Grand Forks vs West Fargo: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Grand Forks, ND and West Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Forks, ND | West Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,603▲ | $46,520 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.88▲ | $22.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,610▲ | $26,982 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,275▲ | $33,494 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,932▲ | $59,474 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,785▲ | $72,106 |
| Total Employed | 14▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Fargo.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and West Fargo is $1,083 (2.33%). Grand Forks's median is -40.79% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Forks spans $46,175,West Fargo spans $45,124. Grand Forks 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, Grand Forks ($51,742 effective) pays 2.33% 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 Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,603/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,785)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,742)
- ✓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 Grand Forks grew -60.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -46.5% growth in West Fargo over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$115,370 (2024) → $45,562 (2025)
West Fargo, ND
$83,181 (2024) → $44,525 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, 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