Bismarck vs Fargo: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Bismarck, ND and Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,539▲ | $78,405 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.76▲ | $37.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,232 | $61,433▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,195▲ | $65,430 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,847 | $106,854▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,102 | $141,996▲ |
| Total Employed | 130 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Bismarck and Fargo are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Fargo is $134 (0.17%). Bismarck's median is -27.64% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $73,870,Fargo spans $80,563. Fargo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced financial advisors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bismarck ($86,284 effective) pays 0.00% more than Fargo ($86,282 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 ($78,539/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,284)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,996)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Bismarck grew 8.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Fargo over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$69,900 (2019) → $76,030 (2025)
Fargo, ND
$67,880 (2019) → $75,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Bismarck or Fargo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Fargo?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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 Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov