Nuclear Engineer Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $105,934 (2026)

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

Grand Forks offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $105,934, which is $2,408 below the North Dakota state average of $108,342. Compared to the national median of $120,380, 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 $105,934 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $120,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Grand Forks spans from $66,880 at the 10th percentile to $156,640 at the 90th percentile — a $89,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,640, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $151,360. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $68,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$68,640

$-9,360 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$107,360

$-14,640 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$151,360

$-20,640 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$66,880	$68,400	$76,000
25th Percentile	$84,480	$86,400	$96,000
Median (50th)	$105,934	$108,342	$120,380
75th Percentile	$130,240	$133,200	$148,000
90th Percentile	$156,640	$160,200	$178,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$66,880

25th Percentile

$84,480

Median (50th)

$105,934

75th Percentile

$130,240

90th Percentile

$156,640

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook

Nationally, nuclear 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: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median nuclear engineer salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $105,934 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $66,880 (10th percentile) to $156,640 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $105,934, a nuclear engineer in Grand Forks earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median nuclear engineer salary of $105,934 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $108,342. 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 nuclear engineer salary of $105,934 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most nuclear engineer positions in Grand Forks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Nuclear Physics, Reactor Design, Safety Analysis, Radiation Protection. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota