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Social Worker Licensing in North Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for social worker in North Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Social Worker in North Dakota

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Affidavit or referral required
  • Background Check: Background check required
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    ND State Board of Social Work Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $77,380 median (11% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #20 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in North Dakota

With a median salary of 77,380, Social Workers in North Dakota earn 11% above the national median of $69,480. North Dakota ranks #20 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$77,380

Hourly estimate

$37.20
11% above national median

Difference: +$7,900

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$48,920
  • P2525th percentile$61,960
  • P50Median$77,380
  • P7575th percentile$92,750
  • P9090th percentile$101,440

State vs National Median

State: $77,380
National: $69,480

Total employment: 140 | Annual openings: N/A

Social Worker Salary Ranking

#20 of 50 statesfor Social Worker median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Nevada109,220
#2Hawaii108,780
#3Rhode Island106,910
#4New Hampshire104,770
#5Oklahoma100,150

Nearby States Comparison

Social Worker licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Dakota$77,380Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$79,220Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
South Dakota$89,320Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Montana$49,600Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Montana54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

ND State Board of Social Work Examiners

PO Box 914, Bismarck, ND, 58502

Phone: 7012220255

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Related Careers in North Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$91,440Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$81,780Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$61,790Degree required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$51,310No educational requirements6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Social Worker in North Dakota?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Social Workers in North Dakota?

North Dakota lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Social Workers.

What education do you need to become a Social Worker in North Dakota?

The board typically expects Degree required for Social Worker licensure in North Dakota.

What is the typical Social Worker salary in North Dakota?

The median annual salary for Social Workers in North Dakota is 77,380. Salaries range from $48,920 (10th percentile) to $101,440 (90th percentile).

How does the Social Worker salary in North Dakota compare to the national average?

Social Workers in North Dakota earn 11% above the national median of $69,480, with a state median of 77,380.

How many Social Workers work in North Dakota?

North Dakota employs approximately 140 Social Workers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Social Worker license to North Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Social Workers in North Dakota?

The licensing agency is ND State Board of Social Work Examiners. Review agency details at http://www.ndbswe.com/.