North Dakota's family wealth comes from farmland, agriculture and the energy boom in the Bakken oil region, with offices in Fargo and Bismarck.
The family office landscape in North Dakota
Family offices in North Dakota are concentrated in and around:
- Fargo
- Bismarck
Where family office candidates come from in North Dakota
Fargo's financial services firms and North Dakota State supply accountants, though many specialist roles are filled remotely.
Across the state, accountants and auditors earn an average of $80,090, 15% below the US average of $94,750 and #44 of 51. Financial managers average $153,130, 18% below the US average of $186,910 (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025). Family offices usually pay above these averages to win experienced people.
Family office salaries in North Dakota
| Role | Base salary in ND | Typical bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Family Office Controller | $160K–$215K | 15–25% |
| Family Office Accountant | $85K–$130K | 5–15% |
| Family Office Tax Manager | $135K–$190K | 10–20% |
| Family Office CFO | $270K–$430K | 25–50% |
| Family Office Chief of Staff | $135K–$225K | 15–30% |
| Family Office Operations Manager | $115K–$180K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Executive Assistant | $80K–$135K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Payroll Manager | $100K–$135K | 5–15% |
Our estimates for a single family office managing $250M–$1B, adjusted for North Dakota using BLS pay levels for accountants and financial managers (10% below the national midpoint). Try the salary calculator for other office sizes.
Taxes, trusts and the law in North Dakota
North Dakota has one of the lowest income tax rates among states that tax wages, and no estate tax.
How North Dakota compares with nearby states
| State | Accountant avg. (BLS) | Financial manager avg. (BLS) | Family office controller (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $80,090 | $153,130 | $160K–$215K |
| Iowa | $83,640 | $149,730 | $160K–$220K |
| Kansas | $86,130 | $171,510 | $165K–$230K |
| Minnesota | $94,060 | $176,560 | $170K–$235K |
| Missouri | $83,180 | $163,820 | $165K–$225K |
| Nebraska | $77,660 | $155,410 | $160K–$215K |
| South Dakota | $85,030 | $172,430 | $165K–$230K |
What this means for hiring in North Dakota
Accountant pay in North Dakota ranks #44 of 51, below the national average. That makes a well-paid family office role attractive locally, and candidates relocating from higher-cost states will sometimes trade a little base salary for quality of life. State taxes in North Dakota are moderate, so pay conversations usually center on base salary and bonus rather than tax. With a smaller local finance community, the strongest candidates for North Dakota often live elsewhere. Plan on a recruiter-led search, and budget for relocation on senior roles.
Family office questions for North Dakota
What do North Dakota family offices manage?
Often farmland, agricultural businesses and mineral rights from the Bakken oil region.
How much do family office jobs pay in North Dakota?
We estimate a family office controller in North Dakota earns about $160K–$215K base and an accountant about $85K–$130K. For context, accountants and auditors in North Dakota earn an average of $80,090 across all employers, 15% below the US average (BLS, May 2025).
Where are family offices in North Dakota?
Mostly around Fargo, Bismarck.
Does North Dakota have a state income tax on wages?
Yes. North Dakota has one of the lowest income tax rates among states that tax wages, and no estate tax.