Science & Research Grand Forks, ND Pop. 56,588

Chemist Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota

The median chemist salary in Grand Forks, ND is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$72,855
vs State Avg
$-1,656
vs National
$-9,935
Cost of Living
88%

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

Grand Forks offers a median chemist salary of $72,855, which is $1,656 below the North Dakota state average of $74,511. Compared to the national median of $82,790, 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 $72,855 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Grand Forks spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $124,960 at the 90th percentile — a $82,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,800. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level chemist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,800
$-16,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Forks, ND

Percentile Grand Forks
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $54,560
Median (50th) $72,855
75th Percentile $95,920
90th Percentile $124,960

Chemist Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

Fargo, ND
$77,823
Pop. 125,990
West Fargo, ND
$76,995
Pop. 38,626
Minot, ND
$76,167
Pop. 48,639
Bismarck, ND
$74,511
Pop. 73,529

How to Become a Chemist in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist 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 Chemist Jobs in Grand Forks

Browse open chemist positions in Grand Forks, ND:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Grand Forks

How much does a Chemist make in Grand Forks, ND? ▼
The median chemist salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $124,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Grand Forks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,855, a chemist 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 chemist pay? ▼
Grand Forks's median chemist salary of $72,855 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $74,511. 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 chemist salary of $72,855 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Grand Forks? ▼
Most chemist positions in Grand Forks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.