Automotive & Maintenance Grand Forks, ND Pop. 56,588

Auto Mechanic Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota

The median auto mechanic salary in Grand Forks, ND is $41,351 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$41,351
vs State Avg
$-940
vs National
$-5,639
Cost of Living
88%

Auto Mechanic Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Forks offers a median auto mechanic salary of $41,351, which is $940 below the North Dakota state average of $42,291. Compared to the national median of $46,990, 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 $41,351 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for auto mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for auto mechanics in Grand Forks spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $66,000 at the 90th percentile — a $39,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior auto mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,360. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Auto Mechanic Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level auto mechanic earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Forks, ND

Percentile Grand Forks
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $32,560
Median (50th) $41,351
75th Percentile $52,800
90th Percentile $66,000

Auto Mechanic Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

How to Become a Auto Mechanic in Grand Forks

Education

Most auto mechanic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Grand Forks and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Automotive DiagnosticsEngine RepairBrake SystemsElectrical SystemsASE CertificationCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, auto mechanic employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Auto Mechanic Jobs in Grand Forks

Browse open auto mechanic positions in Grand Forks, ND:

Frequently Asked Questions: Auto Mechanic Salary in Grand Forks

How much does a Auto Mechanic make in Grand Forks, ND? ▼
The median auto mechanic salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $41,351 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $46,990. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $66,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Auto Mechanic make per hour in Grand Forks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,351, a auto mechanic in Grand Forks earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Forks compare to the North Dakota state average for auto mechanic pay? ▼
Grand Forks's median auto mechanic salary of $41,351 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $42,291. 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 auto mechanic salary of $41,351 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a auto mechanic in Grand Forks? ▼
Most auto mechanic positions in Grand Forks require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Automotive Diagnostics, Engine Repair, Brake Systems, Electrical Systems. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.