Dickinson vs Grand Forks: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Dickinson, ND and Grand Forks, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dickinson, ND | Grand Forks, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,235 | $63,948▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.44 | $30.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,211 | $53,495▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,401 | $59,488▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,444▲ | $67,606 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,349▲ | $78,852 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dickinson.
The salary gap between Dickinson and Grand Forks is $2,713 (4.43%). Grand Forks's median is -6.06% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dickinson spans $32,138,Grand Forks spans $25,357. Dickinson 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 10.86% more than Dickinson ($66,560 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dickinson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,349)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,948/year)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓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 Dickinson grew 19.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Dickinson, ND
$48,577 (2024) → $57,933 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$45,710 (2019) → $60,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dickinson, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Dickinson or Grand Forks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dickinson and Grand Forks?
Should I relocate from Dickinson to Grand Forks as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Dickinson 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