Military Job Seekers: North Dakota Wants You

If you’re getting out of the military and want to go where the jobs are, consider North Dakota.

The oil boom there has created a shortage of employees, and state and companies officials are working hard to recruit more than 25,000 workers. The pay is good – often six figures – and the jobs range from truck drivers to oil field workers to support positions like receptionists and food servers.

Employment in North Dakota increased more than 33 percent between 2003 and 2013, according to government data. They’re not done yet. The state expects to add another 76,000 jobs by 2020.

To attract workers, the state in May will launch a campaign to recruit potential employees, including veterans and current military members who will soon be transitioning out of the military.

There are drawbacks: The flood of incoming people has created a housing shortage near the oil fields, causing housing costs to soar. Some workers are sleeping in their vehicles, RVs or basements. Another negative: The weather in the winter is rough, with temps sometimes plunging to 50 degrees below zero in the winter.

Still, if you want a high-paying job--it’s worth considering. Here are some facts from the folks in North Dakota.

• 25,000 jobs are currently open across North Dakota.
• The state is expected to add 76,000 jobs between 2010 and 2020.
• Healthcare, energy, manufacturing, transportation, public services, agriculture, tourism and retail all report significant workforce shortages.

The state’s workforce needs are not just limited to the oil and gas industry.

• Over 60% of all current job openings exist outside the oil and gas counties.
• The Fargo area has the most job openings in the state, followed by Bismarck.

For more details, visit Find the Good Life.