Fargo vs Grand Forks: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Fargo, ND and Grand Forks, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fargo, ND | Grand Forks, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,946▲ | $64,526 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.23▲ | $31.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,606 | $47,005▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,922▲ | $50,399 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,981▲ | $78,797 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,917 | $85,932▲ |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Forks.
The salary gap between Fargo and Grand Forks is $420 (0.65%). Fargo's median is -0.71% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $38,311,Grand Forks spans $38,927. Grand Forks has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Forks ($74,456 effective) pays 4.18% more than Fargo ($71,471 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,946/year)
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,932)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,456)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Fargo grew 19.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.3% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$53,150 (2019) → $63,350 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$59,800 (2019) → $62,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Fargo or Grand Forks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and Grand Forks?
Should I relocate from Fargo to Grand Forks as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Fargo vs Grand Forks?
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov