Grand Forks vs West Fargo: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian 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 | $127,059▲ | $124,169 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.09▲ | $59.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,695▲ | $72,018 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,082▲ | $95,931 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,402▲ | $153,292 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,942▲ | $192,462 |
| Total Employed | 14▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Fargo.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and West Fargo is $2,890 (2.33%). Grand Forks's median is -7.48% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Forks spans $123,247,West Fargo spans $120,444. Grand Forks 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, Grand Forks ($138,108 effective) pays 2.33% more than West Fargo ($134,966 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 ($127,059/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,942)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,108)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose West Fargo if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Grand Forks grew 16.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.2% growth in West Fargo over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$103,621 (2024) → $120,367 (2025)
West Fargo, ND
$101,264 (2024) → $117,629 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
West Fargo, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians 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 veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Grand Forks vs West Fargo?
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