North Dakota Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Trade Industry Insights / North Dakota Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Quick Takeaways on Trade Pay in North Dakota
North Dakota trade work rewards resilience. Remote sites, harsh weather, and long travel distances mean fewer jobs—but longer ones. Employers often prioritize reliability and cross-skilled workers over specialization alone.
- Higher-paying paths on this page: Lineworker, CDL Truck Driver, AV Technician.
- Highest-paying trade in North Dakota (from this table): Lineworker ($94,124)
- Typical mid-range trade pay: Median across listed trades is about $62,119 per year.
- Pay range across these trades: About $40,002 separates the highest vs lowest listed trades in North Dakota.
- Most stable demand in North Dakota: utilities, industrial maintenance, and fleet/heavy equipment work that stays staffed because there’s no quick backup option.
- Best way to increase earnings: safety tickets, travel readiness, and multi-skill competence (mechanical + electrical) matter more here than flashy titles.
- Top paying trades on this page: Lineworker ($94,124) · CDL Truck Driver ($78,957) · AV Technician ($73,112)
Job Outlook for Skilled Trades in North Dakota
Demand is shaped most by weather + distance + infrastructure necessity, with energy activity acting like a volume knob that turns demand up fast, plus licensing rules, employer mix, and metro growth.
In North Dakota, trade pay can fluctuate with energy activity, but utilities and infrastructure maintenance roles tend to provide steadier long-term income.
- Outlook: Volatile (energy-influenced)
- What drives demand: weather + distance + infrastructure necessity, with energy activity acting like a volume knob that turns demand up fast.
- Where it’s hottest: major metros + fast-growing corridors (varies by trade).
- Biggest pay factors: experience, union coverage, licensing, overtime, and employer type.
Average Skilled Trade Pay in North Dakota
Below is a snapshot of typical pay for popular trades in North Dakota. Click a trade name to explore training paths, licensing steps, and career details.
Note: Some trades can rank high across many states due to national labor demand and standardized pay structures, but the exact pay levels still vary by state and metro area.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $28.28 | $1,131 | $4,901 | $58,826 |
| AV Technician | $35.15 | $1,406 | $6,093 | $73,112 |
| Carpenter | $27.51 | $1,100 | $4,768 | $57,221 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $37.96 | $1,518 | $6,580 | $78,957 |
| CNC Machinist | $26.02 | $1,041 | $4,510 | $54,122 |
| Construction | $27.62 | $1,105 | $4,788 | $57,450 |
| Concrete Finisher | $30.29 | $1,213 | $5,257 | $63,083 |
| Diesel Technician | $31.41 | $1,256 | $5,444 | $65,333 |
| Electrician | $33.23 | $1,329 | $5,760 | $69,118 |
| Heavy Equipment | $27.09 | $1,073 | $4,648 | $55,777 |
| HVAC Technician | $30.65 | $1,226 | $5,313 | $63,755 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $30.31 | $1,212 | $5,254 | $63,044 |
| Ironworker | $28.88 | $1,157 | $5,015 | $60,181 |
| Lineworker | $45.25 | $1,810 | $7,844 | $94,124 |
| Marine Mechanic | $31.30 | $1,252 | $5,424 | $65,099 |
| Mason | $29.42 | $1,177 | $5,099 | $61,194 |
| Plumber | $35.16 | $1,395 | $6,038 | $72,453 |
| Roofer | $26.17 | $1,047 | $4,536 | $54,434 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $27.72 | $1,100 | $4,765 | $57,178 |
| Welder | $26.55 | $1,055 | $4,570 | $54,844 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
About this table: wage data sources and methodology.
Why North Dakota Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
North Dakota’s economy is heavily driven by energy production, utilities, agriculture, and infrastructure maintenance. While population density is low, the demand for skilled trades remains consistently high due to oil and gas operations, power generation, transportation infrastructure, and industrial facilities that require year-round maintenance and skilled labor.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Williston & Bakken region: Energy production supports high demand for electricians, welders, pipefitters, and heavy equipment technicians.
- Fargo–West Fargo: Commercial construction, utilities, and manufacturing maintenance roles are common.
- Bismarck: Government, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure projects drive steady electrical and mechanical work.
- Rural statewide: Agricultural facilities, grain operations, and utilities rely on skilled maintenance trades.
Major Employers and Contractors in North Dakota
Tradespeople in North Dakota often work with energy producers, utility providers, and large contractors supporting industrial and infrastructure projects, including:
- Hess Corporation — Oil and gas operations requiring electrical, mechanical, and maintenance trades.
- MDU Resources Group — Energy, construction services, and utility infrastructure projects.
- Kiewit Infrastructure North America — Heavy civil and energy-related construction projects.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in North Dakota
North Dakota is a right-to-work state with a predominantly non-union trade workforce. However, union apprenticeship programs remain active in select trades, particularly those tied to energy, utilities, and large infrastructure projects.
Union Apprenticeships in North Dakota
Union pathways are smaller but provide structured training and access to higher-paying industrial and infrastructure work:
- IBEW Local 714 — Electrical apprenticeships supporting utilities and industrial facilities.
- UA Local 300 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and mechanical work tied to energy and infrastructure projects.
- IUOE Local 49 — Heavy equipment operator training serving construction and energy sectors.
Ready to start a trade career in North Dakota?
Compare accredited trade schools and registered apprenticeships across North Dakota.
North Dakota Trade Schools & Apprenticeships