Fargo vs Minot: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist 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 | $67,608 | $71,720▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.50 | $34.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,166▲ | $46,292 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,558▲ | $58,681 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,253▲ | $82,406 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,946 | $93,616▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Minot, ND offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fargo.
The salary gap between Fargo and Minot is $4,112 (6.08%). Minot's median is -9.65% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $32,780,Minot spans $47,324. Minot has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Minot ($77,957 effective) pays 4.78% more than Fargo ($74,400 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 (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Minot if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,720/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,616)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,957)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Fargo grew 25.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Minot over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$52,060 (2019) → $65,070 (2025)
Minot, ND
$57,824 (2024) → $69,028 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Fargo or Minot?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and Minot?
Should I relocate from Fargo to Minot as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Fargo vs Minot?
Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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 Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov