North Dakota salaries by occupation
The median worker in North Dakota earned $50,320 a year in 2024, about $24.19 an hour, 1.7% above the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 410 occupations.
Median pay $50,320 $24.19 per hour
Vs national median +1.7% U.S. $49,500
Workers 424,030 wage and salary
Occupations reported 410 with at least 100 employed
What North Dakota is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | 25.4× | 3,080 | $62,340 |
| Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas | 23.92× | 730 | $69,840 |
| Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | 21.55× | 2,690 | $60,140 |
| Wellhead Pumpers | 19.1× | 910 | $83,450 |
| Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | 5.55× | 560 | $62,390 |
| Gambling Dealers | 4.29× | 980 | $27,900 |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | 4.21× | 2,090 | $76,450 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | 3.63× | 4,690 | $62,760 |
| Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other | 3.2× | 1,730 | $55,760 |
| Highway Maintenance Workers | 2.88× | 1,200 | $60,830 |
Metro areas in North Dakota
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 4 North Dakota metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | $49,990 | $24.03 | 70,140 | #78 |
| Fargo | $49,690 | $23.89 | 147,570 | #90 |
| Grand Forks | $48,280 | $23.21 | 51,240 | #127 |
| Minot | $48,210 | $23.18 | 33,530 | #132 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists | $232,420 | $111.74 | 250 | #3 of 25 |
| Pediatricians, General | $225,250 | $108.29 | 120 | #5 of 37 |
| Dentists, General | $201,280 | $96.77 | 210 | #8 of 46 |
| Chief Executives | $171,310 | $82.36 | 370 | #18 of 33 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $140,560 | $67.58 | 300 | #41 of 49 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $136,300 | $65.53 | 650 | #38 of 49 |
| Pharmacists | $135,570 | $65.18 | 980 | #32 of 51 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $133,540 | $64.20 | 120 | #24 of 46 |
| Petroleum Engineers | $130,090 | $62.54 | 190 | #9 of 16 |
| Financial Managers | $130,070 | $62.53 | 1,960 | #37 of 51 |
| Optometrists | $128,940 | $61.99 | 180 | #30 of 47 |
| Human Resources Managers | $127,190 | $61.15 | 250 | #24 of 48 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | 11,660 | $93,290 | $44.85 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 11,580 | $30,010 | $14.43 |
| Registered Nurses | 11,000 | $78,260 | $37.62 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 10,510 | $58,970 | $28.35 |
| Retail Salespersons | 10,450 | $35,670 | $17.15 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 10,140 | $44,630 | $21.46 |
| Cashiers | 9,290 | $30,610 | $14.72 |
| Office Clerks, General | 8,950 | $48,900 | $23.51 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 7,090 | $39,100 | $18.80 |
| Nursing Assistants | 6,920 | $44,190 | $21.25 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in North Dakota
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Office and administrative support 34
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $64,790
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $60,170
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $58,780
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $58,580
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $57,940
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $57,800
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $57,490
- Postal Service Clerks $57,140
- New Accounts Clerks $56,510
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $55,760
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $53,460
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $52,770
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $52,190
- Financial Clerks, All Other $51,460
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $50,650
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $50,470
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $50,020
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $49,730
- Billing and Posting Clerks $49,100
- Office Clerks, General $48,900
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $48,720
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $48,260
- Cargo and Freight Agents $48,010
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $45,490
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $45,200
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $44,040
- Customer Service Representatives $43,160
- Tellers $39,060
- Bill and Account Collectors $38,500
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $37,480
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $37,220
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $33,840
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $33,840
- Library Assistants, Clerical $28,100
Production 34
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $112,970
- Power Plant Operators $109,340
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $98,010
- Gas Plant Operators $93,910
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $73,700
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $62,760
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $62,400
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $61,610
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $60,270
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $58,250
- Machinists $58,110
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $56,600
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $51,380
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $51,340
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $51,150
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $51,080
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $48,420
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,900
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $47,720
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,310
- Production Workers, All Other $47,080
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,050
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $45,390
- Helpers--Production Workers $44,210
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $44,020
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $43,580
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $42,220
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $41,470
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $39,260
- Food Batchmakers $39,110
- Sewing Machine Operators $39,110
- Bakers $38,700
- Printing Press Operators $38,540
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $37,710
Education and library 32
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $108,700
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $105,280
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $103,760
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $98,090
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $84,750
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $83,130
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $75,190
- Instructional Coordinators $74,630
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $66,080
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $64,760
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $64,500
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $64,230
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $62,740
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $61,820
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $61,550
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $61,540
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $61,420
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $60,160
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $59,380
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $59,340
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $58,800
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $57,820
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $57,820
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $53,950
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $50,570
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $49,200
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $43,990
- Tutors $41,580
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $40,090
- Library Technicians $37,770
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $36,860
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $36,810
Healthcare practitioners 32
- Nurse Anesthetists $232,420
- Pediatricians, General $225,250
- Dentists, General $201,280
- Pharmacists $135,570
- Optometrists $128,940
- Physician Assistants $126,180
- Nurse Practitioners $123,220
- Veterinarians $99,490
- Physical Therapists $86,180
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $83,860
- Dental Hygienists $83,010
- Chiropractors $81,780
- Occupational Therapists $79,910
- Registered Nurses $78,260
- Respiratory Therapists $76,660
- Speech-Language Pathologists $67,330
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $63,850
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $62,520
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $61,790
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $60,820
- Surgical Technologists $59,990
- Paramedics $59,950
- Athletic Trainers $58,380
- Medical Records Specialists $53,550
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $50,760
- Pharmacy Technicians $47,600
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $46,020
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $44,970
- Opticians, Dispensing $41,400
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $40,900
- Psychiatric Technicians $38,770
- Emergency Medical Technicians $37,670
Installation, maintenance and repair 30
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $101,780
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $97,460
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $88,690
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $86,280
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $85,380
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $80,810
- Medical Equipment Repairers $78,480
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $77,900
- Riggers $76,980
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $76,450
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians $75,110
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $66,770
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $65,070
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $63,430
- Millwrights $63,320
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $62,390
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $60,540
- Motorcycle Mechanics $59,440
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $59,230
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $58,120
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $51,400
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $49,970
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $49,510
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $49,390
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $49,330
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $49,190
- Home Appliance Repairers $47,980
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $40,920
- Tire Repairers and Changers $38,080
- Bicycle Repairers $33,700
Management 26
- Chief Executives $171,310
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $140,560
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $136,300
- Natural Sciences Managers $133,540
- Financial Managers $130,070
- Human Resources Managers $127,190
- Sales Managers $124,500
- Marketing Managers $123,460
- Managers, All Other $118,010
- Industrial Production Managers $113,800
- Administrative Services Managers $106,360
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $104,990
- Public Relations Managers $103,200
- Medical and Health Services Managers $101,120
- Construction Managers $101,020
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $99,690
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $96,910
- General and Operations Managers $93,290
- Education Administrators, All Other $87,790
- Facilities Managers $84,400
- Social and Community Service Managers $83,410
- Food Service Managers $64,940
- Lodging Managers $61,210
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $57,520
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $46,300
- Legislators $41,550
Construction and extraction 26
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $80,340
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $79,480
- Sheet Metal Workers $78,910
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $76,690
- Construction and Building Inspectors $74,970
- Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas $69,840
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas $69,560
- Electricians $65,820
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $62,760
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $62,670
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $62,340
- Highway Maintenance Workers $60,830
- Glaziers $60,780
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $60,260
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $60,140
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $58,400
- Carpenters $58,390
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $57,390
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $56,840
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $56,180
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $51,000
- Pipelayers $50,780
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $49,860
- Construction Laborers $48,340
- Roofers $47,840
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $46,710
Business and financial 23
- Personal Financial Advisors $98,990
- Project Management Specialists $89,660
- Loan Officers $82,990
- Credit Analysts $82,210
- Financial Examiners $81,020
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $80,200
- Compliance Officers $78,450
- Financial Specialists, All Other $77,380
- Logisticians $77,020
- Financial and Investment Analysts $75,000
- Management Analysts $73,080
- Accountants and Auditors $72,180
- Cost Estimators $70,250
- Fundraisers $70,210
- Human Resources Specialists $69,740
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $68,080
- Insurance Underwriters $67,690
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $62,340
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $62,230
- Training and Development Specialists $61,880
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $59,950
- Tax Preparers $59,130
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $51,160
Transport and material moving 22
- Commercial Pilots $111,120
- Wellhead Pumpers $83,450
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers $75,960
- Crane and Tower Operators $74,880
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $66,030
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $58,970
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $58,450
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $50,440
- Bus Drivers, School $50,420
- Light Truck Drivers $47,750
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $46,800
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $44,630
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $39,220
- Driver/Sales Workers $38,610
- Stockers and Order Fillers $38,120
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $37,070
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $36,920
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $36,760
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $36,210
- Parking Attendants $35,530
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $29,550
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $28,480
Personal care and service 18
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $76,720
- Skincare Specialists $52,510
- Residential Advisors $47,520
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $45,860
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $45,590
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $39,580
- Recreation Workers $37,920
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $36,970
- Funeral Attendants $35,610
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $33,870
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $31,240
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $30,920
- Animal Caretakers $30,400
- Childcare Workers $30,390
- Gambling Dealers $27,900
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $27,860
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $26,510
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners $26,180
Life, physical and social science 17
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $109,110
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $84,020
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $82,150
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $81,260
- Conservation Scientists $79,790
- Chemists $79,350
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $75,870
- Biological Scientists, All Other $74,960
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $72,550
- School Psychologists $69,410
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $65,800
- Soil and Plant Scientists $61,790
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $55,310
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $52,790
- Biological Technicians $48,550
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians $48,540
- Agricultural Technicians $44,540
Architecture and engineering 15
- Petroleum Engineers $130,090
- Electrical Engineers $108,520
- Civil Engineers $96,160
- Engineers, All Other $88,100
- Environmental Engineers $87,590
- Industrial Engineers $84,610
- Mechanical Engineers $84,020
- Surveyors $78,750
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $77,940
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $77,640
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $74,670
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $73,620
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $68,010
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $62,550
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $56,150
Protective service 14
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $97,370
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $84,580
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $77,490
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $76,980
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $75,530
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $72,440
- Transportation Security Screeners $59,950
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $58,480
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $55,760
- Firefighters $53,660
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $53,480
- Security Guards $39,970
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $28,120
- Bailiffs $27,560
Computing and mathematics 13
- Information Security Analysts $112,330
- Computer Network Architects $109,150
- Software Developers $98,550
- Computer Systems Analysts $96,350
- Data Scientists $96,230
- Computer Programmers $88,910
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $81,750
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $81,590
- Operations Research Analysts $80,080
- Web Developers $71,190
- Computer Network Support Specialists $70,740
- Computer Occupations, All Other $69,640
- Computer User Support Specialists $59,420
Healthcare support 13
- Massage Therapists $70,720
- Physical Therapist Assistants $59,970
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $59,410
- Dental Assistants $51,310
- Phlebotomists $46,720
- Medical Transcriptionists $44,810
- Nursing Assistants $44,190
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $44,100
- Medical Assistants $41,040
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $39,100
- Medical Equipment Preparers $37,480
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $36,370
- Physical Therapist Aides $36,290
Sales 13
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $119,610
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $76,720
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $71,230
- Insurance Sales Agents $65,850
- Real Estate Sales Agents $61,830
- Parts Salespersons $52,000
- Advertising Sales Agents $48,920
- Travel Agents $47,000
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $46,770
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $44,130
- Counter and Rental Clerks $37,440
- Retail Salespersons $35,670
- Cashiers $30,610
Food preparation and serving 12
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $44,030
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $39,060
- Cooks, Restaurant $36,060
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $35,730
- Food Preparation Workers $35,700
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $32,510
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $30,010
- Dishwashers $29,660
- Waiters and Waitresses $29,420
- Cooks, Fast Food $29,350
- Bartenders $28,440
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $28,240
Community and social service 11
- Social Workers, All Other $77,380
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $74,700
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $66,900
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $66,450
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $64,860
- Healthcare Social Workers $63,660
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $61,660
- Rehabilitation Counselors $60,730
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $60,330
- Clergy $58,140
- Social and Human Service Assistants $47,010
Arts, design, entertainment and media 10
- Public Relations Specialists $66,660
- Editors $56,660
- Interior Designers $56,640
- Producers and Directors $48,290
- Graphic Designers $47,900
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $44,990
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $43,650
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $38,270
- Coaches and Scouts $35,940
- Floral Designers $34,890
Building and grounds maintenance 7
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $59,900
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $52,450
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $50,670
- Pest Control Workers $48,840
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $39,520
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $36,660
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $34,140
Farming, fishing and forestry 5
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in North Dakota?
The median across all occupations is $50,320 a year, or $24.19 an hour, covering 424,030 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in North Dakota?
Nurse Anesthetists ($232,420), Pediatricians, General ($225,250), Dentists, General ($201,280) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does North Dakota employ the most people in?
General and Operations Managers, with 11,660 employed at a median of $93,290. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. North Dakota electricity averages 13.61¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.