Bismarck vs Dickinson: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Bismarck, ND and Dickinson, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Dickinson, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,133 | $150,386▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.87 | $72.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,719 | $87,223▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $101,098 | $108,278▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $147,711 | $192,494▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $204,249 | $233,098▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Dickinson, ND offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bismarck.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Dickinson is $36,253 (31.76%). Dickinson's median is -10.04% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $126,530,Dickinson spans $145,875. Dickinson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dickinson ($163,463 effective) pays 30.37% more than Bismarck ($125,388 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bismarck if…
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Dickinson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($150,386/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($233,098)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,463)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Bismarck grew -11.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.8% growth in Dickinson over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$122,720 (2019) → $109,010 (2025)
Dickinson, ND
$103,451 (2024) → $143,635 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Dickinson, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Bismarck or Dickinson?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov