Fargo vs Williston: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Fargo, ND and Williston, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fargo, ND | Williston, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,076▲ | $105,269 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.84▲ | $50.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,165 | $67,501▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,135▲ | $80,922 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,018▲ | $134,744 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,818▲ | $163,167 |
| Total Employed | 31▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Williston.
The salary gap between Fargo and Williston is $8,807 (8.37%). Fargo's median is -14.97% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $110,653,Williston spans $95,666. Fargo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fargo ($123,996 effective) pays 8.37% more than Williston ($114,423 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,076/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,818)
- ✓Larger job market (31 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,996)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Williston if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Fargo grew 5.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.6% growth in Williston over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$104,645 (2024) → $110,539 (2025)
Williston, ND
$96,566 (2024) → $102,005 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Fargo or Williston?
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Should I relocate from Fargo to Williston as a actuary?
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Written by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in life insurance. She specializes in risk assessment and pricing strategies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% 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 Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov