Grand Forks vs West Fargo: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Grand Forks, ND and West Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Forks, ND | West Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,164▲ | $93,572 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.60▲ | $44.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,749 | $63,706▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,213▲ | $73,506 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,094▲ | $116,360 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,885 | $145,037▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Fargo.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and West Fargo is $9,592 (10.25%). 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,West Fargo spans $81,331. Grand Forks has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Forks ($119,040 effective) pays 17.04% more than West Fargo ($101,709 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 West Fargo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,037)
- ✓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 14.6% growth in West Fargo over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$82,290 (2019) → $100,520 (2025)
West Fargo, ND
$79,565 (2024) → $91,174 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
West Fargo, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
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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