Administrative Assistant.
Fargo.
$35,000
median salary, 17% below the national average
$29,000 to $45,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Fargo is 15% cheaper than the national average. For Administrative Assistants, that shakes out to a median of $35,000, with the full range spanning $29,000 to $45,000. Industry and executive level supported are the strongest pay determinants. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $31,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$23,000
to $28,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$30,000
to $37,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$39,000
to $46,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$44,000
to $54,000
Salary trend
+6% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $10,000 to the total package.
Base
$35,000
Equity
$6,000
Bonus
$3,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $45,000
How Fargo compares
Fargo, ND
$35,000
Cost of living: 15% below average
National Average
$42,000
Fargo is $7,000 below
Administrative Assistant salary by city
Salary by role in Fargo
What you should know
Here is what the Administrative Assistant market actually looks like in Fargo. Fargo has a surprisingly strong technology sector, home to companies like Microsoft's campus and a growing startup ecosystem tied to North Dakota State University. The city's extremely low cost of living and emerging tech scene make it an increasingly attractive option for professionals seeking affordability. Industry and executive level supported are the strongest pay determinants. Administrative assistants in legal, finance, and tech earn 15 to 25% more than those in education or nonprofit sectors. Proficiency with advanced tools like SAP, Concur, or project management software further boosts earning potential.
Entry-level administrative assistants earn $30,000 to $36,000. Experienced administrative assistants reach $40,000 to $50,000. Senior administrative assistants earn $48,000 to $58,000. The path upward leads to office manager ($52,000 to $70,000) or executive assistant ($60,000 to $92,000) roles. In Fargo, your dollars stretch further. Cost of living runs 15% below the national average, which means even a median salary buys a stronger lifestyle.
Base salary is not the full picture. Bonuses are modest, typically $1,000 to $3,000 annually. Benefits packages often carry significant value, especially at large corporations, including health insurance, retirement matching, and generous PTO. Overtime pay can add 10 to 15% to annual earnings. And on the tax side: north Dakota has a very low income tax with a top rate of just 2.5%. Fargo has no city income tax. The minimal tax burden combined with low living costs creates excellent take home pay. When someone quotes you $35,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Highlight willingness to work on site. Fargo tech employers struggle to recruit talent to the region and reward candidates who commit to living locally. The range for Administrative Assistants in Fargo runs from $29,000 to $45,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Customer Service Representative in Fargo earns $36,000 (3% more)
- The highest-paying role in Fargo is Chief AI Officer at $274,000
Common questions.
Administrative Assistant salary in other cities
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