Bismarck vs Mandan: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal 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 | $62,220▲ | $55,974 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.91▲ | $26.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,496▲ | $44,416 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,018▲ | $46,010 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,559 | $69,923▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,500 | $85,587▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mandan.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Mandan is $6,246 (11.16%). Bismarck's median is -4.42% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $29,004,Mandan spans $41,171. Mandan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bismarck ($68,356 effective) pays 12.35% more than Mandan ($60,841 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 ($62,220/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,356)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Mandan if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,587)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Bismarck grew 41.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Mandan over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$42,350 (2019) → $60,110 (2025)
Mandan, ND
$46,432 (2024) → $54,076 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Mandan, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Bismarck or Mandan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Mandan?
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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 Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov