Fargo vs Williston: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner 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 | $134,557▲ | $120,149 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.69▲ | $57.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,060▲ | $97,059 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,961▲ | $109,495 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,299 | $140,447▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,179▲ | $152,669 |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Williston.
The salary gap between Fargo and Williston is $14,408 (11.99%). Fargo's median is -1.69% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $61,119,Williston spans $55,610. 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 ($148,075 effective) pays 13.38% more than Williston ($130,597 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 ($134,557/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,179)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,075)
- ✓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, nurse practitioner salaries in Fargo grew 25.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Williston over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$103,860 (2019) → $130,070 (2025)
Williston, ND
$109,734 (2024) → $116,142 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Fargo or Williston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and Williston?
Should I relocate from Fargo to Williston as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Fargo vs Williston?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov