Journalist Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $49,245 (2026)

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

Grand Forks offers a median journalist salary of $49,245, which is $1,119 below the North Dakota state average of $50,364. Compared to the national median of $55,960, 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 $49,245 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Grand Forks spans from $28,160 at the 10th percentile to $96,800 at the 90th percentile — a $68,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,000. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level journalist earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$30,800

$-4,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$51,040

$-6,960 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$88,000

$-12,000 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$28,160	$28,800	$32,000
25th Percentile	$35,200	$36,000	$40,000
Median (50th)	$49,245	$50,364	$55,960
75th Percentile	$68,640	$70,200	$78,000
90th Percentile	$96,800	$99,000	$110,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$28,160

25th Percentile

$35,200

Median (50th)

$49,245

75th Percentile

$68,640

90th Percentile

$96,800

How to Become a Journalist in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median journalist salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $49,245 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $96,800 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $49,245, a journalist in Grand Forks earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median journalist salary of $49,245 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $50,364. 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 journalist salary of $49,245 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most journalist positions in Grand Forks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Writing, Investigative Research, Interviewing, AP Style. The job market is projected to grow -3% nationally over the next decade.

Journalist Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota