Bismarck vs Minot: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $65,165▲ | $62,052 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.33▲ | $29.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,394 | $59,826▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,165▲ | $60,414 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,181 | $81,304▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,414▲ | $82,417 |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Minot.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Minot is $3,113 (5.02%). Bismarck's median is -17.03% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $34,020,Minot spans $22,591. 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 ($71,591 effective) pays 0.41% more than Minot ($71,301 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 ($65,165/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,414)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,591)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Minot if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Bismarck grew 17.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -13.8% growth in Minot over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$53,690 (2019) → $63,230 (2025)
Minot, ND
$69,810 (2024) → $60,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov