How does a Graphic Designer's salary in Fargo compare to the rest of North Dakota?

Fargo's cost of living index is 93 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Graphic Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $55,772 earns $11,428 less than the median household income in Fargo ($67,200).

Graphic Designer Salary in Fargo, ND — 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.

Graphic Designer Salary in Fargo — Key Numbers

$55,772

Median Salary

$40,799

25th Percentile

$75,944

75th Percentile

$99,668

90th Percentile

National median (Graphic Designer)$59,970

vs. National median-7.0%

Fargo median household income$67,200

vs. City household income-17.0%

Cost of Living in Fargo

Cost of Living Index

93(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,073/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio23.1%

Annual rent cost$12,876

Median Home Price$290,000

Home Price / Salary5.2×

20% Down Payment$58,000

Years to save (20% rate)5.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× 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.

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Graphic Designer Salary in North Dakota

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Fargo

Physician$213,249 Chief Executive Officer$195,300 Dentist$163,224 IT Manager$157,644 Marketing Manager$146,587 Lawyer$135,557

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Fargo, ND?

The estimated median salary for a Graphic Designer in Fargo is $55,772 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $59,970 adjusted by Fargo's cost of living index (93). The typical salary range runs from $40,799 (25th percentile) to $75,944 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $99,668.

Is Fargo affordable for a Graphic Designer?

On a $55,772 annual salary, a Graphic Designer in Fargo would spend approximately 23.1% 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 5.2× the annual salary.

How does a Graphic Designer's salary compare to Fargo's overall income?

Fargo's median household income is $67,200. A Graphic Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $55,772 earns 17.0% less than the typical Fargo household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Fargo has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Explore More Salary Data

Graphic Designer — National Graphic Designer in North Dakota All Salary Guides

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.