Grand Forks vs Minot: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Grand Forks, ND and Minot, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Forks, ND | Minot, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,164▲ | $102,076 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.60▲ | $49.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,749 | $62,656▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,213 | $76,860▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,094 | $129,242▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,885 | $160,688▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Minot.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and Minot is $1,088 (1.07%). 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 Grand Forks spans $84,136,Minot spans $98,032. Minot 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 1.49% more than Minot ($117,291 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Minot if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,688)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Grand Forks grew 22.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.0% growth in Minot over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$82,290 (2019) → $100,520 (2025)
Minot, ND
$102,550 (2024) → $99,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Grand Forks or Minot?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Forks and Minot?
Should I relocate from Grand Forks to Minot as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Grand Forks vs Minot?
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