#2
A Mostly Extractive Economy
Agriculture is the largest industry in the state. The state has a deep and rich tradition of ranching. Indeed, one of North Dakota’s nicknames is the Rough Rider State because President Teddy Roosevelt once had a ranch in it.
Energy is another large sector. The state produces shale gas and has large reserves of oil and coal. The state has been designated the second largest producer of oil in the country. Wind energy is also big in North Dakota. The state’s large expanse of rural regions and speedy winds make it also a top producer of this form of energy.
Tourism is a growing industry. People from all over the world visit North Dakota to take in the natural beauty of its untouched wildlands. Hunters also flock to the state owing to the abundance of game.
High-end professions in law, medicine, bio-sciences, and IT also have a presence in North Dakota. Home health aid, EMT, software developer, nurse practitioner, medical records clerk, and medical director are among the fastest growing jobs in the state.
The job market is good for just about everyone. Though the state’s minimum wage is only $7.25 an hour, the low cost of living means that a dollar goes much further in North Dakota than in New Jersey.