Grand Forks vs Williston: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Grand Forks, ND and Williston, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Forks, ND | Williston, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,943▲ | $104,399 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.93▲ | $50.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,072 | $67,123▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,558 | $82,233▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,046▲ | $133,631 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,419▲ | $161,819 |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Williston.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and Williston is $1,544 (1.48%). Grand Forks's median is -10.91% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Forks spans $103,347,Williston spans $94,696. 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 ($122,247 effective) pays 7.73% more than Williston ($113,477 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 ($105,943/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,419)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,247)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Williston if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Grand Forks grew 3.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.5% growth in Williston over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$99,330 (2019) → $102,440 (2025)
Williston, ND
$94,810 (2024) → $100,947 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Grand Forks or Williston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Forks and Williston?
Should I relocate from Grand Forks to Williston as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Grand Forks vs Williston?
Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% 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 Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov