Dickinson vs Grand Forks: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Dickinson, ND and Grand Forks, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dickinson, ND | Grand Forks, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,099 | $103,164▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.76 | $49.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,597▲ | $55,749 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,553 | $76,213▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,243 | $123,094▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,303▲ | $139,885 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dickinson.
The salary gap between Dickinson and Grand Forks is $10,065 (10.81%). 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 Dickinson spans $81,706,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 17.64% more than Dickinson ($101,195 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dickinson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,303)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,164/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓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 Dickinson grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.2% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Dickinson, ND
$79,163 (2024) → $90,713 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$82,290 (2019) → $100,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dickinson, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Dickinson or Grand Forks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dickinson and Grand Forks?
Should I relocate from Dickinson to Grand Forks as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Dickinson 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