Grand Forks vs Mandan: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Grand Forks, ND and Mandan, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Forks, ND | Mandan, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,780▲ | $67,534 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.92▲ | $32.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,290▲ | $47,267 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,051▲ | $53,947 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,161 | $84,844▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,809 | $96,701▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mandan.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and Mandan is $9,246 (13.69%). Grand Forks's median is -2.24% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Forks spans $22,519,Mandan spans $49,434. Mandan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Forks ($88,596 effective) pays 20.69% more than Mandan ($73,407 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 ($76,780/year)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,596)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Mandan if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,701)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Grand Forks grew 26.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.1% growth in Mandan over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$58,730 (2019) → $74,500 (2025)
Mandan, ND
$58,470 (2024) → $65,529 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Mandan, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Grand Forks or Mandan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Forks and Mandan?
Should I relocate from Grand Forks to Mandan as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Grand Forks vs Mandan?
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov