Earning a CPA License in North Dakota is a practical, high-return decision for accountants who want strong job security, competitive pay, and the wide-open lifestyle of the northern plains. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in North Dakota are in consistent demand, especially in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot, supporting the state’s core industries: energy (oil & gas), agriculture, healthcare, and financial services. This article covers the real career paths, current salary ranges, and the clear steps to get your CPA License in North Dakota, optimized for anyone ready to build a future in the Peace Garden State.

Why Pursue a CPA License in North Dakota?

North Dakota’s economy remains robust, fueled by the Bakken oil patch, agriculture, renewable energy growth, and steady healthcare expansion. The state currently employs around 3,770 accountants and auditors, with job growth projected at 6–8% through 2032—creating reliable openings from retirements and sector expansion. A CPA License in North Dakota gives you a clear edge: it typically increases salary by 10–15% over non-certified accountants and is frequently required for senior roles at energy producers, banks, hospitals, and cooperatives. In a market still feeling the effects of a national CPA shortage, the license offers long-term stability and upward mobility.

Career Opportunities for CPAs in North Dakota

A CPA License in North Dakota opens doors across the state’s key economic drivers:

1. Public Accounting

Big Four presence and strong regional firms in Fargo and Bismarck handle audits, tax, and advisory for oil operators, farms, and manufacturers.

2. Energy & Natural Resources

In-house or consulting roles at major oil & gas companies, pipelines, and renewable projects in the western part of the state—high-demand positions with strong compensation.

3. Corporate Accounting

Work for cooperatives (CHS, Minn-Dak Farmers), healthcare systems (Sanford Health, Essentia), or banks, managing financials in a state with a high concentration of co-ops and agribusiness.

4. Forensic Accounting

Fraud and compliance work tied to energy royalties, tribal enterprises, and state contracts.

5. Government and Nonprofit Roles

State agencies (Tax Commissioner, Workforce Safety & Insurance), universities (NDSU, UND), and tribal nations need CPAs for budgeting, grants, and compliance.

6. Advisory & Consulting

Tax planning and business strategy for family farms, energy startups, and growing tech/ag-tech companies in Fargo.

Salary Expectations for CPAs in North Dakota

A CPA License in North Dakota commands solid pay, with statewide averages ranging from $78,000 to $92,000 annually (2025 figures). Location and industry create meaningful variation:

  • Fargo / Bismarck metro: $82,000 – $105,000
  • Western ND (Williston, Dickinson – oil patch): $95,000 – $130,000+ for experienced professionals
  • Entry-level (Big Four or strong regional): $58,000 – $72,000
  • Mid-career / senior: $85,000 – $115,000
  • Controllers / CFOs: $130,000 – $180,000+

Low cost of living (10–15% below national average) and no state income tax on wages in many cases make the take-home pay even stronger.

Requirements for a CPA License in North Dakota

The North Dakota Board of Public Accountancy keeps the process straightforward:

  1. Education
    • Sit for the exam: Bachelor’s + 120 semester hours.
    • Full license: 150 semester hours total (or alternative pathway: bachelor’s + 2 years experience starting 2026).
  2. CPA Exam
    Pass all four sections with 75+ within 18 months.
  3. Experience
    One year (2,000 hours) under a licensed CPA (traditional) or two years for the upcoming alternative.
  4. Ethics
    Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics exam (90%+).
  5. Other
    No residency or citizenship requirement.

Maintaining Your CPA License in North Dakota

Renew every two years (even years) with 80 CPE hours per cycle (minimum 20 per year, 4 in ethics). The North Dakota CPA Society offers affordable, relevant continuing education.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time

With 6–8% projected growth through 2032, low CPA density, and a new alternative pathway launching in 2026 that drops the 150-hour requirement for many candidates, the CPA License in North Dakota has never been more accessible or valuable. Energy recovery, ag-tech expansion, and healthcare stability keep demand solid.

How to Get Started

  1. Submit transcripts to NASBA for evaluation.
  2. Prep with Becker, UWorld, or Surgent.
  3. Secure supervised experience.
  4. Pass the AICPA ethics exam.
  5. Apply through the board at ndsba.nd.gov.

Conclusion

A CPA License in North Dakota is your ticket to a grounded, prosperous career in a state that rewards hard work and offers one of the lowest costs of living in the country. Salaries average $78,000–$92,000, job growth is reliable at 6–8% through 2032, and the upcoming 2026 pathway makes licensure even more attainable. Whether auditing energy firms in Williston or advising cooperatives in Fargo, this credential delivers respect, stability, and real financial rewards. Start your journey today and claim your place in North Dakota’s accounting landscape!