Systems Administrator Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $71,240 (2026)

Systems Administrator Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Forks offers a median systems administrator salary of $71,240, which is $1,697 below the North Dakota state average of $72,937. Compared to the national median of $84,810, 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 $71,240 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $80,955 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for systems administrators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for systems administrators in Grand Forks spans from $43,680 at the 10th percentile to $110,880 at the 90th percentile — a $67,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,000. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Systems Administrator Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$46,200

$-8,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$72,240

$-13,760 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$105,000

$-20,000 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$43,680	$44,720	$52,000
25th Percentile	$56,280	$57,620	$67,000
Median (50th)	$71,240	$72,937	$84,810
75th Percentile	$90,720	$92,880	$108,000
90th Percentile	$110,880	$113,520	$132,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$43,680

25th Percentile

$56,280

Median (50th)

$71,240

75th Percentile

$90,720

90th Percentile

$110,880

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook

Nationally, systems administrator employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median systems administrator salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $71,240 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $43,680 (10th percentile) to $110,880 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $71,240, a systems administrator in Grand Forks earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median systems administrator salary of $71,240 is 2.3% below the North Dakota state average of $72,937. 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 systems administrator salary of $71,240 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most systems administrator positions in Grand Forks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Linux, Windows Server, Active Directory, Networking. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Systems Administrator Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota