Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Unemployment rate
1990–2024BLS state series.
Employment
North Dakota maintains one of the strongest employment climates in the country, anchored by energy, agriculture, and manufacturing jobs.
Total nonfarm payroll jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED NDNA).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate (%) | 2.6 | 4.1 |
- •North Dakota consistently posts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation.
- •Labor force participation in North Dakota ranks among the top 10 states.
Unemployment
North Dakota's unemployment rate of 2.6% in 2024 remains well below the national rate of 4.1%.
Unemployment rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average of seasonally adjusted months (FRED NDUR).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate (%) | 2.6 | 4.1 |
- •North Dakota's unemployment rate has stayed below 3% in most years since 2021.
- •Energy-boom counties in the west often report near-zero unemployment.
Labor Force
North Dakota's labor force participation rate of 68.1% ranks among the top 10 states in the nation.
Civilian labor force
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED NDLF).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Force Participation (%) | 68.1 | 62.5 |
- •North Dakota's labor force participation rate has remained in the top 10 nationally for years.
- •Strong demand for skilled trades keeps participation high even among older workers.
Occupations
North Dakota's occupational mix is shaped by energy extraction, agriculture, trucking, and healthcare, with strong demand for skilled trades.
Workers in management, business, science and arts occupations
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian employed 16+, C24010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary ($) | 48900 | 59540 |
- •Truck driving is one of the most common occupations in North Dakota due to oilfield logistics needs.
- •UND hosts the largest civilian pilot training program in the country, feeding the state's aviation workforce.
Salaries
The median annual salary in North Dakota is $48,900, supported by high-paying jobs in oil, gas, and skilled trades.
Average weekly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU38000000500000011).
Average hourly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU38000000500000003).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary ($) | 48900 | 59540 |
- •Oilfield workers in the Bakken region can earn well above the statewide median salary.
- •Union membership in North Dakota, at 5.2%, is below the national average.
Remote Work
Remote work adoption in North Dakota remains modest compared to more urbanized states, reflecting its resource-based economy.
Workers who work from home
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, share of workers 16+, B08301 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Average Commute (minutes) | 17.5 | 26.8 |
- •North Dakota ties for the shortest average commute time in the United States, alongside South Dakota.
- •Public transit use in North Dakota is under 1%, among the lowest nationally.
Workforce Participation
Workforce participation in North Dakota remains strong across age groups, supported by low unemployment and diverse job opportunities.
Labor force participation rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED LBSSA38).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Force Participation (%) | 68.1 | 62.5 |
- •North Dakota's workforce participation exceeds the national rate by more than five points.
- •Rural communities in North Dakota often see high participation among both men and women.