Bismarck vs Grand Forks: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bismarck, ND and Grand Forks, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Grand Forks, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,855 | $103,164▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.49 | $49.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,638▲ | $55,749 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,570▲ | $76,213 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,240 | $123,094▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,091▲ | $139,885 |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Bismarck and Grand Forks are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Grand Forks is $2,309 (2.29%). Grand Forks's median is -0.32% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $75,453,Grand Forks spans $84,136. Grand Forks has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Forks ($119,040 effective) pays 7.44% more than Bismarck ($110,800 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bismarck if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,091)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,164/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,040)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bismarck grew 16.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.2% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$84,080 (2019) → $98,270 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$82,290 (2019) → $100,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Bismarck or Grand Forks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Grand Forks?
Should I relocate from Bismarck to Grand Forks as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Bismarck vs Grand Forks?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov