Vet Tech salary

Fargo vs Minot: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Fargo, ND and Minot, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Fargo, ND
$52,022
$25.01/hr
Minot, ND
$45,162
$21.71/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFargo, NDMinot, ND
Median Salary$52,022$45,162
Hourly Rate$25.01$21.71
Entry Level (P10)$40,438$34,325
25th Percentile$44,500$36,749
75th Percentile$58,057$53,999
Top Earner (P90)$60,578$57,894
Total Employed16012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fargo ($52,022) and Minot ($45,162) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.FargoMinotMedian Salary$52,022$45,162Entry Level (P10)$40,438$34,325Top Earner (P90)$60,578$57,894US Median $49,986

Verdict

Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Minot.

The salary gap between Fargo and Minot is $6,860 (15.19%). Fargo's median is +4.07% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $20,140,Minot spans $23,569. Minot has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Fargo
P10 (Entry)$40,438
P25$44,500
Median$52,022
P75$58,057
P90 (Top)$60,578
Minot
P10 (Entry)$34,325
P25$36,749
Median$45,162
P75$53,999
P90 (Top)$57,894

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Fargo ($57,248 effective) pays 16.62% more than Minot ($49,089 effective).

Fargo
Nominal: $52,022
CoL Index: 90.871
Adjusted: $57,248
Minot
Nominal: $45,162
CoL Index: 92
Adjusted: $49,089

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 ($52,022/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($60,578)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,248)
  • You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle

Choose Minot if…

  • You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Fargo grew 53.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.7% growth in Minot over the same period.

Fargo, ND

+53.7%

$32,090 (2019) → $49,310 (2025)

Minot, ND

+24.7%

$34,333 (2024) → $42,808 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Fargo or Minot?

Fargo has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $52,022/year, compared to Minot at $45,162/year — a difference of $6,860 (15.19%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and Minot?

Fargo veterinary technologist and technicians earn $25.01/hr while Minot hygienists earn $21.71/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Fargo to Minot as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fargo and Minot. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fargo = $57,248, Minot = $49,089), job availability (160 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Fargo vs Minot?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $40,438 in Fargo and $34,325 in Minot. The Fargo area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov