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Data Scientist Salary in Fargo, ND β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Fargo's cost of living (index: 93). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Data Scientist Salary in Fargo β€” Key Numbers

$104,709
Median Salary
$76,781
25th Percentile
$140,002
75th Percentile
$177,193
90th Percentile
National median (Data Scientist)$112,590
vs. National median-7.0%
Fargo median household income$67,200
vs. City household income+55.8%

Cost of Living in Fargo

Cost of Living Index
93(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,073/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio12.3%
Annual rent cost$12,876
Median Home Price$290,000
Home Price / Salary2.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$58,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Fargo

2.5%
Unemployment Rate
260,000
Metro Population
17 min
Avg Commute
30.9
Median Age

Fargo has a metro population of 260,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 2.5% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Data Scientist make in Fargo, ND?

The estimated median salary for a Data Scientist in Fargo is $104,709 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $112,590 adjusted by Fargo's cost of living index (93). The typical salary range runs from $76,781 (25th percentile) to $140,002 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $177,193.

Is Fargo affordable for a Data Scientist?

On a $104,709 annual salary, a Data Scientist in Fargo would spend approximately 12.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,073/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Fargo relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $290,000 is 2.8Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Data Scientist's salary compare to Fargo's overall income?

Fargo's median household income is $67,200. A Data Scientist earning the city-adjusted median of $104,709 earns 55.8% more than the typical Fargo household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.