Bismarck vs Dickinson: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Bismarck, ND and Dickinson, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Dickinson, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,427 | $92,414▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.07 | $44.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,684▲ | $64,995 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,085 | $74,912▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,850 | $102,174▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,174 | $129,933▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,400▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Dickinson, ND offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bismarck.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Dickinson is $6,987 (8.18%). Dickinson's median is -10.04% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $37,490,Dickinson spans $64,938. Dickinson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dickinson ($100,450 effective) pays 7.03% more than Bismarck ($93,851 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bismarck if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Dickinson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,414/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,933)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,450)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Bismarck grew 31.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in Dickinson over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$61,890 (2019) → $81,120 (2025)
Dickinson, ND
$66,569 (2024) → $87,754 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Dickinson, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Bismarck or Dickinson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Dickinson?
Should I relocate from Bismarck to Dickinson as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Bismarck vs Dickinson?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov