Painter Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $41,571 (2026)

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

Grand Forks offers a median painter salary of $41,571, which is $894 below the North Dakota state average of $42,465. Compared to the national median of $44,700, 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 $41,571 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,240 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for painters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for painters in Grand Forks spans from $27,900 at the 10th percentile to $65,100 at the 90th percentile — a $37,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,830, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,380. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Painter Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level painter earns around $28,830, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,380 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,830

$-2,170 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$41,850

$-3,150 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$61,380

$-4,620 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$27,900	$28,500	$30,000
25th Percentile	$33,480	$34,200	$36,000
Median (50th)	$41,571	$42,465	$44,700
75th Percentile	$53,010	$54,150	$57,000
90th Percentile	$65,100	$66,500	$70,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$27,900

25th Percentile

$33,480

Median (50th)

$41,571

75th Percentile

$53,010

90th Percentile

$65,100

How to Become a Painter in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook

Nationally, painter employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median painter salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $41,571 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $27,900 (10th percentile) to $65,100 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $41,571, a painter in Grand Forks earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median painter salary of $41,571 is 2.1% below the North Dakota state average of $42,465. 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 painter salary of $41,571 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most painter positions in Grand Forks require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surface Preparation, Paint Application, Color Matching, Spray Equipment. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Painter Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota