-R; update it after life changes or address moves.