Media & Communications Grand Forks, ND Pop. 56,588

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota

The median public relations specialist salary in Grand Forks, ND is $59,347 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$59,347
vs State Avg
$-1,349
vs National
$-8,093
Cost of Living
88%

Public Relations Specialist Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Forks offers a median public relations specialist salary of $59,347, which is $1,349 below the North Dakota state average of $60,696. Compared to the national median of $67,440, 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 $59,347 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $67,440 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for public relations specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Grand Forks spans from $33,440 at the 10th percentile to $105,600 at the 90th percentile — a $72,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,560. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,560
$-13,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Forks, ND

Percentile Grand Forks
10th Percentile $33,440
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $59,347
75th Percentile $80,080
90th Percentile $105,600

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Grand Forks

Education

Most public relations specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Grand Forks and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, public relations specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Grand Forks

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Grand Forks

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Grand Forks, ND? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $59,347 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $33,440 (10th percentile) to $105,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Grand Forks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,347, a public relations specialist in Grand Forks earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Forks compare to the North Dakota state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
Grand Forks's median public relations specialist salary of $59,347 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $60,696. 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 public relations specialist salary of $59,347 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a public relations specialist in Grand Forks? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in Grand Forks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Media Relations, Press Releases, Crisis Communications, Social Media. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.