Licensed Practical Nurse.
Fargo.
$42,000
median salary, 18% below the national average
$35,000 to $52,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Here is what Licensed Practical Nurses actually make in Fargo: $35,000 at the 25th percentile, $42,000 at the median, and $52,000 at the 75th. That is 18% 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 $38,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$27,000
to $34,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$36,000
to $44,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$46,000
to $55,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$53,000
to $65,000
Salary trend
+5% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $11,000 to the total package.
Base
$42,000
Equity
$6,000
Bonus
$4,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $53,000
How Fargo compares
Fargo, ND
$42,000
Cost of living: 15% below average
National Average
$51,000
Fargo is $9,000 below
Licensed Practical Nurse salary by city
Salary by role in Fargo
What you should know
Before you negotiate a Licensed Practical Nurse 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. Work setting creates the widest pay gap, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies paying above physician offices. States with nurse licensure compacts offer more flexibility and often higher pay for travel assignments. Shift differentials for evenings and weekends and IV therapy certification also contribute to higher earnings.
New LPNs start at $40,000 to $45,000 in most settings. With five years of experience and specialty skills, pay reaches $52,000 to $60,000. Charge LPNs or unit supervisors can earn $62,000 to $72,000, and many LPNs use the role as a bridge to RN licensure. 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. LPNs receive standard healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and retirement contributions. Overtime is common and can add $5,000 to $10,000 annually. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses of $2,000 to $5,000 in high-demand areas. 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 $42,000, 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 Licensed Practical Nurses in Fargo runs from $35,000 to $52,000. 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 Automotive Technician in Fargo earns $43,000 (2% more)
- The highest-paying role in Fargo is Chief AI Officer at $274,000
Common questions.
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Other salaries in Fargo
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