Dickinson vs Grand Forks: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner 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 | $123,120 | $135,509▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.19 | $65.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,114 | $107,722▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,349▲ | $107,722 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,090▲ | $135,509 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,253 | $166,254▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dickinson.
The salary gap between Dickinson and Grand Forks is $12,389 (10.06%). Grand Forks's median is -0.99% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dickinson spans $68,139,Grand Forks spans $58,532. 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 ($156,363 effective) pays 16.84% more than Dickinson ($133,826 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dickinson if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,509/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,254)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,363)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Dickinson grew 5.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Dickinson, ND
$112,447 (2024) → $119,014 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$120,920 (2021) → $130,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dickinson, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners 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 nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Dickinson vs Grand Forks?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov