Physicist Salary in West Fargo, ND: $141,760 (2026)

Physicist Pay in West Fargo: What to Expect (2026)

West Fargo offers a median physicist salary of $141,760, which is $4,573 above the North Dakota state average of $137,187. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 physicists in West Fargo spans from $72,540 at the 10th percentile to $221,340 at the 90th percentile — a $148,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,260, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $204,600. West Fargo is a smaller market (pop. 38,626), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in West Fargo by Experience

In West Fargo, an entry-level physicist earns around $76,260, while experienced professionals earn up to $204,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$76,260

$-5,740 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$144,150

$-10,850 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$204,600

$-15,400 vs national

Percentile	West Fargo	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$72,540	$70,200	$78,000
25th Percentile	$100,440	$97,200	$108,000
Median (50th)	$141,760	$137,187	$152,430
75th Percentile	$181,350	$175,500	$195,000
90th Percentile	$221,340	$214,200	$238,000

Percentile

West Fargo

10th Percentile

$72,540

25th Percentile

$100,440

Median (50th)

$141,760

75th Percentile

$181,350

90th Percentile

$221,340

How to Become a Physicist in West Fargo

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. West 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 West Fargo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in West Fargo

How much does a Physicist make in West Fargo, ND? ▼

The median physicist salary in West Fargo, North Dakota is $141,760 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $72,540 (10th percentile) to $221,340 (90th percentile).

How much does a Physicist make per hour in West Fargo? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $141,760, a physicist in West Fargo earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does West Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for physicist pay? ▼

West Fargo's median physicist salary of $141,760 is 3.3% above the North Dakota state average of $137,187. 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 physicist salary of $141,760 in West Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in West Fargo? ▼

Most physicist positions in West 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.

Physicist Salary in West Fargo, North Dakota