Science & Research West Fargo, ND Pop. 38,626

Environmental Scientist Salary in West Fargo, North Dakota

The median environmental scientist salary in West Fargo, ND is $71,173 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$71,173
vs State Avg
+$2,296
vs National
$-5,357
Cost of Living
93%

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

West Fargo offers a median environmental scientist salary of $71,173, which is $2,296 above the North Dakota state average of $68,877. Compared to the national median of $76,530, 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 environmental scientists in West Fargo spans from $44,640 at the 10th percentile to $117,180 at the 90th percentile — a $72,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,500, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $111,600. West Fargo is a smaller market (pop. 38,626), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in West Fargo by Experience

In West Fargo, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $46,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,540
$-5,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$111,600
$-8,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in West Fargo, ND

Percentile West Fargo
10th Percentile $44,640
25th Percentile $54,870
Median (50th) $71,173
75th Percentile $92,070
90th Percentile $117,180

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in West Fargo

Education

Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. West 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 West Fargo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in West Fargo

Browse open environmental scientist positions in West Fargo, ND:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in West Fargo

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in West Fargo, ND? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in West Fargo, North Dakota is $71,173 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $44,640 (10th percentile) to $117,180 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in West Fargo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,173, a environmental scientist in West Fargo earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does West Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
West Fargo's median environmental scientist salary of $71,173 is 3.3% above the North Dakota state average of $68,877. 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 environmental scientist salary of $71,173 in West 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 West Fargo? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in West 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.