Building Inspector Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $56,056 (2026)

Building Inspector Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Forks offers a median building inspector salary of $56,056, which is $1,274 below the North Dakota state average of $57,330. Compared to the national median of $63,700, 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 $56,056 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,700 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for building inspectors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for building inspectors in Grand Forks spans from $35,200 at the 10th percentile to $89,760 at the 90th percentile — a $54,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior building inspectors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Building Inspector Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level building inspector earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,960

$-5,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$57,200

$-7,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$83,600

$-11,400 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$35,200	$36,000	$40,000
25th Percentile	$44,000	$45,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$56,056	$57,330	$63,700
75th Percentile	$72,160	$73,800	$82,000
90th Percentile	$89,760	$91,800	$102,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$35,200

25th Percentile

$44,000

Median (50th)

$56,056

75th Percentile

$72,160

90th Percentile

$89,760

How to Become a Building Inspector in Grand Forks

Education

Most building inspector positions require a high school diploma. Grand Forks and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Building CodesInspection TechniquesBlueprint ReadingDocumentationSafety RegulationsCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, building inspector 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Building Inspector Salary in Grand Forks

How much does a Building Inspector make in Grand Forks, ND? ▼

The median building inspector salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $56,056 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $63,700. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $89,760 (90th percentile).

How much does a Building Inspector make per hour in Grand Forks? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $56,056, a building inspector in Grand Forks earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Grand Forks compare to the North Dakota state average for building inspector pay? ▼

Grand Forks's median building inspector salary of $56,056 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $57,330. 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 building inspector salary of $56,056 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a building inspector in Grand Forks? ▼

Most building inspector positions in Grand Forks require a high school diploma. Key skills include Building Codes, Inspection Techniques, Blueprint Reading, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Building Inspector Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota