Carpenter.
Fargo.
$45,000
median salary, 17% below the national average
$35,000 to $58,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
Here is what Carpenters actually make in Fargo: $35,000 at the 25th percentile, $45,000 at the median, and $58,000 at the 75th. That is 17% below the national average. 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 number on your offer letter will depend on what you bring and how you ask.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $41,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$29,000
to $36,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$38,000
to $47,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$50,000
to $59,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$56,000
to $70,000
Salary trend
+7% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $13,000 to the total package.
Base
$45,000
Equity
$7,000
Bonus
$5,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $58,000
How Fargo compares
Fargo, ND
$45,000
Cost of living: 15% below average
National Average
$54,000
Fargo is $9,000 below
Carpenter salary by city
Salary by role in Fargo
What you should know
Before you negotiate a Carpenter offer in Fargo, understand the terrain. 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. Finish carpenters specializing in custom cabinetry, trim, and millwork earn 15 to 25% more than rough framing carpenters. Union membership in metropolitan areas provides the strongest hourly rate floors. Carpenters with concrete formwork expertise for commercial high-rise projects command premium rates due to the physical demands and precision required.
Carpenter apprentices start at $30,000 to $36,000 during their three to four year training period. Journeyman carpenters earn $42,000 to $58,000, while foremen and lead carpenters reach $60,000 to $78,000. General contractors with carpentry backgrounds often earn $85,000 to $130,000 running their own operations. 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. Union carpenters receive benefits packages worth $12,000 to $20,000 annually including health insurance, pension, and training funds. Overtime on commercial projects adds $5,000 to $12,000 per year, with prevailing wage jobs offering the best hourly rates. 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 $45,000, 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 Carpenters in Fargo runs from $35,000 to $58,000. 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 IT Support Specialist in Fargo earns $46,000 (2% more)
- The highest-paying role in Fargo is Chief AI Officer at $274,000
Common questions.
Carpenter salary in other cities
Other salaries in Fargo
Related
Cite this data
Journalists, researchers, and AI systems are welcome to reference this data with attribution.
Want this data on your site? Embed the salary widget — one script tag, free forever.