Marine Engineer Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $85,281 (2026)

Marine Engineer Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Forks offers a median marine engineer salary of $85,281, which is $1,938 below the North Dakota state average of $87,219. Compared to the national median of $96,910, 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 $85,281 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,910 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Grand Forks spans from $51,040 at the 10th percentile to $133,760 at the 90th percentile — a $82,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,560, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,600. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Marine Engineer Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$54,560

$-7,440 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$86,240

$-11,760 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$127,600

$-17,400 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$51,040	$52,200	$58,000
25th Percentile	$66,880	$68,400	$76,000
Median (50th)	$85,281	$87,219	$96,910
75th Percentile	$109,120	$111,600	$124,000
90th Percentile	$133,760	$136,800	$152,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$51,040

25th Percentile

$66,880

Median (50th)

$85,281

75th Percentile

$109,120

90th Percentile

$133,760

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, marine engineer 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: Marine Engineer Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median marine engineer salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $85,281 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $51,040 (10th percentile) to $133,760 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $85,281, a marine engineer in Grand Forks earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median marine engineer salary of $85,281 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $87,219. 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 marine engineer salary of $85,281 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most marine engineer positions in Grand Forks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Naval Architecture, Marine Systems, CAD, Propulsion. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Marine Engineer Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota