Physicist Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota
The median physicist salary in Grand Forks, ND is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.
Physicist Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)
Grand Forks offers a median physicist salary of $134,138, which is $3,049 below the North Dakota state average of $137,187. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $134,138 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for physicists in Grand Forks spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $209,440 at the 90th percentile — a $140,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,600. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Physicist Salary in Grand Forks by Experience
In Grand Forks, an entry-level physicist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 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 | $68,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,040 |
| Median (50th) | $134,138 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $209,440 |
Physicist Salary in Other North Dakota Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Grand Forks
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Grand Forks and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist 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 Physicist Jobs in Grand Forks
Browse open physicist positions in Grand Forks, ND: