Auto Technician in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
North Dakota employs 2,140 auto technicians, with a statewide median of $57,360 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Auto technicians Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)
- North Dakota median pay
- $57,360 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $37,610
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $63,560
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $83,860
- Employed in North Dakota
- 2,140
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $49,670 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for auto technicians in major North Dakota markets:
- Minot
- $60,020 (210 employed)
- Fargo
- $59,510 (600 employed)
- Grand Forks
- $58,680 (220 employed)
- Bismarck
- $56,960 (350 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota
Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $57,360 median stretches to roughly $64,449 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)
North Dakota is projected to grow auto technicians employment +5.1%, faster than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 200 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Dakota License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ASE certification (voluntary) — regulated by the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard.
- North Dakota does not license auto technicians.
- Train through a community-college automotive program or a dealer/independent shop apprenticeship.
- Earn ASE certifications (A1–A8) as you gain experience — they drive pay and hiring.
Official requirements: No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard →
Training in North Dakota
Dealer/manufacturer training plus ASE certs raise your rate fastest. Steady demand around Fargo, Bismarck, and the oil-patch region.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Dakota include:
- Bismarck State College — Certificate / Associate
- Dickinson State University — Associate
- Lake Region State College — Certificate / Associate
- North Dakota State College of Science — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Mechanical thinkers who like troubleshooting tangible systems.
Think twice if: You want clean, quiet work or dislike changing technology and tight labor times.
Why it's resilient: Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
First Steps
Look into ASE-aligned programs, apprenticeships, and entry-level shop roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do auto technicians make in North Dakota?
The median wage for auto technicians in North Dakota is $57,360 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $37,610, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $83,860. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Auto Technician in North Dakota?
No state license; ASE certification (voluntary), overseen by the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard. North Dakota does not license auto technicians.
Is being an Auto Technician a good career in North Dakota?
Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
Which North Dakota metros pay auto technicians the most?
Among North Dakota metro areas, Minot leads at $60,020, followed by Fargo ($59,510), Grand Forks ($58,680). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Auto Technician in North Dakota?
Real North Dakota options include Bismarck State College, Dickinson State University, Lake Region State College. Most auto technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Auto Technician a growing career in North Dakota?
North Dakota projects auto technicians employment to change +5.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 200 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), North Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3023. Licensing summary compiled from the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET North Dakota wages · North Dakota licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.