Fargo vs Williston: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $88,559 | $90,373▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.57 | $43.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,003▲ | $72,755 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,426▲ | $78,693 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,644 | $98,644 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,141 | $111,902▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Williston, ND offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fargo.
The salary gap between Fargo and Williston is $1,814 (2.05%). Williston's median is -12.21% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $20,138,Williston spans $39,147. Williston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Williston ($98,232 effective) pays 0.80% more than Fargo ($97,456 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 (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Williston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,373/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,902)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,232)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Fargo grew 23.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Williston over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$68,100 (2020) → $84,390 (2025)
Williston, ND
$69,948 (2020) → $86,119 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Fargo or Williston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and Williston?
Should I relocate from Fargo to Williston as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Fargo vs Williston?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov