Grand Forks vs Minot: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $95,245▲ | $94,236 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.80▲ | $45.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,255 | $87,908▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,634 | $88,192▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,446▲ | $101,057 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,411▲ | $103,292 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Minot.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and Minot is $1,009 (1.07%). Grand Forks's median is -7.48% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Forks spans $47,156,Minot spans $15,384. 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, Minot ($108,282 effective) pays 4.59% more than Grand Forks ($103,527 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 ($95,245/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,411)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Minot if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,282)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Grand Forks grew 18.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 24.7% growth in Minot over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$76,920 (2020) → $90,761 (2025)
Minot, ND
$71,990 (2020) → $89,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists 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 dental hygienist?
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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