Dickinson vs Fargo: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Dickinson, ND and Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dickinson, ND | Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $150,386▲ | $116,311 |
| Hourly Rate | $72.31▲ | $55.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,223▲ | $73,478 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,278▲ | $99,727 |
| 75th Percentile | $192,494▲ | $165,206 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $233,098▲ | $212,279 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 410▲ |
Verdict
Dickinson, ND offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fargo.
The salary gap between Dickinson and Fargo is $34,075 (29.30%). Dickinson's median is -10.04% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dickinson spans $145,875,Fargo spans $138,801. Dickinson 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, Dickinson ($163,463 effective) pays 27.71% more than Fargo ($127,996 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dickinson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($150,386/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($233,098)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,463)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Dickinson grew 38.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.5% growth in Fargo over the same period.
Dickinson, ND
$103,451 (2024) → $143,635 (2025)
Fargo, ND
$102,350 (2019) → $111,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dickinson, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Dickinson or Fargo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dickinson and Fargo?
Should I relocate from Dickinson to Fargo as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Dickinson vs Fargo?
Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov