Bismarck vs Grand Forks: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist 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 | $27,727▲ | $27,216 |
| Hourly Rate | $13.33▲ | $13.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,893▲ | $23,293 |
| 25th Percentile | $23,893▲ | $23,293 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,616▲ | $34,438 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,963▲ | $48,960 |
| Total Employed | 70 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Forks.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Grand Forks is $511 (1.88%). Bismarck's median is -8.64% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $28,070,Grand Forks spans $25,667. 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, Grand Forks ($31,404 effective) pays 3.10% more than Bismarck ($30,461 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 ($27,727/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,963)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $31,404)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Bismarck grew -42.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -43.0% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$47,270 (2021) → $27,098 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$46,640 (2021) → $26,599 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists 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 billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Bismarck vs Grand Forks?
Written by Amina Patel, CPC
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in medical billing. She specializes in outpatient coding for multi-specialty practices.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% 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 Amina Patel, CPC, a licensed medical billing and coding specialist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov