Fargo vs Minot: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Fargo, ND and Minot, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fargo, ND | Minot, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,800 | $61,951▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.23 | $29.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,774 | $49,420▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,986 | $50,793▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,795 | $82,117▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,662▲ | $82,117 |
| Total Employed | 1,380▲ | 400 |
Verdict
Fargo and Minot are closely matched on overall elementary school teacher compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fargo and Minot is $1,151 (1.89%). Minot's median is -4.10% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $36,888,Minot spans $32,697. Fargo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Minot ($71,185 effective) pays 6.39% more than Fargo ($66,908 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,662)
- ✓Larger job market (1,380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Minot if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,951/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,185)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Fargo grew 0.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.1% growth in Minot over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$59,900 (2019) → $60,210 (2025)
Minot, ND
$59,480 (2024) → $61,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Fargo or Minot?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and Minot?
Should I relocate from Fargo to Minot as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Fargo vs Minot?
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