Bismarck vs West Fargo: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Bismarck, ND and West Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | West Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,608▲ | $58,405 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.62▲ | $28.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,783▲ | $44,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,315▲ | $52,373 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,351▲ | $71,896 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,108 | $90,528▲ |
| Total Employed | 640▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Fargo.
The salary gap between Bismarck and West Fargo is $3,203 (5.48%). Bismarck's median is -4.63% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $27,325,West Fargo spans $46,368. West Fargo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bismarck ($67,683 effective) pays 6.62% more than West Fargo ($63,484 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bismarck if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,608/year)
- ✓Larger job market (640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,683)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose West Fargo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,528)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Bismarck grew 10.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.3% growth in West Fargo over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$55,420 (2019) → $61,010 (2025)
West Fargo, ND
$52,440 (2024) → $57,838 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
West Fargo, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Bismarck or West Fargo?
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov