Grand Forks vs Williston: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent 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 | $49,611▲ | $47,074 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.85▲ | $22.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,208 | $31,140▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,817▲ | $36,497 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,502▲ | $60,254 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,897▲ | $72,964 |
| Total Employed | 14▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Williston.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and Williston is $2,537 (5.39%). Grand Forks's median is -7.48% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Forks spans $46,689,Williston spans $41,824. 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 ($53,925 effective) pays 5.39% more than Williston ($51,167 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 ($49,611/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,897)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,925)
- ✓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, real estate agent salaries in Grand Forks grew -12.3% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -8.9% growth in Williston over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$55,750 (2022) → $48,878 (2025)
Williston, ND
$50,917 (2024) → $46,378 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents 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 real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Grand Forks vs Williston?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov