Bismarck vs Grand Forks: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance 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 | $66,915▲ | $66,035 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.17▲ | $31.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,588 | $49,500▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,552 | $60,824▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,870 | $126,050▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,918 | $159,016▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for insurance agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Forks.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Grand Forks is $880 (1.33%). Bismarck's median is +3.71% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $107,330,Grand Forks spans $109,516. Grand Forks has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced insurance agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Forks ($76,197 effective) pays 3.65% more than Bismarck ($73,514 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 ($66,915/year)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,016)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,197)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Bismarck grew 52.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$42,320 (2019) → $64,590 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$51,410 (2019) → $63,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance 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 insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Bismarck vs Grand Forks?
Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% 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 Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov