Grand Forks vs Minot: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical 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 | $116,357▲ | $112,968 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.94▲ | $54.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,173▲ | $71,989 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,423▲ | $85,994 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,574 | $140,766▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,416 | $166,111▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Minot.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and Minot is $3,389 (3.00%). Grand Forks's median is -6.94% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Forks spans $66,243,Minot spans $94,122. Minot has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Forks ($134,264 effective) pays 9.34% more than Minot ($122,791 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 ($116,357/year)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,264)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Minot if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,111)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Grand Forks grew 45.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Minot over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$77,330 (2019) → $112,260 (2025)
Minot, ND
$92,157 (2024) → $108,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Grand Forks or Minot?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov