We calculate the equation of state of the Gross-Neveu model in 2+1 dimensions at order 1/N, where N is the number of fermion species. We make use of a general formula valid for four-fermion theories, previously applied to the model in 1+1 dimensions. We consider both the discrete and continuous symmetry versions of the model. We show that, as expected, the pion-like excitations give the dominant contribution at low temperatures. The range of validity for such pion dominance is analyzed. The complete analysis from low to high temperatures also shows that in the critical region the role of composite states is relevant, even for quite large N, and that the foe-component behavior at high T starts at about twice the mean field critical temperature.