31 In-Demand Jobs in North Dakota in 2023 (Plus Salary Ranges)

What makes a job in demand in North Dakota?

A job may be considered in demand when employers post many openings, struggle to find qualified candidates or need to replace workers regularly. Some occupations also grow because of long-term changes, such as an aging population, infrastructure investment, new technology or expansion in transportation and energy.

Demand alone does not mean every role is suitable for every applicant. Before applying, consider the education or license required, the physical demands, typical schedule, career progression and whether the work matches your interests.

31 in-demand jobs in North Dakota

The following roles appeared frequently in North Dakota job searches and employer postings. The listed ranges are useful for comparison, but you should check current vacancies in your city for the most relevant pay information.

1. Custodian

State salary range: $23,344–$36,424 per year

Custodians clean and sanitize offices, schools, hospitals and other facilities. Their duties may include sweeping and mopping floors, cleaning restrooms, removing trash, restocking supplies and completing minor maintenance tasks. Reliability, time management and safe use of cleaning products are important in this role.

2. Lead associate

State salary range: $27,722–$42,965 per year

Lead associates support daily retail operations while guiding other sales employees. They may open or close a store, answer customer questions, process payments, monitor inventory and train new team members. Employers often look for customer service experience and basic supervisory skills.

3. Laborer

State salary range: $28,176–$66,771 per year

Laborers perform hands-on work at construction, industrial or maintenance sites. They may move materials, prepare work areas, dig trenches, operate tools and help skilled tradespeople complete projects. Physical stamina and consistent attention to safety are essential.

4. Patient access manager

State salary range: $30,320–$57,940 per year

Patient access managers oversee registration, scheduling and other front-end processes in health care facilities. They help maintain accurate patient records, coordinate staff and improve the way patients move through a clinic or hospital. The role usually requires organization, discretion and knowledge of medical administrative systems.

5. Nursing assistant

State salary range: $33,070–$72,730 per year

Nursing assistants provide basic care under the supervision of licensed nurses. Common duties include helping patients bathe and dress, measuring vital signs, supporting mobility and reporting changes in a patient's condition. Many employers require completion of a state-approved program and competency exam.

6. Sales associate

State salary range: $36,344–$79,952 per year

Sales associates help shoppers choose products, answer questions, operate registers and keep merchandise organized. Strong communication and product knowledge can help them recommend appropriate items and resolve customer concerns. Some positions also offer commission or performance incentives.

7. Warehouse worker

State salary range: $36,517–$56,150 per year

Warehouse workers receive, store, pick, pack and ship goods. They may inspect deliveries, update inventory records, operate material-handling equipment and maintain a safe work area. Some employers require forklift training or the ability to lift items of a specified weight.

8. Field service technician

State salary range: $36,730–$79,877 per year

Field service technicians travel to customer or work sites to install, inspect, maintain and repair equipment. They diagnose problems, replace components, document completed work and explain equipment use to customers. Mechanical ability and independent problem-solving are valuable in this position.

9. Operations associate

State salary range: $38,978–$73,617 per year

Operations associates support the processes that keep a business running. Their duties may involve managing documentation, coordinating schedules, tracking performance, assisting different departments and preparing reports. The exact responsibilities depend on the employer and industry.

10. Diesel technician

State salary range: $42,778–$81,639 per year

Diesel technicians inspect and repair diesel-powered trucks, agricultural machines and industrial equipment. They use diagnostic tools, replace damaged parts and perform preventive maintenance. Formal technical training or industry certification can improve employment prospects.

11. Environmental specialist

State salary range: $52,939–$163,938 per year

Environmental specialists assess how business or public activities affect air, soil and water. They may collect samples, review data, prepare compliance reports and recommend ways to reduce environmental risk. Many roles require a degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry or a related discipline.

12. Outside sales representative

State salary range: $53,648–$147,938 per year

Outside sales representatives find prospects, arrange meetings and sell products or services away from a company's primary location. They build client relationships, prepare proposals, negotiate terms and follow up after a sale. Total compensation may include commission, bonuses or travel allowances.

13. Patient care technician

State salary range: $20,993–$84,086 per year

Patient care technicians assist nurses and other clinicians with direct patient support. They may measure vital signs, collect samples, help patients move and maintain clean equipment. Required training varies, and some employers prefer candidates with nursing assistant or phlebotomy credentials.

14. Bartender

State salary range: $22,449–$97,813 per year

Bartenders prepare beverages, take orders, process payments and maintain a clean service area. They also monitor responsible alcohol service and may manage inventory. Earnings can vary substantially because tips, venue type and schedule affect total pay.

15. Server

State salary range: $24,806–$79,196 per year

Servers greet guests, explain menu items, enter orders and deliver food and drinks. They coordinate with kitchen staff, respond to requests and process checks. Customer service, accuracy and the ability to work quickly during busy periods are central to the job.

16. Cashier

State salary range: $25,763–$40,565 per year

Cashiers scan purchases, accept payments, issue receipts and help customers at checkout. They may also answer questions, process returns and keep the register area organized. Employers typically value accuracy, honesty and a friendly manner.

17. Assistant store manager

State salary range: $28,150–$41,133 per year

Assistant store managers help supervise employees and daily retail activity. They may build schedules, resolve customer complaints, monitor sales, manage inventory and support hiring or training. The position can be a step toward becoming a store manager.

18. Housekeeper

State salary range: $33,411–$54,216 per year

Housekeepers clean and prepare rooms in hotels, health care facilities, private homes and other properties. Their work may include changing linens, sanitizing surfaces, vacuuming and replenishing amenities. Efficiency and close attention to cleanliness standards are important.

19. Maintenance technician

State salary range: $38,757–$67,065 per year

Maintenance technicians inspect and repair building systems, equipment and fixtures. Depending on the workplace, they may handle basic plumbing, electrical, heating or mechanical problems and schedule preventive maintenance. Broad technical knowledge can make candidates more competitive.

20. Assistant professor

State salary range: $39,921–$96,502 per year

Assistant professors teach college courses, assess students and conduct research in their academic discipline. They may also advise students, publish scholarly work and serve on committees. Most positions require a terminal degree or substantial professional expertise.

21. Cook

State salary range: $39,984–$61,396 per year

Cooks prepare ingredients and meals according to recipes, food-safety rules and customer requests. They may work in restaurants, schools, hospitals, hotels or industrial kitchens. Kitchen experience, speed and the ability to coordinate several orders are useful skills.

22. Occupational therapist

State salary range: $41,182–$96,233 per year

Occupational therapists help people improve or regain the skills needed for work and daily life. They assess clients, create treatment plans, recommend adaptive equipment and document progress. Practitioners need an accredited graduate degree, supervised experience and state licensure.

23. General manager

State salary range: $41,193–$84,811 per year

General managers oversee an organization's staff, budget and day-to-day performance. They set targets, review results, solve operational problems and communicate with owners or senior leaders. Pay varies widely by industry, company size and scope of responsibility.

24. Equipment operator

State salary range: $41,758–$84,932 per year

Equipment operators use heavy machinery such as loaders, graders, excavators or bulldozers. They inspect equipment, follow site plans and move earth or materials safely. Employers may require a commercial driver's license, safety training or prior operating experience.

25. Shift manager

State salary range: $42,337–$95,752 per year

Shift managers direct employees and operations during an assigned work period. They allocate tasks, monitor service and safety, address customer issues and complete opening or closing procedures. This role is common in restaurants, retail, manufacturing and logistics.

26. Merchandiser

State salary range: $44,204–$77,396 per year

Merchandisers arrange products to improve visibility and sales. They stock shelves, build displays, check prices, track inventory and visit stores within an assigned territory. The job may involve early hours, frequent travel and physical activity.

27. Truck driver

State salary range: $48,149–$234,268 per year

Truck drivers transport freight between facilities, distribution centers and customer locations. They inspect vehicles, secure loads, keep driving records and comply with safety regulations. Most commercial driving jobs require a CDL, and route type or specialized freight can strongly affect earnings.

28. Delivery driver

State salary range: $48,554–$97,428 per year

Delivery drivers load, transport and deliver packages, food or other goods. They plan routes, confirm orders, obtain signatures and communicate with customers. A clean driving record and dependable time management are common requirements.

29. Direct support professional

State salary range: $65,128–$92,967 per year

Direct support professionals assist people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in building independent daily routines. They may support personal care, transportation, household tasks, community participation and behavior plans. Patience, respect and accurate documentation are essential.

30. Physical therapist

State salary range: $83,510–$141,300 per year

Physical therapists evaluate movement limitations and create treatment plans that reduce pain or improve mobility. They guide exercises, use therapeutic techniques and teach patients how to prevent future injuries. A Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and state license are required.

31. Registered nurse

Typical state pay: Approximately $29.59–$60.27 per hour, with some positions offering overtime

Registered nurses assess patients, administer treatments, coordinate care and educate patients and families. They work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools and home health settings. Candidates must complete an approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN and obtain a state license.

How to choose among in-demand careers

Start by separating jobs you can enter with your current qualifications from those that require additional education, certification or licensure. An accessible entry-level role may help you gain experience while you prepare for a longer-term career.

Next, compare the full working conditions rather than salary alone. Ask whether the job requires travel, night shifts, outdoor work, lifting, commission-based pay or on-call availability. You can then evaluate whether the role fits your health, schedule and preferred work environment.

Finally, consider progression. A warehouse worker may advance into logistics supervision, a nursing assistant may continue into practical nursing and a retail associate may become a store manager. A role with a clear advancement route can offer more value than its starting pay suggests.

Tips for finding a job in North Dakota

• Search by city and region. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Dickinson and Williston can have different employer needs and pay levels.

• Customize each application. Match your resume summary and skills to the language used in the job description.

• Show licenses clearly. Place relevant credentials—such as a CDL, nursing license, equipment certification or CPR training—where a recruiter can find them quickly.

• Quantify your experience. Mention team size, sales results, deliveries completed, equipment maintained or other measurable outcomes.

• Prepare for practical questions. Employers may ask how you handled a safety issue, difficult customer, urgent repair or changing priority.

• Check total compensation. Compare overtime, commission, health insurance, retirement contributions, mileage reimbursement and paid leave in addition to base salary.

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Frequently asked questions

What jobs are most in demand in North Dakota?

Demand varies by region, but North Dakota employers regularly hire in health care, transportation, construction, maintenance, retail, hospitality and energy-related fields. Nursing, commercial driving and skilled technical roles often have recurring openings.

Which North Dakota jobs can I start without a four-year degree?

Custodian, cashier, warehouse worker, sales associate, server, delivery driver and several construction roles may not require a bachelor's degree. Skilled trades and commercial driving usually require targeted training, an apprenticeship, certification or a license.

What are some high-paying jobs in North Dakota?

Physical therapist, registered nurse, environmental specialist, outside sales representative and some truck-driving roles can offer relatively high compensation. Actual pay depends on experience, credentials, schedule, location and performance-based earnings.

Are salary ranges the same across North Dakota?

No. Salaries can differ among cities and between rural and urban areas. Employer size, labor availability, work conditions, overtime and local cost of living may also influence compensation.

How can I make my application more competitive?

Tailor your resume to the job, highlight relevant certifications and include measurable accomplishments. You can also strengthen your candidacy through safety training, technical courses, apprenticeships or licenses that are common in your target occupation.