Bismarck vs Mandan: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Bismarck, ND and Mandan, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Mandan, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,683 | $87,148▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.68 | $41.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,665▲ | $68,294 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,683▲ | $74,533 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,727▲ | $94,815 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,727 | $110,762▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Mandan, ND offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bismarck.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Mandan is $465 (0.54%). Mandan's median is -14.01% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $30,062,Mandan spans $42,468. Mandan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bismarck ($95,231 effective) pays 0.53% more than Mandan ($94,726 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bismarck if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,231)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Mandan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,148/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,762)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Bismarck grew 11.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.8% growth in Mandan over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$73,930 (2019) → $82,610 (2025)
Mandan, ND
$67,069 (2024) → $83,053 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Mandan, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Bismarck or Mandan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Mandan?
Should I relocate from Bismarck to Mandan as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Bismarck vs Mandan?
Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% 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 Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov