Legal Grand Forks, ND Pop. 56,588

Lawyer Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota

The median lawyer salary in Grand Forks, ND is $119,451 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$119,451
vs State Avg
$-2,715
vs National
$-16,289
Cost of Living
88%

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

Grand Forks offers a median lawyer salary of $119,451, which is $2,715 below the North Dakota state average of $122,166. Compared to the national median of $135,740, 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 $119,451 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $135,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for lawyers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for lawyers in Grand Forks spans from $57,200 at the 10th percentile to $210,496 at the 90th percentile — a $153,296 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,600, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,600. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Lawyer Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level lawyer earns around $61,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,600
$-8,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,440
$-16,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,600
$-26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Forks, ND

Percentile Grand Forks
10th Percentile $57,200
25th Percentile $74,800
Median (50th) $119,451
75th Percentile $163,680
90th Percentile $210,496

Lawyer Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

Fargo, ND
$127,596
Pop. 125,990
West Fargo, ND
$126,238
Pop. 38,626
Minot, ND
$124,881
Pop. 48,639
Bismarck, ND
$122,166
Pop. 73,529

How to Become a Lawyer in Grand Forks

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Grand Forks and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook

Nationally, lawyer 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.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Grand Forks

Browse open lawyer positions in Grand Forks, ND:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Grand Forks

How much does a Lawyer make in Grand Forks, ND? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $119,451 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $57,200 (10th percentile) to $210,496 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Grand Forks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $119,451, a lawyer in Grand Forks earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Forks compare to the North Dakota state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Grand Forks's median lawyer salary of $119,451 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $122,166. 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 lawyer salary of $119,451 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Grand Forks? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Grand Forks require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Litigation, Contract Law, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.