Petroleum Engineer Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota
The median petroleum engineer salary in Grand Forks, ND is $115,984 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.
Petroleum Engineer Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)
Grand Forks offers a median petroleum engineer salary of $115,984, which is $2,636 below the North Dakota state average of $118,620. Compared to the national median of $131,800, 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 $115,984 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $131,800 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for petroleum engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for petroleum engineers in Grand Forks spans from $70,400 at the 10th percentile to $177,760 at the 90th percentile — a $107,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,920, while senior petroleum engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,600. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Grand Forks by Experience
In Grand Forks, an entry-level petroleum engineer earns around $73,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,600 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 | $70,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,760 |
| Median (50th) | $115,984 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $177,760 |
Petroleum Engineer Salary in Other North Dakota Cities
How to Become a Petroleum Engineer in Grand Forks
Education
Most petroleum 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, petroleum engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Grand Forks
Browse open petroleum engineer positions in Grand Forks, ND: