Grand Forks vs Minot: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $76,780▲ | $62,052 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.92▲ | $29.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,290▲ | $59,826 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,051▲ | $60,414 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,161 | $81,304▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,809▲ | $82,417 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Minot.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and Minot is $14,728 (23.73%). 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,Minot spans $22,591. Minot 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 24.26% more than Minot ($71,301 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,809)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,596)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Minot if…
- ✓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 -13.8% growth in Minot over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$58,730 (2019) → $74,500 (2025)
Minot, ND
$69,810 (2024) → $60,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Grand Forks or Minot?
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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