Fargo vs Williston: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $254,184▲ | $218,496 |
| Hourly Rate | $122.20▲ | $105.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $198,733▲ | $151,775 |
| 25th Percentile | $254,184▲ | $195,117 |
| 75th Percentile | $275,782▲ | $268,257 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $301,409 | $302,349▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Williston.
The salary gap between Fargo and Williston is $35,688 (16.33%). Fargo's median is +2.13% 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,Williston spans $150,574. Williston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fargo ($279,720 effective) pays 17.78% more than Williston ($237,496 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 ($254,184/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $279,720)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Williston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($302,349)
- ✓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 7.5% growth in Williston over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$207,390 (2020) → $241,620 (2025)
Williston, ND
$193,132 (2024) → $207,696 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Fargo or Williston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and Williston?
Should I relocate from Fargo to Williston as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Fargo vs Williston?
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