Firefighter Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $45,478 (2026)

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

Grand Forks offers a median firefighter salary of $45,478, which is $1,034 below the North Dakota state average of $46,512. Compared to the national median of $51,680, 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 $45,478 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Grand Forks spans from $26,048 at the 10th percentile to $81,664 at the 90th percentile — a $55,616 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level firefighter earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,160

$-3,840 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$45,760

$-6,240 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$72,160

$-9,840 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$26,048	$26,640	$29,600
25th Percentile	$33,968	$34,740	$38,600
Median (50th)	$45,478	$46,512	$51,680
75th Percentile	$62,656	$64,080	$71,200
90th Percentile	$81,664	$83,520	$92,800

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$26,048

25th Percentile

$33,968

Median (50th)

$45,478

75th Percentile

$62,656

90th Percentile

$81,664

How to Become a Firefighter in Grand Forks

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Grand Forks and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter 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: Firefighter Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median firefighter salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $26,048 (10th percentile) to $81,664 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $45,478, a firefighter in Grand Forks earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median firefighter salary of $45,478 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $46,512. 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 firefighter salary of $45,478 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most firefighter positions in Grand Forks require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Firefighter Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota