Ironworker Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $53,475 (2026)

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

Grand Forks offers a median ironworker salary of $53,475, which is $1,150 below the North Dakota state average of $54,625. Compared to the national median of $57,500, 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 $53,475 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,767 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for ironworkers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for ironworkers in Grand Forks spans from $33,480 at the 10th percentile to $85,560 at the 90th percentile — a $52,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,340, while senior ironworkers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,840. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Ironworker Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level ironworker earns around $35,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$35,340

$-2,660 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$53,940

$-4,060 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$81,840

$-6,160 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$33,480	$34,200	$36,000
25th Percentile	$40,920	$41,800	$44,000
Median (50th)	$53,475	$54,625	$57,500
75th Percentile	$69,750	$71,250	$75,000
90th Percentile	$85,560	$87,400	$92,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$33,480

25th Percentile

$40,920

Median (50th)

$53,475

75th Percentile

$69,750

90th Percentile

$85,560

How to Become a Ironworker in Grand Forks

Education

Most ironworker positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Grand Forks and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Structural SteelWeldingBlueprint ReadingRiggingSafety/Fall ProtectionPhysical Stamina

Job Outlook

Nationally, ironworker 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: Ironworker Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median ironworker salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $53,475 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $33,480 (10th percentile) to $85,560 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $53,475, a ironworker in Grand Forks earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median ironworker salary of $53,475 is 2.1% below the North Dakota state average of $54,625. 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 ironworker salary of $53,475 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most ironworker positions in Grand Forks require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Structural Steel, Welding, Blueprint Reading, Rigging. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Ironworker Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota