Senior Police Officer Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $82,809 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of police officers working in Grand Forks, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,809/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 33-3051. Strip back Grand Forks's price premium (BEA RPP 86.7, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $95,553 in average-cost America. The 8% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior police officers in Grand Forks, ND, have the potential to earn significant salaries, especially at the top tier of their profession. In 2026, those in the 90th percentile can expect annual compensation around $82,809, while the 75th percentile offers a robust $77,161. The gap between the median annual salary of $76,780 and the top earnings emphasizes the experience premium that comes from years of dedicated service. Transitioning into advanced roles, such as specialized units or detective positions, can elevate compensation further, allowing these officers to capitalize on their experience and specialized training through the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy, which is essential for career advancement in this field.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Forks
Experienced police officers at the top of the pay scale in Grand Forks earn between $77,161 and $82,809 per year (2026 est.). This $22,519 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Grand Forks median of $76,780 sits 2.24% below the US median.
Top PO Salary Comparison
| Level | Grand Forks | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $76,780 | $78,542 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,161 | $100,587 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,809 | $118,643 |
In Grand Forks, experienced police officers (P90) earn 7.85% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Police Officer Pay in Grand Forks
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND police officers with additional specialty certifications within the law enforcement field earn significantly above the $76,780 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Grand Forks employers.
Specialty Focus
Police Officers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the law enforcement field in Grand Forks command premium compensation, often reaching the $77,161–$82,809 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Grand Forks metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced police officers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured police officers in Grand Forks with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Police Officers in North Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Police Officer Career & Wage Growth Path in Grand Forks
Clinical Police Officer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Police Officer
5-10 yearsPolice Officer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGrand Forks ranks #7 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner police officer salary (90th percentile: $82,809).
Top 10% police officer compensation in Grand Forks ($82,809) is 10.12% below the North Dakota average P90 ($92,128).
2019 BLS Actual
$74,310
2025 BLS Actual
$80,350
2026 Current Est.
$82,809
2019–2027 Growth
+14.8%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,809 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,343 | Projected |
Top-earning police officers (90th percentile) in Grand Forks saw their compensation grow 8.1% from $74,310 in 2019 to $80,350 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.06% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $85,343 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Police Officer Earnings in Grand Forks
Compensation in Grand Forks varies significantly based on specialization and employer type. Experienced police officers engaged in critical roles, such as narcotics, homicide investigation, or tactical units, often command higher salaries, reflecting the demand for expertise in these areas. For example, senior officers with experience in federal law enforcement agencies, like the FBI or DEA, typically enjoy elevated pay scales compared to those within municipal departments. Career advancement opportunities abound, with common paths leading from patrol officer to sergeant or even chief of police, particularly for those pursuing specialized tracks or additional credentials. Furthermore, non-salary benefits, including overtime pay, educational incentives, and favorable pension multipliers, enhance the overall compensation package for senior police officers in Grand Forks, making this a financially rewarding career path in North Dakota.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced police officers make in Grand Forks in 2026?
What drives higher police officer pay in Grand Forks?
What certifications boost police officer salary in Grand Forks?
Can experienced police officers make six figures in Grand Forks?
How much does police officer salary increase over time in Grand Forks?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Dakota
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $80,350 for police officers in the Grand Forks metro area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for police officers (SOC 33-3051).
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