How Much Does an MLT Make in North Dakota in 2026?
Typical pay for MLTs in North Dakota, from federal wage data (May 2025), with pay by city, the ten-year trend, and how the state compares.
BLS OES May 2025 · North Dakota · typical annual pay from the lowest-paid tenth to the highest-paid tenth
A typical MLT in North Dakota earns about $30.14 per hour ($62,680 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). Calculated from that annual figure, professionals typically bring home $5,223 monthly or $1,205 weekly. These baseline earnings provide a clear picture of standard compensation across the state.
This local pay aligns closely with broader geographic trends. State compensation shows a 0 percent difference from the national figure of $62,930 annually and $30.26 hourly, placing North Dakota at rank 22 out of 51 ranked regions. The state currently supports a workforce of 1,370 professionals, providing local scale compared to the national workforce of 332,940 individuals.
MLT pay in North Dakota at a glance
- A typical North Dakota MLT makes $30.14 hourly and $62,680 annually, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025).
- North Dakota ranks 22 out of 51 regions, showing a 0 percent difference from the national rate of $62,930.
- Bismarck leads the 4 tracked cities in the state, offering a typical annual wage of $63,100.
- Entry-level positions generally start around $37,300, while top earners in the field make over $83,920 annually.
- Over the tracked decade, typical compensation for this role has seen a gain of twenty percent.
BLS OES May 2025
How much does an MLT make in North Dakota?
MLT pay by career stage in North Dakota
| Career stage | North Dakota | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Starting out | $37,300$17.93 an hour | $38,910$18.71 an hour |
| First years | $48,260$23.20 an hour | $47,650$22.91 an hour |
| Typical MLT | $62,680$30.14 an hour | $62,930$30.26 an hour |
| Experienced | $77,370$37.20 an hour | $81,450$39.16 an hour |
| Top 10% | $83,920$40.35 an hour | $100,990$48.55 an hour |
BLS OES May 2025 · starting out is the 10th percentile, first years the 25th, typical the median, experienced the 75th, top 10% the 90th
MLT pay by experience level in North Dakota
Entry-level positions in North Dakota typically offer around $17.93 hourly and $37,300 annually. Pay moves toward the typical figure within a few years of consistent practice. Additional responsibilities and refined laboratory skills usually justify these steady wage increases over time.
Experienced MLTs often earn substantial wages after years of practice. The top ten percent make over $40.35 hourly and $83,920 annually, creating a $46,620 entry-to-top spread in dollars. Specific workplace settings, years of practical experience, and precise city locations tend to separate these distinct earning groups.
MLT pay growth in North Dakota
Typical (median) annual wage for MLTs in North Dakota · BLS OES May estimates, 2017 to 2025 · hover a bar for the year-over-year change
The decade record for North Dakota displays consistent historical momentum. The typical wage moved from a first-year figure of $52,180 in 2017 to $62,680 in 2025. This progression represents a clear $10,500 dollar gain and a twenty percent rise across the tracked timeline.
This local trajectory developed alongside broader compensation patterns across the country. The state gain tracks closely near the national decade rise of 22 percent during the same timeline. For someone starting now, this means pay has moved up steadily, though past performance offers no promises.
MLT salary by city in North Dakota
Compensation varies modestly depending on where a professional works within the state. Bismarck stands as the top city with a typical wage of $63,100, sitting 1 percent above the state figure with 290 professionals. Fargo follows closely with an annual mark of $62,340 and $29.97 hourly, while Grand Forks employs 190 professionals at around $61,820 annually and $29.72 hourly.
Minot represents the lowest-paying city with 120 professionals earning a typical figure of $49,100 annually and $23.61 hourly, creating a $14,000 city spread in dollars. Fargo hosts the largest MLT workforce with 570 professionals operating in the area. Lower pay usually tracks lower living costs, as city figures cover each city's full metro area.
| # | City | Typical pay | Hourly | Vs North Dakota | MLTs employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bismarck | $63,100 | $30.34 | +1% | 290 |
| 2 | Fargo | $62,340 | $29.97 | -1% | 570 |
| 3 | Grand Forks | $61,820 | $29.72 | -1% | 190 |
| 4 | Minot | $49,100 | $23.61 | -22% | 120 |
Each row is one BLS metro area; cities that share a metro share its figures · BLS OES May 2025 · North Dakota typical pay $62,680
How North Dakota compares with nearby states
North Dakota displays distinct compensation boundaries when compared with its neighboring states. Minnesota offers a higher annual wage of $74,440, which is 19 percent above the North Dakota figure. South Dakota pays a lower rate of $60,890, representing a -3 percent difference, while Montana offers $65,190, sitting 4 percent higher. Licensure in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a nearby one.
| State | Typical pay | Vs North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $62,680 | baseline |
| Minnesota | $74,440 | +19% |
| Montana | $65,190 | +4% |
| South Dakota | $60,890 | -3% |
Bordering states, ranked by typical MLT pay · BLS OES May 2025
Is North Dakota a good state for MLTs?
MLTs in North Dakota earn a competitive wage: typical pay is $62,680 a year, right at the national figure, ranking 22nd of 51. For every 1,000 jobs in North Dakota, about 3.2 are MLT positions; nationally, the figure is closer to 2.1. That makes the local economy more reliant on MLTs than most places, and turnover keeps positions opening through the year. Overall, North Dakota is a middle-of-the-table state for MLT pay, close to the national figure.
Summary
Typical North Dakota pay now stands at $62,680, following a solid decade rise of $10,500 across the state. Prospective professionals should consult the official state licensing or registry page for exact credentialing requirements. Additionally, exploring specific local city pages provides further details on municipal wage differences and current employment opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does an MLT make in North Dakota?
- A typical Medical Laboratory Technician in North Dakota earns about $30.14 per hour and $62,680 per year. These standard figures provide a realistic expectation for baseline compensation across various clinical environments throughout the entire state.
- How much does an MLT make an hour in North Dakota?
- The standard hourly rate for this position is approximately $30.14. Highly experienced professionals can command upwards of $40.35 an hour, while those just entering the field usually start around $17.93 per hour.
- What is the starting pay for an MLT in North Dakota?
- Entry-level positions typically offer around $17.93 per hour, which translates to roughly $37,300 annually. This starting compensation normally increases as technicians acquire more hands-on laboratory experience and take on specialized diagnostic responsibilities.
- Which city in North Dakota pays MLTs the most?
- Bismarck currently leads the state with a typical annual compensation of $63,100, which breaks down to about $30.34 per hour. Fargo closely follows this top mark, offering professionals roughly $62,340 annually for similar laboratory work.
- Is MLT pay in North Dakota higher than the national rate?
- No, state compensation shows a 0 percent difference compared to the broader national rate. North Dakota professionals typically earn $62,680 annually, while the overarching national figure sits at $62,930 for the exact same clinical position.