Fargo vs Grand Forks: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer 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 | $113,797 | $116,357▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.71 | $55.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,359 | $80,173▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,915 | $86,423▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,330 | $133,574▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,840 | $146,416▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fargo.
The salary gap between Fargo and Grand Forks is $2,560 (2.25%). Grand Forks's median is -6.94% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $68,481,Grand Forks spans $66,243. 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, Grand Forks ($134,264 effective) pays 7.21% more than Fargo ($125,229 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,357/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,416)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,264)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Fargo grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.2% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$90,100 (2019) → $109,790 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$77,330 (2019) → $112,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Fargo or Grand Forks?
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Should I relocate from Fargo to Grand Forks as a electrical engineer?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov