Bismarck vs Grand Forks: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bismarck, ND and Grand Forks, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Grand Forks, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,206▲ | $63,948 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.35▲ | $30.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,309▲ | $53,495 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,930▲ | $59,488 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,202▲ | $67,606 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,951▲ | $78,852 |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 300 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Forks.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Grand Forks is $1,258 (1.97%). Bismarck's median is -4.21% 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,Grand Forks spans $25,357. 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, Grand Forks ($73,789 effective) pays 3.01% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,206/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,951)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,789)
- ✓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 32.4% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$48,470 (2019) → $61,690 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$45,710 (2019) → $60,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bismarck or Grand Forks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Grand Forks?
Should I relocate from Bismarck to Grand Forks as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bismarck vs Grand Forks?
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