Bismarck vs Fargo: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer 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 | $100,855▲ | $98,042 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.49▲ | $47.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,638▲ | $62,502 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,570▲ | $77,527 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,240▲ | $110,132 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,091 | $153,339▲ |
| Total Employed | 380 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Bismarck and Fargo are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Fargo is $2,813 (2.87%). Bismarck's median is -2.55% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $75,453,Fargo spans $90,837. Fargo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bismarck ($110,800 effective) pays 2.70% more than Fargo ($107,891 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 ($100,855/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,800)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,339)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bismarck grew 16.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.2% growth in Fargo over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$84,080 (2019) → $98,270 (2025)
Fargo, ND
$73,920 (2019) → $95,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Bismarck or Fargo?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov