Legal Fargo, ND Pop. 125,990

Lawyer Salary in Fargo, North Dakota

The median lawyer salary in Fargo, ND is $127,596 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 4.4% above the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$127,596
vs State Avg
+$5,430
vs National
$-8,144
Cost of Living
94%

Lawyer Pay in Fargo: What to Expect (2026)

Fargo offers a median lawyer salary of $127,596, which is $5,430 above the North Dakota state average of $122,166. Compared to the national median of $135,740, 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 lawyers in Fargo spans from $61,100 at the 10th percentile to $224,848 at the 90th percentile — a $163,748 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,800, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $206,800. With a population of 125,990, Fargo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Lawyer Salary in Fargo by Experience

In Fargo, an entry-level lawyer earns around $65,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $206,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,720
$-8,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$206,800
$-13,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fargo, ND

Percentile Fargo
10th Percentile $61,100
25th Percentile $79,900
Median (50th) $127,596
75th Percentile $174,840
90th Percentile $224,848

Lawyer Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

How to Become a Lawyer in Fargo

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Fargo and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fargo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Fargo

Browse open lawyer positions in Fargo, ND:

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Fargo

How much does a Lawyer make in Fargo, ND? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Fargo, North Dakota is $127,596 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $61,100 (10th percentile) to $224,848 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Fargo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,596, a lawyer in Fargo earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Fargo's median lawyer salary of $127,596 is 4.4% above the North Dakota state average of $122,166. 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 lawyer salary of $127,596 in Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Fargo? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Fargo require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Litigation, Contract Law, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.