Grand Forks vs Williston: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Grand Forks, ND and Williston, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Forks, ND | Williston, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $267,639▲ | $218,496 |
| Hourly Rate | $128.67▲ | $105.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $249,787▲ | $151,775 |
| 25th Percentile | $267,639▲ | $195,117 |
| 75th Percentile | $267,639 | $268,257▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $329,255▲ | $302,349 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Williston.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and Williston is $49,143 (22.49%). Grand Forks's median is +7.53% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Forks spans $79,468,Williston spans $150,574. Williston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Forks ($308,827 effective) pays 30.03% more than Williston ($237,496 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($267,639/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($329,255)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $308,827)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Williston if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Grand Forks grew 10.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in Williston over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$229,770 (2024) → $254,410 (2025)
Williston, ND
$193,132 (2024) → $207,696 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Grand Forks or Williston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Forks and Williston?
Should I relocate from Grand Forks to Williston as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Grand Forks vs Williston?
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