Everything we can verify about jobs, pay and living in North Dakota, from official statistics, with source and date on every table.
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By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 07/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
North Dakota is in the Midwest region (West North Central division), with 796,568 residents, a median age of 36.7 and a median household income of $77,871. The unemployment rate was 2.2% in 2026M09, and the state's price level is 89.0 against 100 for the US as a whole.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ | Rank among 50 states + DC ⇅ | Direction ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $77,871 | 26 of 51 | higher is better |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% | 2 of 51 | lower is better |
| Job openings rate | 3.9% | 29 of 51 | higher is better |
| Price level (RPP) | 89.0 | 8 of 51 | lower is better |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.0% | 32 of 51 | higher is better |
| Foreign-born share | 5.3% | 40 of 51 | higher is better |
See the 255 federal jobs open now →Country guide: United States250 largest cities
Neighbouring states in the West North Central division: Iowa · Kansas · Minnesota · Missouri · Nebraska · South Dakota.
| Industry ⇅ | GDP ($ million, annual rate) ⇅ | Share of state GDP ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 12,044 | 14.3% |
| Government and government enterprises | 8,617 | 10.2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 7,761 | 9.2% |
| Manufacturing | 7,098 | 8.4% |
| Wholesale trade | 6,798 | 8.1% |
| Health care and social assistance | 6,735 | 8.0% |
| Finance and insurance | 4,861 | 5.8% |
| Retail trade | 4,809 | 5.7% |
| Construction | 4,684 | 5.6% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 4,499 | 5.3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 3,450 | 4.1% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 2,481 | 2.9% |
| Accommodation and food services | 1,973 | 2.3% |
| Information | 1,893 | 2.2% |
| Utilities | 1,824 | 2.2% |
| Other services (except government and government enterprises) | 1,463 | 1.7% |
| Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services | 1,276 | 1.5% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 808 | 1.0% |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 350 | 0.4% |
| Educational services | 268 | 0.3% |
| Sector ⇅ | Jobs (payroll) ⇅ | Change in 12 months ⇅ | Month ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining and logging | 17,300 | +1.8% | 2026M09 |
| Construction | 33,700 | -0.3% | 2026M09 |
| Manufacturing | 28,300 | +1.8% | 2026M09 |
| Trade, transportation and utilities | 90,700 | -2.3% | 2026M09 |
| Information | 5,000 | -2.0% | 2026M09 |
| Financial activities | 24,600 | +0.8% | 2026M09 |
| Professional and business services | 34,700 | -0.6% | 2026M09 |
| Education and health services | 73,100 | +1.5% | 2026M09 |
| Leisure and hospitality | 42,800 | +3.1% | 2026M09 |
| Other services | 16,000 | +6.0% | 2026M09 |
| Government | 86,200 | -0.7% | 2026M09 |
BEA values are seasonally adjusted annual rates averaged over the latest four quarters. BLS payroll counts are not seasonally adjusted. The state total of jobs is 452,400 (latest month).
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 45,080 | 105.0 | 0.92 | $48,050 | $34,930 | $71,930 | +1% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 35,690 | 83.1 | 0.94 | $34,040 | $22,260 | $47,570 | -3% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 42,960 | 100.0 | 1.14 | $49,190 | $35,060 | $80,020 | +11% |
| Sales and Related | 36,780 | 85.6 | 0.99 | $37,840 | $28,880 | $86,740 | -2% |
| Management | 26,920 | 62.7 | 0.88 | $103,440 | $57,790 | $185,100 | -18% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 22,100 | 51.5 | 0.76 | $76,870 | $49,640 | $124,840 | -7% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 30,480 | 71.0 | 1.12 | $79,920 | $47,250 | $158,980 | -8% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 25,050 | 58.3 | 1.00 | $55,140 | $36,400 | $82,850 | -9% |
| Production | 23,910 | 55.7 | 1.01 | $50,750 | $37,140 | $85,160 | +8% |
| Healthcare Support | 18,000 | 41.9 | 0.83 | $44,240 | $35,650 | $56,080 | +15% |
| Construction and Extraction | 34,720 | 80.8 | 1.96 | $61,180 | $45,050 | $97,670 | +3% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 22,760 | 53.0 | 1.35 | $61,990 | $39,480 | $103,300 | +4% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 6,920 | 16.1 | 0.48 | $81,970 | $51,690 | $129,370 | -25% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 13,120 | 30.5 | 1.04 | $37,950 | $30,510 | $57,280 | +1% |
| Protective Service | 7,990 | 18.6 | 0.77 | $58,350 | $31,730 | $91,170 | +17% |
| Personal Care and Service | 11,840 | 27.6 | 1.32 | $33,430 | $23,220 | $54,010 | -8% |
| Community and Social Service | 6,360 | 14.8 | 0.86 | $60,640 | $39,430 | $82,330 | +4% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 6,030 | 14.0 | 0.83 | $85,170 | $53,880 | $136,060 | -14% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 4,940 | 11.5 | 0.87 | $49,080 | $30,730 | $90,360 | -22% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 4,630 | 10.8 | 1.14 | $71,750 | $48,530 | $120,250 | -13% |
| Legal | 2,170 | 5.1 | 0.60 | $81,110 | $47,930 | $171,100 | -21% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 980 | 2.3 | 0.82 | $46,450 | $36,150 | $60,820 | +27% |
| Industry ⇅ | Share of employed residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Education and health care | 25.4% |
| Retail trade | 11.5% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining | 8.5% |
| Arts, entertainment, accommodation, food | 7.8% |
| Professional, scientific, management, administrative | 7.8% |
| Manufacturing | 7.4% |
| Construction | 7.0% |
| Transportation, warehousing, utilities | 5.7% |
| Finance, insurance, real estate | 5.3% |
| Public administration | 5.0% |
| Other services | 4.5% |
| Wholesale trade | 2.7% |
| Information | 1.3% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacists | 1,070 | 1.20 | $142,040 | $105,490 | $167,940 | +1% |
| Financial Managers | 2,140 | 0.92 | $135,890 | $87,610 | $229,150 | -18% |
| Nurse Practitioners | 1,290 | 1.44 | $130,070 | $103,490 | $162,020 | -2% |
| Managers, All Other | 2,040 | 1.19 | $126,440 | $77,750 | $190,420 | -11% |
| Lawyers | 1,050 | 0.50 | $106,880 | $70,500 | $194,840 | -33% |
| Software Developers | 1,450 | 0.31 | $105,600 | $62,900 | $158,060 | -22% |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 1,220 | 0.74 | $105,170 | $78,150 | $179,740 | -15% |
| Construction Managers | 1,450 | 1.38 | $102,070 | $63,470 | $168,570 | -11% |
| Civil Engineers | 1,380 | 1.35 | $98,190 | $63,290 | $143,740 | -3% |
| General and Operations Managers | 11,150 | 1.15 | $98,170 | $52,000 | $184,720 | -7% |
| Project Management Specialists | 2,020 | 0.69 | $96,160 | $62,300 | $139,320 | -6% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 1,920 | 1.13 | $90,600 | $59,990 | $139,570 | +13% |
| Loan Officers | 1,370 | 1.81 | $84,650 | $58,010 | $146,640 | +10% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | 4,350 | 1.94 | $81,370 | $60,320 | $146,860 | +2% |
| Registered Nurses | 11,340 | 1.21 | $80,730 | $65,520 | $103,480 | -17% |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | 1,810 | 0.60 | $80,500 | $51,870 | $131,620 | -3% |
| Wellhead Pumpers | 1,540 | 30.98 | $79,820 | $61,530 | $98,570 | +14% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | 1,650 | 0.89 | $76,350 | $52,450 | $129,200 | +3% |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | 1,720 | 3.54 | $76,030 | $52,000 | $101,830 | +16% |
| Accountants and Auditors | 4,430 | 1.11 | $75,730 | $49,330 | $124,960 | -10% |
| Human Resources Specialists | 1,710 | 0.68 | $75,630 | $50,520 | $116,990 | -0% |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | 1,630 | 0.88 | $74,500 | $58,620 | $91,440 | -2% |
| Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | 4,180 | 1.22 | $74,250 | $45,060 | $131,750 | +3% |
| Insurance Sales Agents | 1,460 | 1.10 | $71,220 | $46,770 | $161,130 | +14% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | 1,830 | 0.46 | $68,720 | $43,220 | $103,210 | -1% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellhead Pumpers | 1,540 | 30.98 | $79,820 | $61,530 | $98,570 | +14% |
| Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | 3,000 | 25.16 | $60,810 | $37,600 | $88,410 | +5% |
| Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | 2,460 | 19.77 | $60,480 | $38,850 | $78,290 | +29% |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | 4,890 | 3.70 | $62,150 | $49,840 | $100,570 | +4% |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | 1,720 | 3.54 | $76,030 | $52,000 | $101,830 | +16% |
| Highway Maintenance Workers | 1,240 | 2.91 | $60,630 | $47,400 | $78,510 | +21% |
| Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other | 1,510 | 2.85 | $54,200 | $38,520 | $81,340 | +19% |
| Childcare Workers | 4,030 | 2.81 | $30,290 | $23,310 | $37,070 | -13% |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | 2,590 | 2.26 | $62,000 | $46,660 | $83,290 | +15% |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | 1,790 | 2.23 | $66,110 | $46,790 | $91,520 | +7% |
| Tellers | 1,990 | 2.19 | $39,300 | $37,100 | $47,780 | -9% |
| Parts Salespersons | 1,610 | 2.16 | $48,600 | $34,890 | $68,640 | +26% |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | 2,560 | 2.11 | $65,990 | $51,210 | $104,350 | +2% |
| Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | 1,190 | 2.09 | $57,710 | $46,500 | $71,440 | +1% |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 11,870 | 2.08 | $60,910 | $47,990 | $83,330 | +4% |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | 1,630 | 2.01 | $36,910 | $31,140 | $46,320 | +4% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | 4,350 | 1.94 | $81,370 | $60,320 | $146,860 | +2% |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | 1,390 | 1.92 | $34,530 | $30,550 | $37,250 | -2% |
| Bartenders | 3,960 | 1.90 | $29,040 | $18,850 | $57,050 | -15% |
| Loan Officers | 1,370 | 1.81 | $84,650 | $58,010 | $146,640 | +10% |
| Coaches and Scouts | 1,180 | 1.72 | $37,100 | $24,330 | $75,210 | -22% |
| Nursing Assistants | 6,840 | 1.71 | $45,820 | $35,130 | $51,380 | +8% |
| Electricians | 3,570 | 1.71 | $65,710 | $46,440 | $101,020 | +4% |
| Construction Laborers | 5,050 | 1.67 | $49,070 | $38,990 | $71,210 | +4% |
| Driver/Sales Workers | 1,740 | 1.54 | $38,610 | $19,550 | $62,320 | -0% |
Occupations with a page of their own link to it. Pay above $239,200 a year is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top-code). "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure.
There are 255 federal job postings open now in North Dakota (USAJOBS). This is the federal government only: most US jobs are in the private sector and are advertised on employers' own sites, so use the pay and demand tables on this page for the whole labour market.
| Agency ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Veterans Health Administration | 55 |
| Federal Aviation Administration | 37 |
| Indian Health Service | 35 |
| Air Force Global Strike Command | 16 |
| Department of the Air Force Headquarters | 15 |
| Air Combat Command | 9 |
| Transportation Security Administration | 8 |
| Western Area Power Administration | 8 |
| Air Force Civilian Career Training | 6 |
| Defense Commissary Agency | 5 |
| Customs and Border Protection | 5 |
| Internal Revenue Service | 5 |
| Immigration and Customs Enforcement | 5 |
| Natural Resources Conservation Service | 5 |
| Agricultural Research Service | 5 |
| Series ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Nurse | 17 |
| Aviation Safety | 14 |
| Medical Officer | 11 |
| Compliance Inspection And Support | 9 |
| General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, And Compliance Series | 6 |
| Practical Nurse | 5 |
| Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | 5 |
| Electronics Engineering | 5 |
| Information Technology Management | 5 |
| High Voltage Electrician | 5 |
| Recreation Aid And Assistant | 5 |
| Medical Support Assistance | 4 |
| General Engineering | 4 |
| Civil Engineering | 4 |
| Contracting | 4 |
Median starting salary in postings that list a yearly range: $63,795 (218 postings).
1 of the 250 largest US cities are in North Dakota.
| City ⇅ | Population ⇅ | Median household income ⇅ | Median rent ⇅ | Unemployment (ACS) ⇅ | Bachelor's+ ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | 131,627 | $66,998 | $946 | 3.8% | 43.0% |
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The median wage in North Dakota is $52,480 a year ($25.23 an hour) against $50,980 nationally (+3%). The 10th percentile earns $31,330 and the 90th $103,160.
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 45,080 | 105.0 | 0.92 | $48,050 | $34,930 | $71,930 | +1% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 35,690 | 83.1 | 0.94 | $34,040 | $22,260 | $47,570 | -3% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 42,960 | 100.0 | 1.14 | $49,190 | $35,060 | $80,020 | +11% |
| Sales and Related | 36,780 | 85.6 | 0.99 | $37,840 | $28,880 | $86,740 | -2% |
| Management | 26,920 | 62.7 | 0.88 | $103,440 | $57,790 | $185,100 | -18% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 22,100 | 51.5 | 0.76 | $76,870 | $49,640 | $124,840 | -7% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 30,480 | 71.0 | 1.12 | $79,920 | $47,250 | $158,980 | -8% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 25,050 | 58.3 | 1.00 | $55,140 | $36,400 | $82,850 | -9% |
| Production | 23,910 | 55.7 | 1.01 | $50,750 | $37,140 | $85,160 | +8% |
| Healthcare Support | 18,000 | 41.9 | 0.83 | $44,240 | $35,650 | $56,080 | +15% |
| Construction and Extraction | 34,720 | 80.8 | 1.96 | $61,180 | $45,050 | $97,670 | +3% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 22,760 | 53.0 | 1.35 | $61,990 | $39,480 | $103,300 | +4% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 6,920 | 16.1 | 0.48 | $81,970 | $51,690 | $129,370 | -25% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 13,120 | 30.5 | 1.04 | $37,950 | $30,510 | $57,280 | +1% |
| Protective Service | 7,990 | 18.6 | 0.77 | $58,350 | $31,730 | $91,170 | +17% |
| Personal Care and Service | 11,840 | 27.6 | 1.32 | $33,430 | $23,220 | $54,010 | -8% |
| Community and Social Service | 6,360 | 14.8 | 0.86 | $60,640 | $39,430 | $82,330 | +4% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 6,030 | 14.0 | 0.83 | $85,170 | $53,880 | $136,060 | -14% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 4,940 | 11.5 | 0.87 | $49,080 | $30,730 | $90,360 | -22% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 4,630 | 10.8 | 1.14 | $71,750 | $48,530 | $120,250 | -13% |
| Legal | 2,170 | 5.1 | 0.60 | $81,110 | $47,930 | $171,100 | -21% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 980 | 2.3 | 0.82 | $46,450 | $36,150 | $60,820 | +27% |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set; graduated states show 0 until you enter your own estimate. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
| Rule ⇅ | In North Dakota ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage (per hour) | $7.25 (federal minimum is $7.25; the higher applies for most workers) |
| State income tax on wages | Graduated, top rate 2.50% |
| Right-to-work state | Yes |
| State paid family and medical leave program | No program listed in our source |
| Employment | At-will in most states (either side can end the job with notice, with legal exceptions) |
Nationwide rules (overtime after 40 hours, family leave, discrimination, visas) are on the country guide. Many cities and counties set higher minimum wages or paid sick leave; check the local government. Confirm all figures with the official sources before acting.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Price level, all items (US = 100) | 89.0 |
| Median gross rent per month | $980 |
| Median home value | $266,100 |
| Homeowners (share of households) | 61.2% |
| Poverty rate | 11.1% |
| Drive alone to work | 76.7% |
| Public transit to work | 0.5% |
| Work from home | 7.1% |
| Commute of 45 minutes or more | 7.2% |
Regional price parities measure how much it costs to buy the same basket of goods and services: 100 is the national average.
5.3% of residents of North Dakota were born abroad (41,899 people).
| Country of birth ⇅ | Residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 3,543 |
| Philippines | 2,985 |
| Canada | 2,865 |
| Liberia | 2,792 |
| India | 1,707 |
| Somalia | 1,167 |
| Nigeria | 1,060 |
| Ghana | 918 |
| China, excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan | 832 |
| Korea | 771 |
| Nepal | 706 |
| Kenya | 703 |
| Germany | 686 |
| South Africa | 617 |
| Vietnam | 615 |
Work permits and visas are federal. See permits and first steps and, for your country, Working in the US from your country.
$7.25 (the federal minimum is $7.25; the higher rate applies for most workers). Source: US Department of Labor.
Graduated, top rate 2.50% (Tax Foundation, rates as of 01/01/2026).
2.2% in 2026M09 (BLS, seasonally adjusted).
$77,871 (Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024, 2024 dollars).
255 postings on USAJOBS today. Private-sector jobs are not included.