Bismarck vs Grand Forks: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer 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 | $59,320 | $60,521▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.52 | $29.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,828▲ | $45,721 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,495▲ | $52,411 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,474 | $72,322▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,327 | $83,400▲ |
| Total Employed | 11 | 14▲ |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bismarck.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Grand Forks is $1,201 (2.02%). Grand Forks's median is -7.48% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $33,499,Grand Forks spans $37,679. Grand Forks has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Forks ($65,784 effective) pays 2.02% more than Bismarck ($64,478 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bismarck if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,521/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,400)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,784)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Bismarck grew 19.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$47,270 (2021) → $56,695 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$48,110 (2024) → $57,843 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers 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 athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Bismarck vs Grand Forks?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% 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, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov