Bismarck vs Fargo: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Bismarck, ND and Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,782▲ | $106,911 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.78▲ | $51.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,319▲ | $84,437 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,938▲ | $90,528 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,400▲ | $132,235 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $202,496▲ | $163,639 |
| Total Employed | 50 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fargo.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Fargo is $2,871 (2.69%). Bismarck's median is -20.06% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $115,177,Fargo spans $79,202. Bismarck 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, Bismarck ($120,608 effective) pays 2.51% more than Fargo ($117,651 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bismarck if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,782/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($202,496)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,608)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Bismarck grew 16.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Fargo over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$89,450 (2019) → $104,000 (2025)
Fargo, ND
$86,560 (2019) → $101,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Bismarck or Fargo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Fargo?
Should I relocate from Bismarck to Fargo as a veterinarian?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov