Fargo vs Grand Forks: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $254,184 | $267,639▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $122.20 | $128.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $198,733 | $249,787▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $254,184 | $267,639▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $275,782▲ | $267,639 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $301,409 | $329,255▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fargo.
The salary gap between Fargo and Grand Forks is $13,455 (5.29%). Grand Forks's median is +7.53% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $102,676,Grand Forks spans $79,468. 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 ($308,827 effective) pays 10.41% more than Fargo ($279,720 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 (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($267,639/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($329,255)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $308,827)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Fargo grew 16.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 10.7% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$207,390 (2020) → $241,620 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$229,770 (2024) → $254,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists 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 nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Fargo vs Grand Forks?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov