Fargo vs Williston: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Fargo, ND and Williston, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fargo, ND | Williston, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,311 | $146,757▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.92 | $70.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,478 | $85,119▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,727 | $105,665▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,206 | $187,849▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,279 | $227,473▲ |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Williston, ND offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fargo.
The salary gap between Fargo and Williston is $30,446 (26.18%). Williston's median is -12.21% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $138,801,Williston spans $142,354. Williston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Williston ($159,518 effective) pays 24.63% 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 Fargo if…
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Williston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,757/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($227,473)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $159,518)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Fargo grew 8.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.8% growth in Williston over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$102,350 (2019) → $111,090 (2025)
Williston, ND
$100,955 (2024) → $140,169 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
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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