Bismarck vs Mandan: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist 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 | $146,004▲ | $123,379 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.19▲ | $59.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $134,843▲ | $97,014 |
| 25th Percentile | $139,853▲ | $116,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,904▲ | $139,198 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,720▲ | $144,876 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mandan.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Mandan is $22,625 (18.34%). Bismarck's median is +1.75% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $34,877,Mandan spans $47,862. Mandan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bismarck ($160,402 effective) pays 19.61% more than Mandan ($134,108 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 ($146,004/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,720)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,402)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Mandan if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Bismarck grew 17.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.1% growth in Mandan over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$121,570 (2019) → $143,380 (2025)
Mandan, ND
$110,061 (2024) → $121,162 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Mandan, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov