Economist Salary in West Fargo, ND: $105,964 (2026)

Economist Pay in West Fargo: What to Expect (2026)

West Fargo offers a median economist salary of $105,964, which is $3,418 above the North Dakota state average of $102,546. Compared to the national median of $113,940, West Fargo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

West Fargo's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for economists in West Fargo spans from $57,660 at the 10th percentile to $184,140 at the 90th percentile — a $126,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,450, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,050. West Fargo is a smaller market (pop. 38,626), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in West Fargo by Experience

In West Fargo, an entry-level economist earns around $60,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$60,450

$-4,550 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$106,950

$-8,050 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$172,050

$-12,950 vs national

Percentile	West Fargo	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$57,660	$55,800	$62,000
25th Percentile	$76,260	$73,800	$82,000
Median (50th)	$105,964	$102,546	$113,940
75th Percentile	$144,150	$139,500	$155,000
90th Percentile	$184,140	$178,200	$198,000

Percentile

West Fargo

10th Percentile

$57,660

25th Percentile

$76,260

Median (50th)

$105,964

75th Percentile

$144,150

90th Percentile

$184,140

How to Become a Economist in West Fargo

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. West Fargo and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in West Fargo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in West Fargo

How much does a Economist make in West Fargo, ND? ▼

The median economist salary in West Fargo, North Dakota is $105,964 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $57,660 (10th percentile) to $184,140 (90th percentile).

How much does a Economist make per hour in West Fargo? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $105,964, a economist in West Fargo earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does West Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for economist pay? ▼

West Fargo's median economist salary of $105,964 is 3.3% above the North Dakota state average of $102,546. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in West Fargo, ND? ▼

West Fargo has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $105,964 in West Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a economist in West Fargo? ▼

Most economist positions in West Fargo require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Economist Salary in West Fargo, North Dakota