Bismarck vs Minot: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bismarck, ND and Minot, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Minot, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,954 | $138,542▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.40 | $66.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,059 | $79,360▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,583▲ | $86,665 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,135 | $157,046▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,133 | $206,681▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Minot, ND offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bismarck.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Minot is $4,588 (3.43%). Minot's median is -1.32% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $113,074,Minot spans $127,321. Minot has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Minot ($159,192 effective) pays 8.17% more than Bismarck ($147,163 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 (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Minot if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,542/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,681)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $159,192)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Bismarck grew 27.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.2% growth in Minot over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$102,000 (2019) → $129,650 (2025)
Minot, ND
$105,410 (2024) → $134,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Bismarck or Minot?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Minot?
Should I relocate from Bismarck to Minot as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Bismarck vs Minot?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov