Fargo vs Minot: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Fargo, ND and Minot, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fargo, ND | Minot, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,360▲ | $67,571 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.08▲ | $32.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,072▲ | $39,379 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,781▲ | $49,570 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,783 | $86,491▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,783 | $104,734▲ |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Minot.
The salary gap between Fargo and Minot is $15,789 (23.37%). Fargo's median is +11.46% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fargo spans $23,711,Minot spans $65,355. Minot has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced court reporters.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fargo ($91,734 effective) pays 24.90% more than Minot ($73,447 effective).
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 ($83,360/year)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,734)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Minot if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,734)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Fargo grew 33.9% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 34.1% growth in Minot over the same period.
Fargo, ND
$60,290 (2023) → $80,720 (2025)
Minot, ND
$48,789 (2024) → $65,431 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters more: Fargo or Minot?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fargo and Minot?
Should I relocate from Fargo to Minot as a court reporter?
What do entry-level court reporters earn in Fargo vs Minot?
Written by Maria Gomez, RPR
Career Analyst
Maria Gomez has 10 years of experience in court reporting. She specializes in transcription for civil litigation cases. She works in various courtrooms across the state.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.27% 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 Maria Gomez, RPR, a licensed court reporter with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov