Photographer Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $35,376 (2026)

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

Grand Forks offers a median photographer salary of $35,376, which is $804 below the North Dakota state average of $36,180. Compared to the national median of $40,200, 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 $35,376 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $40,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for photographers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for photographers in Grand Forks spans from $21,120 at the 10th percentile to $72,160 at the 90th percentile — a $51,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,880, while senior photographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,000. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Photographer Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level photographer earns around $22,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$22,880

$-3,120 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$36,960

$-5,040 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$66,000

$-9,000 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$21,120	$21,600	$24,000
25th Percentile	$26,400	$27,000	$30,000
Median (50th)	$35,376	$36,180	$40,200
75th Percentile	$51,040	$52,200	$58,000
90th Percentile	$72,160	$73,800	$82,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$21,120

25th Percentile

$26,400

Median (50th)

$35,376

75th Percentile

$51,040

90th Percentile

$72,160

How to Become a Photographer in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, photographer 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: Photographer Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median photographer salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $35,376 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $21,120 (10th percentile) to $72,160 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $35,376, a photographer in Grand Forks earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median photographer salary of $35,376 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $36,180. 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 photographer salary of $35,376 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most photographer positions in Grand Forks require a high school diploma. Key skills include Photography, Lightroom/Photoshop, Lighting, Composition. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Photographer Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota