Bismarck vs Grand Forks: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Bismarck, ND and Grand Forks, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Grand Forks, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,833▲ | $79,334 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.38▲ | $38.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,975▲ | $63,715 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,089▲ | $63,715 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,728▲ | $85,345 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,066▲ | $105,560 |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Forks.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Grand Forks is $499 (0.63%). Bismarck's median is -21.56% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $44,091,Grand Forks spans $41,845. 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, Grand Forks ($91,543 effective) pays 4.38% more than Bismarck ($87,705 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 ($79,833/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,066)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,543)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Bismarck grew 12.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.2% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$67,970 (2019) → $76,770 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$62,960 (2019) → $76,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Bismarck or Grand Forks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Grand Forks?
Should I relocate from Bismarck to Grand Forks as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Bismarck vs Grand Forks?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov