Construction Manager in Grand Forks, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Grand Forks Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because that’s what matters when you’re deciding on a move. As a Construction Manager in Grand Forks, you’re looking at a median salary of $103,730 per year, which breaks down to about $49.87 per hour. That’s solid for the region, but let’s be honest—it’s a hair under the national average of $108,210 per year. The trade-off? Your cost of living in Grand Forks is a staggering 13.8% below the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.2 (US avg = 100). That $4,500 salary gap doesn't hit your wallet nearly as hard here.

The construction market here isn’t massive, but it’s stable. The metro area has about 117 jobs for Construction Managers, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%. That’s not explosive growth, but it’s steady, driven largely by the University of North Dakota (UND), healthcare expansions, and consistent residential and commercial projects. You won't find the frenzy of a major coastal city, but you also won't find the volatility. It’s a market built on the fundamentals: education, healthcare, and agriculture.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential in Grand Forks will scale with your experience and the complexity of the projects you can handle. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local hiring trends and industry data.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Grand Forks Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000	Assistant PM, estimating support, field coordination on smaller projects.
Mid-Career	4-9 years	$90,000 - $115,000	Managing full project cycles, cost control, client liaison, subcontractor oversight.
Senior	10-15 years	$115,000 - $140,000	Multi-project oversight, complex healthcare or institutional builds, strategic planning.
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$140,000+	Division leadership, business development, high-value federal/state contracts.

How It Compares to Other ND Cities

Grand Forks offers a compelling balance when you look at the wider North Dakota picture. It’s not the highest paying, but you’re not paying Fargo or Bismarck prices either.

City	Median Salary (Construction Manager)	Cost of Living Index	Job Market Size & Notes
Grand Forks	$103,730	86.2	117 jobs, 8% growth. Driven by UND, healthcare, and steady residential.
Fargo	~$107,500	92.1	Largest market (500+ jobs), more corporate HQs, higher competition.
Bismarck	~$105,000	92.5	Strong government and healthcare sector, stable but less residential growth.
Minot	~$102,000	94.0	Smaller market, heavily influenced by energy sector and military base.

Insider Tip: If you’re chasing the absolute highest salary, go to Fargo. But if you want a better work-life balance, easier commutes, and a lower daily cost of living, Grand Forks is your sweet spot. The salary-to-rent ratio here is arguably the best in the state.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk real-world take-home pay. We’ll use the median salary of $103,730 for our breakdown. (Note: This is a simplified model; actual taxes will depend on your filing status, deductions, and state-specific rules. North Dakota has a flat state income tax of 1.10% - 2.90% on income.)

Pre-Tax Monthly Income: $103,730 / 12 = $8,644

Estimated Monthly Deductions:

• Federal Income Tax (approx. 15%): -$1,297
• State Income Tax (approx. 2.5%): -$216
• Social Security & Medicare (7.65%): -$661
• Health Insurance & Benefits (est.): -$400
• 401(k) Contribution (est. 5%): -$432

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,638

Monthly Budget Breakdown

With a take-home of around $5,638, you have significant room to breathe. Grand Forks’s average 1BR rent is $736/month, but you can find nicer 1BRs or 2BRs for under $1,000. Let’s build a responsible budget.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (2BR Apt)	$1,000	You can get a modern 2BR in a good area for this price.
Utilities	$250	Includes gas, electric, internet, and a basic cell plan.
Groceries	$500	For one person, eating well.
Car Payment + Insurance	$500	Assumes a modest car payment.
Fuel	$150	Commutes are short in Grand Forks.
Dining/Entertainment	$400	Plenty of local spots in downtown and the Southside.
Misc. (Clothing, etc.)	$300
Savings (Goal)	$2,538	This is the key—over $2,500/month for savings, investments, or debt.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home? Absolutely. With your savings potential, a down payment is very achievable. The median home price in Grand Forks is around $275,000. A 20% down payment is $55,000. At your savings rate, you could save that in under two years. A mortgage on a $275,000 home (with a $55k down payment) would be roughly $1,200-$1,400/month, including taxes and insurance. That’s only slightly more than renting a 2BR apartment. Homeownership is a very realistic and financially smart goal here.

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Where the Jobs Are: Grand Forks's Major Employers

The job market for Construction Managers in Grand Forks is anchored by a few key sectors. You won’t find endless postings on Indeed, but the ones that are there are serious. Here’s who’s building the city:

1. University of North Dakota (UND): The city’s largest employer. UND is in a constant state of renovation, expansion, and new construction—from the College of Engineering to athletic facilities and student housing. They hire both direct employees for facilities management and work with major GCs on capital projects. Hiring is steady, tied to the academic calendar and state funding cycles.

2. Altru Health System: The dominant healthcare provider in the region. They are perpetually expanding, upgrading, and building new clinics and facilities. Projects range from multi-million dollar hospital expansions to outpatient centers. These are complex, regulated builds requiring experienced managers. Altru often works with national firms but also hires local PMs for their own facilities team.

3. Grand Forks Public Schools: The school district has ongoing capital improvement projects, including new schools, renovations, and security upgrades. These are publicly funded, well-organized projects that offer stable, long-term contracts. The district often partners with local general contractors like JLG Architects or RDO Equipment Co. for project management.

4. RDO Equipment Co. & Local General Contractors: While RDO is known for equipment, they are also a major player in commercial and infrastructure construction. Key local GCs like Belle Contracting, Inc. and Integrated Builders, Inc. are the workhorses of the local scene. They handle everything from municipal buildings to retail centers. Insider Tip: Building a relationship with the project managers at these firms is your best bet for consistent contract work.

5. City of Grand Forks & Grand Forks County: The city and county manage road projects, water treatment facilities, public safety buildings, and park developments. These are public works projects, often requiring a licensed PM. The City’s Engineering Department hires directly for some roles, and they are a major client for private firms.

6. Alerus Financial (and other regional banks): As a major regional bank headquartered in Grand Forks, Alerus is involved in financing and overseeing construction for commercial clients. They sometimes have internal roles for construction project managers who oversee loan-funded projects.

Hiring Trends: The market is relationship-driven. Many jobs are filled through networking before they’re ever posted. The 8% growth is real, but it’s in niche areas: sustainable building (due to extreme weather), medical facility construction, and specialized agricultural structures.

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Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota does not have a state-level license for construction managers. This is a huge advantage—it lowers the barrier to entry. However, you will need to be licensed in a related trade if you are performing specific work, or you’ll need to ensure your firm has the proper licenses.

• Contractor Licensing: If you are a General Contractor (GC) or performing trades like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, you need a license from the North Dakota State Board of Contractors.

  • Cost: For a general contractor license, the fee is $250 for the application and $200 for the surety bond.
  • Process: You must show proof of experience (4 years minimum for a GC license), pass an exam, and secure a $10,000 surety bond.
  • Timeline: Allow 4-8 weeks for processing.

• Certifications (Highly Recommended): To stand out and command higher salaries, get certified.

  • PMP (Project Management Professional): The gold standard for PMs. Cost: ~$400-$550 for the exam.
  • LEED Green Associate: Important for sustainable projects, which are growing in the region. Cost: ~$250.
  • OSHA 30-Hour: Essential for any site manager. Many employers will pay for this.

Insider Tip: Even without a state license, joining the Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce and attending events is your best "license" to the local network. Decision-makers from UND, Altru, and the city are active members.

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Best Neighborhoods for Grand Forks

Grand Forks is a manageable city. You’re never more than a 15-minute drive from anywhere. Your choice comes down to lifestyle and commute.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. Rent (2BR)	Commute to Key Employers
South Grand Forks	Family-friendly, newer developments, close to shopping (Dakota Square), easy highway access. Quiet and safe.	$1,000 - $1,200	10-15 min to UND, Altru, downtown. Easy access to I-29.
Downtown / City Center	Historic, walkable, vibrant. Home to coffee shops, breweries (like Rhombus Guys), and restaurants. Younger, professional vibe.	$900 - $1,100	5-10 min to UND, Altru. Walking to work is possible if you work downtown.
Northside / Near UND	Mix of student housing and older homes. More affordable, but can be noisy during the school year. Very close to campus.	$750 - $950	5-10 min to UND, 10-15 min to Altru/downtown.
East Grand Forks (MN)	Just across the Red River. Similar feel to South Grand Forks, often slightly lower taxes. Great for families.	$900 - $1,150	10-15 min to all major employers. Requires crossing the bridge (watch for flood closures in spring).
Country Club Area	Established, tree-lined streets, larger homes, near the golf course. Quiet, upper-middle-class feel.	$1,200+	5-10 min to downtown, 10 min to UND.

Insider Tip: If you’re single or new to the city, rent in Downtown for the first year to immerse yourself in the community. If you have a family, South Grand Forks or East Grand Forks are unbeatable for schools and space.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

In Grand Forks, your career growth will be less about jumping from company to company and more about deepening your expertise and network.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a salary premium by specializing in:

  • Healthcare Construction: Altru and regional clinics need PMs who understand patient safety, HIPAA, and complex MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems. This can add a 10-15% premium to your salary.
  • Higher Education Projects: UND’s projects are often publicly funded and require strict adherence to state codes and labor agreements. Experience here is a gold stamp.
  • Cold-Climate Building: Expertise in high-performance building envelopes, foundation systems for frost heave, and energy-efficient HVAC is always in demand. This isn't a formal premium, but it makes you indispensable.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Superintendent → Project Manager: You need to learn the business side (budgets, contracts, client relations).
  2. Project Manager → Senior PM/Project Executive: Overseeing multiple projects and larger budgets.
  3. Senior PM → Division Manager/Owner’s Rep: For those with exceptional business acumen, you could move into a role managing a division for a large GC or representing an institution like UND or the City.
  4. Entrepreneur: With low startup costs and a steady market, starting your own small GC or consulting firm is a viable long-term goal for seasoned veterans.

• 10-Year Outlook (8% Growth): This growth will be in specialized niches. The rise of renewable energy (wind/solar) in the region requires construction management. Aging infrastructure (water treatment, roads) will drive public works projects. And as Grand Forks continues to grow its healthcare and education sectors, those institutional builds will continue. Your plan should be to become the "go-to" person for one of these niches.

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The Verdict: Is Grand Forks Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent salary-to-cost-of-living ratio. Your money goes far.	Smaller job market. Fewer opportunities than Fargo or Minneapolis.
Stable, predictable job market. Driven by institutions, not bubbles.	Colder, longer winters. You must be prepared for 6 months of snow and sub-zero temps.
Low commute times and traffic. Quality of life is high.	Limited cultural/diversity scene. It’s a predominantly white, Christian community.
Tight-knit professional network. Easier to build relationships.	Social life can revolve around the university. Can feel like a "college town" if you're older.
Realpath to homeownership and wealth building.	"Big City" amenities are 3-4 hours away (Minneapolis, Winnipeg).

Final Recommendation

Grand Forks is an ideal choice for a mid-career Construction Manager (5-15 years experience) who values stability, affordability, and a better work-life balance over chasing the absolute highest salary or a bustling city vibe. It’s perfect for someone looking to buy a home, start a family, and plant roots in a community where you can actually get to know the key players.

If you’re fresh out of school, it’s a great place to cut your teeth on solid projects without the intense competition of a larger city. If you’re at the expert level, your deep expertise is highly valued and can lead to leadership roles with regional influence.

The numbers don’t lie: you’ll earn a median of $103,730, live in a place with a cost of living index of 86.2, and have $2,500+ in monthly savings potential. For the right person, that’s not just a good career move—it’s a life upgrade.

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FAQs

Q: How brutal are the winters really?
A: They’re long and cold, but manageable. You need a reliable AWD vehicle and a good winter wardrobe. The city is exceptional at snow removal. The key is to embrace it—get into snowshoeing, skiing at the nearby hills, or just enjoy the cozy vibe. The summer and fall are spectacular.

Q: Is a 4-year degree necessary?
A: Not strictly, but it helps. Many successful PMs here started in the trades (carpentry, electrical) and worked their way up. A degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture gives you a leg up for the bigger institutional jobs (UND, Altru). Experience is king, but the degree opens doors.

Q: What’s the networking scene like?
A: Very active but informal. The Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce events are essential. Also, get involved with ND Associated General Contractors (ND AGC) chapters and local **Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA