Optometrist Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $110,519 (2026)

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

Grand Forks offers a median optometrist salary of $110,519, which is $2,512 below the North Dakota state average of $113,031. Compared to the national median of $125,590, 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 $110,519 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Grand Forks spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $168,960 at the 90th percentile — a $100,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $156,640. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level optometrist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$72,160

$-9,840 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$112,640

$-15,360 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$156,640

$-21,360 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$68,640	$70,200	$78,000
25th Percentile	$88,000	$90,000	$100,000
Median (50th)	$110,519	$113,031	$125,590
75th Percentile	$139,040	$142,200	$158,000
90th Percentile	$168,960	$172,800	$192,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$68,640

25th Percentile

$88,000

Median (50th)

$110,519

75th Percentile

$139,040

90th Percentile

$168,960

How to Become a Optometrist in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median optometrist salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $110,519 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $168,960 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $110,519, a optometrist in Grand Forks earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median optometrist salary of $110,519 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $113,031. 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 optometrist salary of $110,519 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most optometrist positions in Grand Forks require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.

Optometrist Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota