Fargo vs Williston: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Fargo, ND and Williston, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fargo, ND | Williston, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,551▲ | $45,168 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.59▲ | $21.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,319▲ | $26,862 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,173▲ | $32,936 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,141▲ | $57,815 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,354▲ | $70,010 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Williston.
The salary gap between Fargo and Williston is $16,383 (36.27%). Fargo's median is -23.44% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $47,035,Williston spans $43,148. Fargo 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, Fargo ($67,734 effective) pays 37.96% more than Williston ($49,096 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,551/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,354)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,734)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Williston if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Fargo grew -35.3% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -46.5% growth in Williston over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$91,050 (2022) → $58,912 (2025)
Williston, ND
$80,764 (2024) → $43,231 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Fargo or Williston?
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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