Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Fargo, ND: $119,700 (2026)

Machine Learning Engineer Pay in Fargo: What to Expect (2026)

Fargo offers a median machine learning engineer salary of $119,700, which is $5,320 above the North Dakota state average of $114,380. Compared to the national median of $133,000, 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 machine learning engineers in Fargo spans from $73,800 at the 10th percentile to $184,500 at the 90th percentile — a $110,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,200, while senior machine learning engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,800. With a population of 125,990, Fargo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Fargo by Experience

In Fargo, an entry-level machine learning engineer earns around $79,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$79,200

$-8,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$121,500

$-13,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$172,800

$-19,200 vs national

Percentile	Fargo	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$73,800	$70,520	$82,000
25th Percentile	$97,200	$92,880	$108,000
Median (50th)	$119,700	$114,380	$133,000
75th Percentile	$151,200	$144,480	$168,000
90th Percentile	$184,500	$176,300	$205,000

Percentile

Fargo

10th Percentile

$73,800

25th Percentile

$97,200

Median (50th)

$119,700

75th Percentile

$151,200

90th Percentile

$184,500

How to Become a Machine Learning Engineer in Fargo

Education

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

Key Skills

PythonTensorFlow/PyTorchMLOpsStatisticsDeep LearningData Engineering

Job Outlook

Nationally, machine learning engineer employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fargo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Fargo

How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make in Fargo, ND? ▼

The median machine learning engineer salary in Fargo, North Dakota is $119,700 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $133,000. Salaries range from $73,800 (10th percentile) to $184,500 (90th percentile).

How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make per hour in Fargo? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $119,700, a machine learning engineer in Fargo earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for machine learning engineer pay? ▼

Fargo's median machine learning engineer salary of $119,700 is 4.7% above the North Dakota state average of $114,380. 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 machine learning engineer salary of $119,700 in Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a machine learning engineer in Fargo? ▼

Most machine learning engineer positions in Fargo require a master's degree. Key skills include Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch, MLOps, Statistics. The job market is projected to grow 40% nationally over the next decade.

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Fargo, North Dakota