School Counselor Salary in West Fargo, ND: $55,930 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in West Fargo: What to Expect (2026)

West Fargo offers a median school counselor salary of $55,930, which is $1,804 above the North Dakota state average of $54,126. Compared to the national median of $60,140, 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 school counselors in West Fargo spans from $35,526 at the 10th percentile to $88,164 at the 90th percentile — a $52,638 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,200, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,050. West Fargo is a smaller market (pop. 38,626), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in West Fargo by Experience

In West Fargo, an entry-level school counselor earns around $37,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$37,200

$-2,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,800

$-4,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$79,050

$-5,950 vs national

Percentile	West Fargo	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$35,526	$34,380	$38,200
25th Percentile	$43,710	$42,300	$47,000
Median (50th)	$55,930	$54,126	$60,140
75th Percentile	$70,866	$68,580	$76,200
90th Percentile	$88,164	$85,320	$94,800

Percentile

West Fargo

10th Percentile

$35,526

25th Percentile

$43,710

Median (50th)

$55,930

75th Percentile

$70,866

90th Percentile

$88,164

How to Become a School Counselor in West Fargo

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. West Fargo and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in West Fargo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in West Fargo

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

The median school counselor salary in West Fargo, North Dakota is $55,930 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $35,526 (10th percentile) to $88,164 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $55,930, a school counselor in West Fargo earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

West Fargo's median school counselor salary of $55,930 is 3.3% above the North Dakota state average of $54,126. 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 school counselor salary of $55,930 in West Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most school counselor positions in West Fargo require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

School Counselor Salary in West Fargo, North Dakota