Science & Research Fargo, ND Pop. 125,990

Physicist Salary in Fargo, North Dakota

The median physicist salary in Fargo, ND is $143,284 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 4.4% above the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$143,284
vs State Avg
+$6,097
vs National
$-9,146
Cost of Living
94%

Physicist Pay in Fargo: What to Expect (2026)

Fargo offers a median physicist salary of $143,284, which is $6,097 above the North Dakota state average of $137,187. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 physicists in Fargo spans from $73,320 at the 10th percentile to $223,720 at the 90th percentile — a $150,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,080, while senior physicists 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.

Physicist Salary in Fargo by Experience

In Fargo, an entry-level physicist earns around $77,080, 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)
$77,080
$-4,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$145,700
$-9,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$206,800
$-13,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fargo, ND

Percentile Fargo
10th Percentile $73,320
25th Percentile $101,520
Median (50th) $143,284
75th Percentile $183,300
90th Percentile $223,720

Physicist Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Fargo

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist 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 Physicist Jobs in Fargo

Browse open physicist positions in Fargo, ND:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Fargo

How much does a Physicist make in Fargo, ND? ▼
The median physicist salary in Fargo, North Dakota is $143,284 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $73,320 (10th percentile) to $223,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Fargo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $143,284, a physicist in Fargo earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for physicist pay? ▼
Fargo's median physicist salary of $143,284 is 4.4% above the North Dakota state average of $137,187. 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 physicist salary of $143,284 in Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Fargo? ▼
Most physicist positions in Fargo require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.