Fargo vs Williston: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Fargo, ND and Williston, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fargo, ND | Williston, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,727▲ | $59,819 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.60▲ | $28.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,472▲ | $44,907 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,851▲ | $51,726 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,727 | $72,819▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,213 | $86,518▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Williston.
The salary gap between Fargo and Williston is $5,908 (9.88%). 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,Williston spans $41,611. Williston 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 11.24% more than Williston ($65,021 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 Williston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,518)
- ✓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 Williston over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$42,670 (2019) → $62,360 (2025)
Williston, ND
$50,917 (2024) → $56,754 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Fargo or Williston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and Williston?
Should I relocate from Fargo to Williston as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Fargo vs Williston?
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