Accountant Salary in Fargo, ND: $78,415 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Fargo, ND earns a median $78,415/year (≈ $37.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Fargo's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $86,293 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the North Dakota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fargo, North Dakota, the accountant salary for 2026 is projected to reach a median of $78,415, positioning the city slightly below the national median of $85,864 for that year. The salary range indicates a significant disparity, with entry-level positions starting around $50,884 and experienced accountants earning up to $129,289. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the wage landscape for this profession in Fargo. With a strong supporting market for accountants, including a diverse array of local firms, qualified candidates can expect varied opportunities that often enhance their earning potential through licensure and experience.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,884 | $24.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,300 | $30.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,415 | $37.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,958 | $48.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,289 | $62.16 |
Median Salary Position
8.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fargo
In Fargo, ND, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,405 (2026 est.). At $78,415, the local median is 8.68% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fargo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fargo Accountant Pay Compares
Fargo median: $78,415/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fargo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $78,967 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -8.68% less |
Accountants in Fargo, ND earn a median of $78,415 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.68% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 0.70% below the North Dakota state average of $78,967.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fargo has a cost of living 9.13% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fargo, ND has a cost-of-living index of 90.871 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $78,415 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $86,293 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,340
2025 BLS Actual
$76,420
2026 Current Est.
$78,415
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,550 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,415 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,461 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fargo metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 22.6% from $62,340 (2019) to $76,420 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,461 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,121 (29.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fargo metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,884 – $63,300 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,300 – $78,415 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,415 – $100,958 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,958 – $129,289 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Fargo
Fargo's job market currently employs approximately 1,580 accountants, demonstrating a robust demand in the region. The cost-of-living index stands at 90.871, suggesting that accountants in Fargo enjoy a favorable purchasing power relative to the national average. Among local employers, Big 4 firms like Deloitte and PwC typically offer the highest compensation, attracting candidates looking to optimize their career trajectories. The varying pay levels in this market are driven by several factors, including the transition from public to industry roles, specialization in areas like tax and forensic accounting, and the premium associated with CPA licensure. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications and exploring opportunities in public firms during busy seasons can lead to substantial financial rewards, especially as accountants prepare for the transition into senior roles.
More salary data for Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $76,420 for accountantsin the Fargo metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov