Fargo vs West Fargo: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Fargo, ND and West Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fargo, ND | West Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,286▲ | $62,999 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.87▲ | $30.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,596 | $44,293▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,574▲ | $54,746 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,293▲ | $69,943 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,768▲ | $83,038 |
| Total Employed | 31▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Fargo.
The salary gap between Fargo and West Fargo is $3,287 (5.22%). Fargo's median is -5.64% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $43,172,West Fargo spans $38,745. 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 ($72,050 effective) pays 5.22% more than West Fargo ($68,477 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 ($66,286/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,768)
- ✓Larger job market (31 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,050)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose West Fargo if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Fargo grew 33.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.4% growth in West Fargo over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$48,240 (2019) → $64,524 (2025)
West Fargo, ND
$56,057 (2024) → $61,325 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
West Fargo, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Fargo or West Fargo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and West Fargo?
Should I relocate from Fargo to West Fargo as a physical therapist assistant?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov