North Dakota’s Fastest-Growing Careers: The Top 10 Jobs You Didn’t See Coming

North Dakota is often thought of as one of the most rural states in the country—and that’s absolutely true. Wide-open spaces, small towns, and long stretches of highway define much of the landscape. But when it comes to employment, North Dakota is far more diverse than many people realize. From farming and oil production to veterinary services and health care, the state’s workforce reflects a broad mix of traditional and rapidly evolving industries.

Recently, Stacker released a list of the fastest-growing jobs in the state, and the top 10 may surprise you. While some roles align with North Dakota’s blue-collar roots, others point to growing demand in health care, management, and service-based careers.

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#10. Highway Maintenance Workers

• Employment growth (2023–2024): +17.6%

• Jobs added: 180

• Employment in 2024: 1,200

• Median annual salary: $60,830

Highway maintenance workers may round out the list, but they play an outsized role in keeping North Dakota moving—especially during long winters and harsh weather.

#9. First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers

• Employment growth: +19.2%

• Jobs added: 410

• Employment in 2024: 2,550

• Median annual salary: $44,030

As restaurants and food service operations expand, the need for experienced supervisors continues to rise.

#8. Operating Engineers and Construction Equipment Operators

• Employment growth: +20.9%

• Jobs added: 810

• Employment in 2024: 4,690

• Median annual salary: $62,760

From highways to commercial builds, these skilled operators remain a backbone of North Dakota’s growth.

#7. Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers (All Other)

• Employment growth: +26.5%

• Jobs added: 220

• Employment in 2024: 1,050

• Median annual salary: $49,390

This versatile category supports industries ranging from agriculture to energy and manufacturing.

#6. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

• Employment growth: +28.3%

• Jobs added: 260

• Employment in 2024: 1,180

• Median annual salary: $66,450

Growing awareness of mental health needs has pushed this role higher on the list.

#5. Construction Laborers

• Employment growth: +34.5%

• Jobs added: 1,180

• Employment in 2024: 4,600

• Median annual salary: $48,340

With the largest number of jobs added overall, construction laborers are a clear sign of ongoing development across the state.

#4. Management Analysts

• Employment growth: +50.0%

• Jobs added: 360

• Employment in 2024: 1,080

• Median annual salary: $73,080

This high-growth, high-skill role highlights North Dakota’s increasing focus on efficiency and strategic planning.

#3. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)

• Employment growth: +56.8%

• Jobs added: 460

• Employment in 2024: 1,270

• Median annual salary: $37,670

Demand for EMTs continues to surge, especially in rural areas where emergency response is critical.

Read More: How AEDs Are Changing Rural Emergency Responses

#2. Counter and Rental Clerks

• Employment growth: +68.2%

• Jobs added: 580

• Employment in 2024: 1,430

• Median annual salary: $37,440

This unexpected entry reflects strong growth in retail, rentals, and customer service across the state.

#1. Nurse Practitioners

• Employment growth: +77.5%

• Jobs added: 550

• Employment in 2024: 1,260

• Median annual salary: $123,220

Taking the top spot by a wide margin, nurse practitioners represent the fastest-growing—and highest-paying—job on the list, underscoring North Dakota’s urgent need for advanced health care professionals.

Altogether, the list paints a clear picture: North Dakota’s job market is expanding in unexpected ways, blending hands-on labor with health care and professional services. For job seekers, it’s a strong reminder that opportunity in the state goes far beyond what stereotypes might suggest.