Bismarck vs Fargo: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Bismarck, ND and Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $225,703 | $254,184▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $108.51 | $122.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $156,153 | $198,733▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $201,735 | $254,184▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $275,725 | $275,782▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $312,882▲ | $301,409 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bismarck.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Fargo is $28,481 (12.62%). Fargo's median is +2.13% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $156,729,Fargo spans $102,676. 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, Fargo ($279,720 effective) pays 14.02% more than Bismarck ($245,329 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bismarck if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($312,882)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($254,184/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $279,720)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Bismarck grew 14.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Fargo over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$187,900 (2019) → $214,547 (2025)
Fargo, ND
$207,390 (2020) → $241,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Bismarck or Fargo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Fargo?
Should I relocate from Bismarck to Fargo as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Bismarck vs Fargo?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov