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

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota

The median diesel mechanic salary in Grand Forks, ND is $48,752 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$48,752
vs State Avg
$-1,108
vs National
$-6,648
Cost of Living
88%

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

Grand Forks offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $48,752, which is $1,108 below the North Dakota state average of $49,860. Compared to the national median of $55,400, 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 $48,752 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for diesel mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for diesel mechanics in Grand Forks spans from $30,800 at the 10th percentile to $72,160 at the 90th percentile — a $41,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,560, while senior diesel mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,640. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level diesel mechanic earns around $32,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,560
$-4,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Forks, ND

Percentile Grand Forks
10th Percentile $30,800
25th Percentile $37,840
Median (50th) $48,752
75th Percentile $60,720
90th Percentile $72,160

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

Diesel EnginesHydraulic SystemsElectrical DiagnosticsPreventive MaintenanceCDL KnowledgeWelding

Job Outlook

Nationally, diesel mechanic 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 Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Grand Forks

Browse open diesel mechanic positions in Grand Forks, ND:

Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Grand Forks

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Grand Forks, ND? ▼
The median diesel mechanic salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $48,752 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,400. Salaries range from $30,800 (10th percentile) to $72,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Diesel Mechanic make per hour in Grand Forks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,752, a diesel mechanic in Grand Forks earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Forks compare to the North Dakota state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼
Grand Forks's median diesel mechanic salary of $48,752 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $49,860. 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 diesel mechanic salary of $48,752 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Grand Forks? ▼
Most diesel mechanic positions in Grand Forks require a high school diploma. Key skills include Diesel Engines, Hydraulic Systems, Electrical Diagnostics, Preventive Maintenance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.