Instructional Designer Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $63,360 (2026)

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

Grand Forks offers a median instructional designer salary of $63,360, which is $1,440 below the North Dakota state average of $64,800. Compared to the national median of $72,000, 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 $63,360 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $72,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for instructional designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for instructional designers in Grand Forks spans from $38,720 at the 10th percentile to $103,840 at the 90th percentile — a $65,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,480, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,560. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Instructional Designer Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $40,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$40,480

$-5,520 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$65,120

$-8,880 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$98,560

$-13,440 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$38,720	$39,600	$44,000
25th Percentile	$49,280	$50,400	$56,000
Median (50th)	$63,360	$64,800	$72,000
75th Percentile	$83,600	$85,500	$95,000
90th Percentile	$103,840	$106,200	$118,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$38,720

25th Percentile

$49,280

Median (50th)

$63,360

75th Percentile

$83,600

90th Percentile

$103,840

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, instructional designer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median instructional designer salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $63,360 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $38,720 (10th percentile) to $103,840 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $63,360, a instructional designer in Grand Forks earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median instructional designer salary of $63,360 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $64,800. 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 instructional designer salary of $63,360 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most instructional designer positions in Grand Forks require a master's degree. Key skills include Instructional Design, Articulate/Captivate, LMS, ADDIE Model. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Instructional Designer Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota