Bismarck vs Williston: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $96,125▲ | $90,373 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.22▲ | $43.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,352▲ | $72,755 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,685▲ | $78,693 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,516▲ | $98,644 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,121 | $111,902▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Williston.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Williston is $5,752 (6.36%). Bismarck's median is -6.63% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $16,769,Williston spans $39,147. Williston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bismarck ($105,604 effective) pays 7.51% more than Williston ($98,232 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 ($96,125/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,604)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Williston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,902)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Bismarck grew 15.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Williston over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$79,240 (2020) → $91,600 (2025)
Williston, ND
$69,948 (2020) → $86,119 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Bismarck or Williston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Williston?
Should I relocate from Bismarck to Williston as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Bismarck vs Williston?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov