Fargo vs West Fargo: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor 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 | $52,965 | $57,004▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.46 | $27.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,844▲ | $40,169 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,754▲ | $45,032 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,246 | $71,011▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,328 | $88,356▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 10 |
Verdict
West Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fargo.
The salary gap between Fargo and West Fargo is $4,039 (7.63%). West Fargo's median is -11.40% 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,West Fargo spans $48,187. West Fargo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, West Fargo ($61,961 effective) pays 6.31% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose West Fargo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,004/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,356)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,961)
- ✓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 -0.4% growth in West Fargo over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$57,150 (2019) → $51,901 (2025)
West Fargo, ND
$56,057 (2024) → $55,859 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
West Fargo, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Fargo or West Fargo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and West Fargo?
Should I relocate from Fargo to West Fargo as a school counselor?
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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