Grand Forks vs Minot: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer 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 | $56,962 | $58,795▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.39 | $28.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,264▲ | $37,050 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,287▲ | $45,315 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,626 | $75,103▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,187 | $91,133▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Minot, ND offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Forks.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and Minot is $1,833 (3.22%). Minot's median is -9.65% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Forks spans $41,923,Minot spans $54,083. Minot has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Forks ($65,728 effective) pays 2.85% more than Minot ($63,908 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,728)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Minot if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,795/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,133)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Grand Forks grew 11.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.1% growth in Minot over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$49,590 (2019) → $55,110 (2025)
Minot, ND
$46,982 (2024) → $56,884 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Grand Forks or Minot?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Forks and Minot?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% 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 Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov