Grand Forks vs West Fargo: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Grand Forks, ND and West Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Forks, ND | West Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,966▲ | $57,004 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.35▲ | $27.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,144▲ | $40,169 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,144▲ | $45,032 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,205 | $71,011▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,467 | $88,356▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Fargo.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and West Fargo is $1,962 (3.44%). 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 Grand Forks spans $31,323,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, Grand Forks ($68,041 effective) pays 9.81% more than West Fargo ($61,961 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,966/year)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,041)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose West Fargo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,356)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Grand Forks grew -7.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.4% growth in West Fargo over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$62,380 (2019) → $57,781 (2025)
West Fargo, ND
$56,057 (2024) → $55,859 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
West Fargo, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Grand Forks or West Fargo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Forks and West Fargo?
Should I relocate from Grand Forks to West Fargo as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Grand Forks vs West Fargo?
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