Fargo vs West Fargo: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Fargo, ND and West Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fargo, ND | West Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,789 | $58,838▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.78 | $28.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,411▲ | $37,085 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,558 | $45,400▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,902 | $73,961▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,641 | $91,199▲ |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 10 |
Verdict
West Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fargo.
The salary gap between Fargo and West Fargo is $1,049 (1.82%). West Fargo's median is -9.58% 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,West Fargo spans $54,114. West Fargo 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, West Fargo ($63,954 effective) pays 0.57% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose West Fargo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,838/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,199)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,954)
- ✓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 21.1% growth in West Fargo over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$42,010 (2019) → $55,910 (2025)
West Fargo, ND
$47,015 (2024) → $56,925 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
West Fargo, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
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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