School Counselor Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $52,923 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Forks offers a median school counselor salary of $52,923, which is $1,203 below the North Dakota state average of $54,126. Compared to the national median of $60,140, 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 $52,923 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Grand Forks spans from $33,616 at the 10th percentile to $83,424 at the 90th percentile — a $49,808 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,200, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,800. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level school counselor earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$35,200

$-4,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$52,800

$-7,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$74,800

$-10,200 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$33,616	$34,380	$38,200
25th Percentile	$41,360	$42,300	$47,000
Median (50th)	$52,923	$54,126	$60,140
75th Percentile	$67,056	$68,580	$76,200
90th Percentile	$83,424	$85,320	$94,800

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$33,616

25th Percentile

$41,360

Median (50th)

$52,923

75th Percentile

$67,056

90th Percentile

$83,424

How to Become a School Counselor in Grand Forks

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Grand Forks and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor 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: School Counselor Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median school counselor salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $52,923 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $33,616 (10th percentile) to $83,424 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $52,923, a school counselor in Grand Forks earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median school counselor salary of $52,923 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $54,126. 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 school counselor salary of $52,923 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most school counselor positions in Grand Forks require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

School Counselor Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota