Construction & Real Estate Grand Forks, ND Pop. 56,588

Urban Planner Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota

The median urban planner salary in Grand Forks, ND is $69,995 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$69,995
vs State Avg
$-1,591
vs National
$-9,545
Cost of Living
88%

Urban Planner Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Forks offers a median urban planner salary of $69,995, which is $1,591 below the North Dakota state average of $71,586. Compared to the national median of $79,540, 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 $69,995 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for urban planners seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for urban planners in Grand Forks spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $107,360 at the 90th percentile — a $63,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,840. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Urban Planner Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level urban planner earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,280
$-9,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,840
$-14,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Forks, ND

Percentile Grand Forks
10th Percentile $44,000
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $69,995
75th Percentile $88,000
90th Percentile $107,360

Urban Planner Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

How to Become a Urban Planner in Grand Forks

Education

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

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook

Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Grand Forks

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Grand Forks

How much does a Urban Planner make in Grand Forks, ND? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $69,995 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $107,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Grand Forks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,995, a urban planner 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 urban planner pay? ▼
Grand Forks's median urban planner salary of $69,995 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $71,586. 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 urban planner salary of $69,995 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Grand Forks? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Grand Forks require a master's degree. Key skills include Urban Planning, GIS, Zoning Law, Community Engagement. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.