Bismarck vs West Fargo: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Bismarck, ND and West Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | West Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,461▲ | $46,520 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.74▲ | $22.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,333▲ | $26,982 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,351▲ | $33,494 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,288▲ | $59,474 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,727▲ | $72,106 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Fargo.
The salary gap between Bismarck and West Fargo is $4,941 (10.62%). Bismarck's median is -35.99% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $49,394,West Fargo spans $45,124. Bismarck has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bismarck ($56,536 effective) pays 11.81% more than West Fargo ($50,565 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bismarck if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,461/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,727)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,536)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose West Fargo if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Bismarck grew -58.5% from 2023 to 2025, compared to -46.5% growth in West Fargo over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$118,610 (2023) → $49,254 (2025)
West Fargo, ND
$83,181 (2024) → $44,525 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
West Fargo, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov