Software Engineer Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota
The median software engineer salary in Grand Forks, ND is $104,328 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 2.3% below the North Dakota state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)
Grand Forks offers a median software engineer salary of $104,328, which is $2,484 below the North Dakota state average of $106,812. Compared to the national median of $124,200, 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 $104,328 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $118,555 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for software engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for software engineers in Grand Forks spans from $62,664 at the 10th percentile to $166,807 at the 90th percentile — a $104,143 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,520, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $155,400. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Software Engineer Salary in Grand Forks by Experience
In Grand Forks, an entry-level software engineer earns around $65,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,400 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 | $62,664 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,488 |
| Median (50th) | $104,328 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,888 |
| 90th Percentile | $166,807 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other North Dakota Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Grand Forks
Education
Most software 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, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Grand Forks
Browse open software engineer positions in Grand Forks, ND: