Bismarck vs Williston: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Bismarck, ND and Williston, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Williston, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,808▲ | $69,685 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.89▲ | $33.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,460▲ | $47,424 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,270▲ | $58,823 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,951 | $80,424▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,409 | $91,197▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Williston.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Williston is $9,123 (13.09%). Bismarck's median is -0.72% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $23,949,Williston spans $43,773. Williston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bismarck ($86,579 effective) pays 14.30% more than Williston ($75,745 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 ($78,808/year)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,579)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Williston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,197)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Bismarck grew 29.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Williston over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$58,430 (2019) → $75,850 (2025)
Williston, ND
$56,184 (2024) → $67,069 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Bismarck or Williston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Williston?
Should I relocate from Bismarck to Williston as a dietitian and nutritionist?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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 Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov