Bismarck vs Grand Forks: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent 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 | $75,841▲ | $49,611 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.46▲ | $23.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,484▲ | $30,208 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,778▲ | $36,817 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,933▲ | $63,502 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,944▲ | $76,897 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 14 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Forks.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Grand Forks is $26,230 (52.87%). Bismarck's median is +41.44% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $76,460,Grand Forks spans $46,689. 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 ($83,320 effective) pays 54.51% more than Grand Forks ($53,925 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 ($75,841/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,944)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,320)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Bismarck grew 11.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.3% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$67,340 (2019) → $74,720 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$55,750 (2022) → $48,878 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents 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 real estate agent?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov