Fargo vs Grand Forks: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor 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 | $52,965 | $58,966▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.46 | $28.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,844▲ | $47,144 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,754▲ | $47,144 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,246▲ | $59,205 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,328▲ | $78,467 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 190 |
Verdict
Fargo and Grand Forks are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fargo and Grand Forks is $6,001 (11.33%). Grand Forks's median is -8.35% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $39,484,Grand Forks spans $31,323. 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 ($68,041 effective) pays 16.74% more than Fargo ($58,286 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,328)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,966/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,041)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Fargo grew -9.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.4% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$57,150 (2019) → $51,901 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$62,380 (2019) → $57,781 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors 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 school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Fargo vs Grand Forks?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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 Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov