Science & Research Fargo, ND Pop. 125,990

Environmental Scientist Salary in Fargo, North Dakota

The median environmental scientist salary in Fargo, ND is $71,938 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 4.4% above the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$71,938
vs State Avg
+$3,061
vs National
$-4,592
Cost of Living
94%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Fargo: What to Expect (2026)

Fargo offers a median environmental scientist salary of $71,938, which is $3,061 above the North Dakota state average of $68,877. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Fargo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Fargo's cost of living is 94% 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 environmental scientists in Fargo spans from $45,120 at the 10th percentile to $118,440 at the 90th percentile — a $73,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,800. With a population of 125,990, Fargo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Fargo by Experience

In Fargo, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $47,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,000
$-3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,320
$-4,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,800
$-7,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fargo, ND

Percentile Fargo
10th Percentile $45,120
25th Percentile $55,460
Median (50th) $71,938
75th Percentile $93,060
90th Percentile $118,440

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

West Fargo, ND
$71,173
Pop. 38,626
Minot, ND
$70,408
Pop. 48,639
Bismarck, ND
$68,877
Pop. 73,529
Grand Forks, ND
$67,346
Pop. 56,588

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Fargo

Education

Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Fargo and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Fargo

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Fargo, ND:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Fargo

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Fargo, ND? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Fargo, North Dakota is $71,938 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $45,120 (10th percentile) to $118,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Fargo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,938, a environmental scientist in Fargo earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Fargo's median environmental scientist salary of $71,938 is 4.4% above the North Dakota state average of $68,877. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fargo, ND? ▼
Fargo has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $71,938 in Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Fargo? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Fargo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.