Science & Research Grand Forks, ND Pop. 56,588

Geologist Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota

The median geologist salary in Grand Forks, ND is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$73,638
vs State Avg
$-1,674
vs National
$-10,042
Cost of Living
88%

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

Grand Forks offers a median geologist salary of $73,638, which is $1,674 below the North Dakota state average of $75,312. Compared to the national median of $83,680, 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 $73,638 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Grand Forks spans from $44,880 at the 10th percentile to $130,240 at the 90th percentile — a $85,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,520, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,200. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level geologist earns around $47,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,520
$-6,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Forks, ND

Percentile Grand Forks
10th Percentile $44,880
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $73,638
75th Percentile $98,560
90th Percentile $130,240

Geologist Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

Fargo, ND
$78,659
Pop. 125,990
West Fargo, ND
$77,822
Pop. 38,626
Minot, ND
$76,986
Pop. 48,639
Bismarck, ND
$75,312
Pop. 73,529

How to Become a Geologist in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist 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 Geologist Jobs in Grand Forks

Browse open geologist positions in Grand Forks, ND:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Grand Forks

How much does a Geologist make in Grand Forks, ND? ▼
The median geologist salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $44,880 (10th percentile) to $130,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Grand Forks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,638, a geologist in Grand Forks earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Forks compare to the North Dakota state average for geologist pay? ▼
Grand Forks's median geologist salary of $73,638 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $75,312. 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 geologist salary of $73,638 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Grand Forks? ▼
Most geologist positions in Grand Forks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.