Grand Forks vs Williston: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Grand Forks, ND and Williston, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Forks, ND | Williston, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,948▲ | $59,757 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.75▲ | $28.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,495▲ | $48,666 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,488▲ | $55,933 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,606 | $69,627▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,852▲ | $74,616 |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Williston.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and Williston is $4,191 (7.01%). 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 Grand Forks spans $25,357,Williston spans $25,950. Williston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Forks ($73,789 effective) pays 13.60% more than Williston ($64,953 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,948/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,852)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,789)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Williston if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Grand Forks grew 32.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in Williston over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$45,710 (2019) → $60,500 (2025)
Williston, ND
$47,405 (2024) → $56,535 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Grand Forks or Williston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Forks and Williston?
Should I relocate from Grand Forks to Williston as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Grand Forks vs Williston?
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