Bismarck vs Fargo: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bismarck, ND and Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,206 | $65,851▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.35 | $31.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,309▲ | $53,125 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,930▲ | $55,408 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,202▲ | $66,855 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,951▲ | $76,633 |
| Total Employed | 310 | 770▲ |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bismarck.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Fargo is $645 (0.99%). Fargo's median is -3.26% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $25,642,Fargo spans $23,508. Bismarck has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fargo ($72,466 effective) pays 1.16% more than Bismarck ($71,636 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bismarck if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,951)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,851/year)
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,466)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bismarck grew 27.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.2% growth in Fargo over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$48,470 (2019) → $61,690 (2025)
Fargo, ND
$44,740 (2019) → $62,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bismarck or Fargo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Fargo?
Should I relocate from Bismarck to Fargo as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bismarck vs Fargo?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov