Grand Forks vs West Fargo: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Grand Forks, ND and West Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Forks, ND | West Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,334 | $92,019▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.14 | $44.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,715▲ | $59,420 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,715 | $72,433▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,345 | $103,973▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,560 | $126,803▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 10 |
Verdict
West Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Forks.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and West Fargo is $12,685 (15.99%). West Fargo's median is -9.59% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Forks spans $41,845,West Fargo spans $67,383. West Fargo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, West Fargo ($100,021 effective) pays 9.26% more than Grand Forks ($91,543 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose West Fargo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,019/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,803)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,021)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Grand Forks grew 21.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in West Fargo over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$62,960 (2019) → $76,290 (2025)
West Fargo, ND
$72,332 (2024) → $88,488 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
West Fargo, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Grand Forks or West Fargo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Forks and West Fargo?
Should I relocate from Grand Forks to West Fargo as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Grand Forks vs West Fargo?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov