The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Williston

This guide strips away the hype. A $100,000 salary in Williston is not a ticket to luxury; it is a calculation of survival against local costs and state/federal extraction. We analyze Purchasing Power—what your money actually buys here—versus the Nominal Salary.

1. The Verification Test

We do not look at the gross number. We look at what hits your bank account.

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax (Est. effective 14%): -$14,000
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare 7.65%): -$7,650
• North Dakota State Tax: North Dakota has a graduated income tax, but for a $100k earner, the effective rate is approximately 1.95%.
  • Estimated State Tax: -$1,950
• Net Pay (Annual): $76,400
• Net Pay (Monthly): $6,366

Conclusion: You are losing roughly 24% of your paycheck before you pay a single bill.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20 Rule)

Applying the standard budget model to Williston reveals the strain of Purchasing Power.

• Needs (50% of Net) - $3,183/month
  • Rent (1BR Market Rate): $900 - $1,100. (The user provided None, meaning there is no standard "market rate" due to housing shortages or volatility; expect price gouging).
  • Utilities: $250 - $400 (Heating costs in ND are brutal).
  • Groceries: $500 (Food costs are higher due to logistics).
  • Remaining for Needs: $1,400 (Car payment, insurance, fuel).
• Wants (30% of Net) - $1,910/month
  • In Williston, "Wants" often double as "Needs" due to the isolation. Dining out is expensive. Entertainment options are limited and costly.
• Savings (20% of Net) - $1,273/month
  • This is your buffer. If you do not save this, you are working for free.

3. Williston Tax Context

North Dakota is a "Low Tax" state, but not a "No Tax" state.

• Vs. Texas/Florida (No State Income Tax): You pay roughly $2,000 more in taxes here than you would in Houston or Orlando on a $100k salary. However, ND property taxes are generally lower than TX, which offsets slightly if you own.
• Vs. California/New York (High Tax): You save roughly $6,000 - $8,000 annually in state income taxes compared to those states.
• The Reality: You keep more of your paycheck than a New Yorker, but you spend more on housing, utilities, and goods to compensate.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
It is a livable wage, but not a "wealth" wage. Because rent and goods are inflated due to the oil industry and logistics, your $100k feels like $75k in a normal city. You will live comfortably, but you will not get rich.

"Local Income Tax?"
None. Williston (Williams County) does not levy a local income tax. Your tax burden is strictly Federal and North Dakota State.