Dickinson vs Fargo: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Dickinson, ND and Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dickinson, ND | Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,477 | $113,797▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.07 | $54.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,741 | $74,359▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,017▲ | $81,915 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,229▲ | $132,330 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,078▲ | $142,840 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dickinson.
The salary gap between Dickinson and Fargo is $1,320 (1.17%). Fargo's median is -8.99% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dickinson spans $100,337,Fargo spans $68,481. Dickinson 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, Fargo ($125,229 effective) pays 2.43% more than Dickinson ($122,258 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dickinson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,078)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,797/year)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,229)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Dickinson grew 18.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Fargo over the same period.
Dickinson, ND
$91,757 (2024) → $108,516 (2025)
Fargo, ND
$90,100 (2019) → $109,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dickinson, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Dickinson or Fargo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dickinson and Fargo?
Should I relocate from Dickinson to Fargo as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Dickinson vs Fargo?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov