Economist Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $100,267 (2026)

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

Grand Forks offers a median economist salary of $100,267, which is $2,279 below the North Dakota state average of $102,546. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 $100,267 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Grand Forks spans from $54,560 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $119,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,800. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level economist earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$57,200

$-7,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$101,200

$-13,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$162,800

$-22,200 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$54,560	$55,800	$62,000
25th Percentile	$72,160	$73,800	$82,000
Median (50th)	$100,267	$102,546	$113,940
75th Percentile	$136,400	$139,500	$155,000
90th Percentile	$174,240	$178,200	$198,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$54,560

25th Percentile

$72,160

Median (50th)

$100,267

75th Percentile

$136,400

90th Percentile

$174,240

How to Become a Economist in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median economist salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $54,560 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $100,267, a economist in Grand Forks earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median economist salary of $100,267 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $102,546. 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 economist salary of $100,267 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most economist positions in Grand Forks require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Economist Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota