Bismarck vs Williston: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Bismarck, ND and Williston, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Williston, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,757▲ | $39,510 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.92▲ | $19.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,383▲ | $33,430 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,778▲ | $35,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,322▲ | $43,576 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,313▲ | $46,818 |
| Total Employed | 1,430▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Williston.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Williston is $10,247 (25.94%). Bismarck's median is +10.55% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $13,930,Williston spans $13,388. 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, Bismarck ($54,664 effective) pays 27.29% more than Williston ($42,946 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 ($49,757/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,313)
- ✓Larger job market (1,430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,664)
- ✓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, certified nursing assistant salaries in Bismarck grew 34.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.4% growth in Williston over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$34,830 (2019) → $46,720 (2025)
Williston, ND
$31,603 (2024) → $37,099 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Bismarck or Williston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Williston?
Should I relocate from Bismarck to Williston as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Bismarck vs Williston?
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov