Fargo vs Grand Forks: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Fargo, ND and Grand Forks, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fargo, ND | Grand Forks, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,405 | $80,078▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.69 | $38.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,433▲ | $56,536 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,430▲ | $61,112 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,854 | $118,113▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,996▲ | $138,567 |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Fargo and Grand Forks are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fargo and Grand Forks is $1,673 (2.13%). Grand Forks's median is -26.22% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $80,563,Grand Forks spans $82,031. Grand Forks 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, Grand Forks ($92,402 effective) pays 7.09% 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 Fargo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,996)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,078/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,402)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Fargo grew 11.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.4% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$67,880 (2019) → $75,900 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$56,830 (2020) → $77,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Fargo or Grand Forks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and Grand Forks?
Should I relocate from Fargo to Grand Forks as a financial advisor?
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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