Grand Forks vs Minot: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Grand Forks, ND and Minot, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Forks, ND | Minot, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,770▲ | $91,571 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.08▲ | $44.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,418 | $64,732▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,601▲ | $75,578 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,929▲ | $99,595 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,684▲ | $117,910 |
| Total Employed | 14▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Minot.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and Minot is $2,199 (2.40%). Grand Forks's median is -7.48% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Forks spans $57,266,Minot spans $53,178. Grand Forks 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, Grand Forks ($101,924 effective) pays 2.40% more than Minot ($99,534 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,770/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,684)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,924)
- ✓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, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Grand Forks grew 19.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 23.8% growth in Minot over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$75,000 (2021) → $89,364 (2025)
Minot, ND
$70,473 (2024) → $87,269 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Grand Forks or Minot?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Forks and Minot?
Should I relocate from Grand Forks to Minot as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Grand Forks vs Minot?
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