Fargo vs Minot: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Fargo, ND and Minot, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fargo, ND | Minot, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,851 | $96,810▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.72 | $46.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,786 | $69,288▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,135▲ | $77,482 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,052 | $121,169▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,909 | $147,113▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Minot, ND offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fargo.
The salary gap between Fargo and Minot is $7,959 (8.96%). Minot's median is -9.65% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $74,123,Minot spans $77,825. Minot has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Minot ($105,228 effective) pays 7.62% more than Fargo ($97,777 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Minot if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,810/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,113)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,228)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Fargo grew 18.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Minot over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$72,710 (2019) → $86,330 (2025)
Minot, ND
$83,122 (2024) → $94,063 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Fargo or Minot?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and Minot?
Should I relocate from Fargo to Minot as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Fargo vs Minot?
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov