Bismarck vs Minot: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Bismarck, ND and Minot, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Minot, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,427▲ | $84,764 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.07▲ | $40.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,684▲ | $68,441 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,085▲ | $69,494 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,850 | $87,902▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,174▲ | $100,350 |
| Total Employed | 2,400▲ | 620 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Minot.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Minot is $663 (0.78%). Bismarck's median is -16.84% 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,Minot spans $31,909. 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, Minot ($97,399 effective) pays 3.78% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,427/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,174)
- ✓Larger job market (2,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Minot if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,399)
- ✓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 2.8% growth in Minot over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$61,890 (2019) → $81,120 (2025)
Minot, ND
$78,310 (2024) → $80,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
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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