Construction & Real Estate Grand Forks, ND Pop. 56,588

Architect Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota

The median architect salary in Grand Forks, ND is $72,899 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$72,899
vs State Avg
$-1,657
vs National
$-9,941
Cost of Living
88%

Architect Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Forks offers a median architect salary of $72,899, which is $1,657 below the North Dakota state average of $74,556. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Grand Forks pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Forks's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $72,899 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for architects seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for architects in Grand Forks spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $130,240 at the 90th percentile — a $86,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,200. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Architect Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level architect earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Forks, ND

Percentile Grand Forks
10th Percentile $44,000
25th Percentile $56,320
Median (50th) $72,899
75th Percentile $98,560
90th Percentile $130,240

Architect Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

Fargo, ND
$77,870
Pop. 125,990
West Fargo, ND
$77,041
Pop. 38,626
Minot, ND
$76,213
Pop. 48,639
Bismarck, ND
$74,556
Pop. 73,529

How to Become a Architect in Grand Forks

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Grand Forks and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Grand Forks

Browse open architect positions in Grand Forks, ND:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Grand Forks

How much does a Architect make in Grand Forks, ND? ▼
The median architect salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $72,899 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $130,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Grand Forks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,899, a architect in Grand Forks earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Forks compare to the North Dakota state average for architect pay? ▼
Grand Forks's median architect salary of $72,899 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $74,556. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Forks, ND? ▼
Grand Forks has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $72,899 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Grand Forks? ▼
Most architect positions in Grand Forks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD/Revit, Building Design, Building Codes, 3D Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.