Fargo vs Grand Forks: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Fargo, ND and Grand Forks, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fargo, ND | Grand Forks, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,784▲ | $66,035 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.47▲ | $31.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,915 | $49,500▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,197▲ | $60,824 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,937 | $126,050▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $188,707▲ | $159,016 |
| Total Employed | 610▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for insurance agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Forks.
The salary gap between Fargo and Grand Forks is $7,749 (11.73%). Fargo's median is +14.35% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $140,792,Grand Forks spans $109,516. 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, Fargo ($81,196 effective) pays 6.56% more than Grand Forks ($76,197 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 ($73,784/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($188,707)
- ✓Larger job market (610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,196)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Fargo grew 12.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$63,580 (2019) → $71,220 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$51,410 (2019) → $63,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Fargo or Grand Forks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and Grand Forks?
Should I relocate from Fargo to Grand Forks as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Fargo vs Grand Forks?
Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% 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, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov