Trades & Labor Fargo, ND Pop. 125,990

Machinist Salary in Fargo, North Dakota

The median machinist salary in Fargo, ND is $48,381 per year, which is 1% below the national median and 4.2% above the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$48,381
vs State Avg
+$1,954
vs National
$-489
Cost of Living
94%

Machinist Pay in Fargo: What to Expect (2026)

Fargo offers a median machinist salary of $48,381, which is $1,954 above the North Dakota state average of $46,427. Compared to the national median of $48,870, 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 machinists in Fargo spans from $31,680 at the 10th percentile to $73,260 at the 90th percentile — a $41,580 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,660, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,280. With a population of 125,990, Fargo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Machinist Salary in Fargo by Experience

In Fargo, an entry-level machinist earns around $33,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,660
$-340 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,500
$-500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,280
$-720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fargo, ND

Percentile Fargo
10th Percentile $31,680
25th Percentile $38,610
Median (50th) $48,381
75th Percentile $60,390
90th Percentile $73,260

Machinist Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

How to Become a Machinist in Fargo

Education

Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. Fargo and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook

Nationally, machinist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fargo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Machinist Jobs in Fargo

Browse open machinist positions in Fargo, ND:

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Fargo

How much does a Machinist make in Fargo, ND? ▼
The median machinist salary in Fargo, North Dakota is $48,381 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $31,680 (10th percentile) to $73,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Fargo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,381, a machinist in Fargo earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for machinist pay? ▼
Fargo's median machinist salary of $48,381 is 4.2% above the North Dakota state average of $46,427. 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 machinist salary of $48,381 in Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Fargo? ▼
Most machinist positions in Fargo require a high school diploma. Key skills include CNC Programming, Blueprint Reading, Precision Measurement, Metalworking. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.