Agriculture & Environment Grand Forks, ND Pop. 56,588

Forester Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota

The median forester salary in Grand Forks, ND is $56,135 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$56,135
vs State Avg
$-1,276
vs National
$-7,655
Cost of Living
88%

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

Grand Forks offers a median forester salary of $56,135, which is $1,276 below the North Dakota state average of $57,411. Compared to the national median of $63,790, 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 $56,135 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Grand Forks spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $89,760 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,720, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level forester earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Forks, ND

Percentile Grand Forks
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $44,880
Median (50th) $56,135
75th Percentile $72,160
90th Percentile $89,760

Forester Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

Fargo, ND
$59,963
Pop. 125,990
West Fargo, ND
$59,325
Pop. 38,626
Minot, ND
$58,687
Pop. 48,639
Bismarck, ND
$57,411
Pop. 73,529

How to Become a Forester in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Forester Jobs in Grand Forks

Browse open forester positions in Grand Forks, ND:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Grand Forks

How much does a Forester make in Grand Forks, ND? ▼
The median forester salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $56,135 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $89,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Grand Forks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,135, a forester in Grand Forks earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Forks compare to the North Dakota state average for forester pay? ▼
Grand Forks's median forester salary of $56,135 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $57,411. 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 forester salary of $56,135 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Grand Forks? ▼
Most forester positions in Grand Forks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Forest Management, GIS/GPS, Timber Cruising, Ecology. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.