Dickinson vs Grand Forks: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Dickinson, ND and Grand Forks, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dickinson, ND | Grand Forks, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,332 | $43,538▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.35 | $20.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,424 | $32,754▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,611 | $36,476▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,756 | $49,106▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,363 | $59,375▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 14▲ |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dickinson.
The salary gap between Dickinson and Grand Forks is $1,206 (2.85%). Grand Forks's median is -7.48% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dickinson spans $26,939,Grand Forks spans $26,621. Dickinson 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 ($47,324 effective) pays 2.85% more than Dickinson ($46,013 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dickinson if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,538/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,375)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,324)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Dickinson grew 17.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Dickinson, ND
$34,184 (2024) → $40,004 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$35,157 (2024) → $41,143 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dickinson, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Dickinson or Grand Forks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dickinson and Grand Forks?
Should I relocate from Dickinson to Grand Forks as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Dickinson vs Grand Forks?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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 Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov