Creative & Education Grand Forks, ND Pop. 56,588

Chef Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota

The median chef salary in Grand Forks, ND is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$49,738
vs State Avg
$-1,130
vs National
$-6,782
Cost of Living
88%

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

Grand Forks offers a median chef salary of $49,738, which is $1,130 below the North Dakota state average of $50,868. Compared to the national median of $56,520, 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 $49,738 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Grand Forks spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $86,064 at the 90th percentile — a $56,848 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level chef earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Forks, ND

Percentile Grand Forks
10th Percentile $29,216
25th Percentile $37,136
Median (50th) $49,738
75th Percentile $66,000
90th Percentile $86,064

Chef Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

Fargo, ND
$53,129
Pop. 125,990
West Fargo, ND
$52,564
Pop. 38,626
Minot, ND
$51,998
Pop. 48,639
Bismarck, ND
$50,868
Pop. 73,529

How to Become a Chef in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in Grand Forks

Browse open chef positions in Grand Forks, ND:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Grand Forks

How much does a Chef make in Grand Forks, ND? ▼
The median chef salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $86,064 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Grand Forks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,738, a chef in Grand Forks earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Forks compare to the North Dakota state average for chef pay? ▼
Grand Forks's median chef salary of $49,738 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $50,868. 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 chef salary of $49,738 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Grand Forks? ▼
Most chef positions in Grand Forks require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.