Machinist Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $45,449 (2026)

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

Grand Forks offers a median machinist salary of $45,449, which is $978 below the North Dakota state average of $46,427. Compared to the national median of $48,870, 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 $45,449 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,647 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for machinists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for machinists in Grand Forks spans from $29,760 at the 10th percentile to $68,820 at the 90th percentile — a $39,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,620, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,960. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Machinist Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level machinist earns around $31,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$31,620

$-2,380 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$46,500

$-3,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$66,960

$-5,040 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$29,760	$30,400	$32,000
25th Percentile	$36,270	$37,050	$39,000
Median (50th)	$45,449	$46,427	$48,870
75th Percentile	$56,730	$57,950	$61,000
90th Percentile	$68,820	$70,300	$74,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$29,760

25th Percentile

$36,270

Median (50th)

$45,449

75th Percentile

$56,730

90th Percentile

$68,820

How to Become a Machinist in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook

Nationally, machinist 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: Machinist Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median machinist salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $45,449 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $29,760 (10th percentile) to $68,820 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $45,449, a machinist in Grand Forks earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median machinist salary of $45,449 is 2.1% below the North Dakota state average of $46,427. 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 machinist salary of $45,449 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most machinist positions in Grand Forks require a high school diploma. Key skills include CNC Programming, Blueprint Reading, Precision Measurement, Metalworking. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Machinist Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota