Graphic Designer Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $51,031 (2026)

Graphic Designer Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Forks offers a median graphic designer salary of $51,031, which is $1,160 below the North Dakota state average of $52,191. Compared to the national median of $57,990, 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 $51,031 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for graphic designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for graphic designers in Grand Forks spans from $32,032 at the 10th percentile to $86,416 at the 90th percentile — a $54,384 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,440, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$33,440

$-4,560 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$51,040

$-6,960 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,440

$-10,560 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$32,032	$32,760	$36,400
25th Percentile	$39,952	$40,860	$45,400
Median (50th)	$51,031	$52,191	$57,990
75th Percentile	$65,648	$67,140	$74,600
90th Percentile	$86,416	$88,380	$98,200

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$32,032

25th Percentile

$39,952

Median (50th)

$51,031

75th Percentile

$65,648

90th Percentile

$86,416

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, graphic designer 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median graphic designer salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $51,031 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $32,032 (10th percentile) to $86,416 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $51,031, a graphic designer in Grand Forks earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median graphic designer salary of $51,031 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $52,191. 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 graphic designer salary of $51,031 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most graphic designer positions in Grand Forks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Color Theory. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Graphic Designer Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota