Bismarck vs Grand Forks: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist 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 | $68,919▲ | $67,521 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.14▲ | $32.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,660▲ | $36,950 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,525▲ | $49,838 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,505▲ | $83,085 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,568▲ | $87,869 |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 190 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Forks.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Grand Forks is $1,398 (2.07%). Bismarck's median is +0.27% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $50,908,Grand Forks spans $50,919. Grand Forks has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Forks ($77,912 effective) pays 2.90% more than Bismarck ($75,715 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 ($68,919/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,568)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,912)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Bismarck grew 48.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$44,920 (2019) → $66,886 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$52,000 (2019) → $65,529 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists 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 medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Bismarck vs Grand Forks?
Written by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP)
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science. She specializes in molecular diagnostics. She works at a large metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.04% 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 Choi, MS, MT(ASCP), a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov