Welder Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $43,719 (2026)

Welder Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Forks offers a median welder salary of $43,719, which is $941 below the North Dakota state average of $44,660. Compared to the national median of $47,010, 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 $43,719 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,681 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for welders seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for welders in Grand Forks spans from $30,876 at the 10th percentile to $65,844 at the 90th percentile — a $34,968 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,760, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,240. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Welder Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, an entry-level welder earns around $29,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$29,760

$-2,240 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$44,640

$-3,360 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$63,240

$-4,760 vs national

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$30,876	$31,540	$33,200
25th Percentile	$36,084	$36,860	$38,800
Median (50th)	$43,719	$44,660	$47,010
75th Percentile	$54,126	$55,290	$58,200
90th Percentile	$65,844	$67,260	$70,800

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$30,876

25th Percentile

$36,084

Median (50th)

$43,719

75th Percentile

$54,126

90th Percentile

$65,844

How to Become a Welder in Grand Forks

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Grand Forks and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Grand Forks

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

The median welder salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota is $43,719 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $30,876 (10th percentile) to $65,844 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $43,719, a welder in Grand Forks earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Grand Forks's median welder salary of $43,719 is 2.1% below the North Dakota state average of $44,660. 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 welder salary of $43,719 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most welder positions in Grand Forks require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.

Welder Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota