Fargo vs West Fargo: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Fargo, ND and West Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fargo, ND | West Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,727▲ | $61,609 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.60▲ | $29.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,472▲ | $44,097 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,851▲ | $51,731 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,727 | $73,432▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,213 | $92,588▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Fargo.
The salary gap between Fargo and West Fargo is $4,118 (6.68%). Fargo's median is -3.54% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $19,741,West Fargo spans $48,491. West Fargo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fargo ($72,330 effective) pays 8.01% more than West Fargo ($66,966 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,727/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,330)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose West Fargo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,588)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Fargo grew 46.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.5% growth in West Fargo over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$42,670 (2019) → $62,360 (2025)
West Fargo, ND
$52,440 (2024) → $58,453 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
West Fargo, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Fargo or West Fargo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and West Fargo?
Should I relocate from Fargo to West Fargo as a surgical technologist?
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Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov