Average Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary in North Dakota
Service Unit Operators in the oil and gas sector in North Dakota are earning an average annual salary of $64,490, which is notably higher than the national average of $61,540. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the state's robust energy industry, which creates specialized demand for these roles and necessitates competitive pay to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,190.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,080 Service Unit Operators, North Dakota demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 25.4 indicates a demand far exceeding the national norm, suggesting a robust and specialized job market for this occupation within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas in North Dakota earns+4.8%above the national average.
$31
$1,240
$5,374
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Service Unit Operators in North Dakota have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring trends in the broader energy sector. Factors such as fluctuating oil prices, technological advancements, and evolving regulatory landscapes likely contribute to salary adjustments, generally trending upwards to reflect increased responsibilities and market demands.
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary Distribution in North Dakota
Career progression for Service Unit Operators in North Dakota typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the expected widening gap between the lowest and highest earners signifies substantial opportunities for salary growth based on experience, skill acquisition, and demonstrated performance within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $43,930 | $21.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $48,368 | $23.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $62,340 | $30 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $80,613 | $38.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $84,190 | $40.5 |
Detailed Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,533
Adjusted for COL (94.1)
The average annual salary of $64,490 in North Dakota presents a favorable financial standing when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 94.1. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary offers a higher purchasing power locally, allowing for a potentially better standard of living compared to national averages.
Job Market Context
3,080
Total Jobs
7.267
Per 1K Jobs
25.4
Location Quotient
North Dakota has 25.4x the national concentration of Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
North Dakota's Location Quotient of 25.4 for Service Unit Operators is extraordinary, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is over 25 times the national average. This suggests an extremely specialized and potentially competitive market where demand significantly outstrips the national distribution, making it a prime location for professionals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Salary | $53,110↓ 18% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Dakota
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas make in North Dakota?
The median annual salary for a Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas in North Dakota is $64,490. This typically ranges from $43,930 for entry-level positions to $84,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Dakota is 4.8% higher than the national median of $61,540.
Is North Dakota a lucrative place for Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas?
Yes, North Dakota is a highly lucrative location for Service Unit Operators in the oil and gas industry.The average salary significantly surpasses the national average, and the cost of living is below the national index, enhancing purchasing power. Furthermore, the extremely high concentration of these jobs indicates strong local demand.
Is North Dakota a good place to live for Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.1 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Dakota?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bismarck, ND ($53,110) and others.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 7.267 jobs per 1,000 workers, North Dakota has a significantly higher concentration of Service Unit Operator roles compared to the national average, reflecting the state's energy sector focus.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in North Dakota?
An LQ of 25.4 means that Service Unit Operators are employed in North Dakota at a rate 25.4 times higher than the national average, highlighting the state's specialized demand for this profession.
Does the cost of living affect the real value of the salary?
Yes, with a Cost of Living Index of 94.1, North Dakota's lower cost of living compared to the national average (100) means the $64,490 salary offers greater purchasing power locally.
How many Service Unit Operators are there in North Dakota?
There are approximately 3,080 Service Unit Operators employed in North Dakota, indicating a substantial local workforce dedicated to this specialized role within the oil and gas industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,080 employees in the North Dakota area with a job density of 7.267 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in North Dakota