Fargo vs Grand Forks: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer 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 | $57,789▲ | $56,962 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.78▲ | $27.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,411▲ | $38,264 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,558 | $47,287▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,902 | $66,626▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,641▲ | $80,187 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Forks.
The salary gap between Fargo and Grand Forks is $827 (1.45%). Fargo's median is -11.20% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $41,230,Grand Forks spans $41,923. Grand Forks has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Forks ($65,728 effective) pays 3.36% more than Fargo ($63,595 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 ($57,789/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,641)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,728)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Fargo grew 33.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.1% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$42,010 (2019) → $55,910 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$49,590 (2019) → $55,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers 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 graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Fargo vs Grand Forks?
Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% 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, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov