Dentist Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $141,126 (2026)

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

Grand Forks offers a median dentist salary of $141,126, which is $3,207 below the North Dakota state average of $144,333. Compared to the national median of $160,370, 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 $141,126 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $160,370 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for dentists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dentists in Grand Forks spans from $70,400 at the 10th percentile to $221,760 at the 90th percentile — a $151,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,800, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $206,800. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dentist Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level dentist earns around $74,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $206,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$74,800

$-10,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$142,560

$-19,440 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$206,800

$-28,200 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$70,400	$72,000	$80,000
25th Percentile	$101,200	$103,500	$115,000
Median (50th)	$141,126	$144,333	$160,370
75th Percentile	$183,040	$187,200	$208,000
90th Percentile	$221,760	$226,800	$252,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$70,400

25th Percentile

$101,200

Median (50th)

$141,126

75th Percentile

$183,040

90th Percentile

$221,760

How to Become a Dentist in Grand Forks

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Grand Forks and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook

Nationally, dentist 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median dentist salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $141,126 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $70,400 (10th percentile) to $221,760 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $141,126, a dentist in Grand Forks earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median dentist salary of $141,126 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $144,333. 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 dentist salary of $141,126 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most dentist positions in Grand Forks require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Dental Procedures, Radiography, Patient Management, Oral Surgery. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Dentist Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota