Mechanical Engineer Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota
The median mechanical engineer salary in Grand Forks, ND is $84,753 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.
Mechanical Engineer Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)
Grand Forks offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $84,753, which is $1,926 below the North Dakota state average of $86,679. Compared to the national median of $96,310, 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 $84,753 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,310 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for mechanical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for mechanical engineers in Grand Forks spans from $55,792 at the 10th percentile to $128,656 at the 90th percentile — a $72,864 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $121,440. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Grand Forks by Experience
In Grand Forks, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Grand Forks, ND
| Percentile | Grand Forks |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $55,792 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,344 |
| Median (50th) | $84,753 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,248 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,656 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other North Dakota Cities
How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Grand Forks
Education
Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Grand Forks and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Grand Forks
Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Grand Forks, ND: