The stories about North Dakotans’ strong work ethic and reliability are true. With more than 51,000 post-secondary students within an hour drive, we have a pipeline of talent flowing into Grand Forks jobs. The median age is 32.4 and the average tenure is 11 years. For businesses and employers, this translates into employees that are productive, educated, and dedicated. Grand Forks and North Dakota workforce development is a key initiative to continue to grow the best and brightest in our state.
The greater Grand Forks, ND area is filled with better opportunities, friendlier people, smarter schools, livelier events and cooler amenities. Learn what it’s like to call our community home.
| Grand Forks County | Grand Forks MSA | |
|---|---|---|
| Civilian Labor Force | 37,105 | 53,776 |
| Number Employed | 36,332 | 52,338 |
| Number Unemployed | 773 | 1,438 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.1% | 2.7% |
| GRAND FORKS MSA DEC. 2019 | Y/Y % CHANGE | NORTH DAKOTA DEC. 2019 | Y/Y % CHANGE |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Employment | 56,500 | 0.5% | 437,800 | .59% |
| Mining, Logging | 2,500 | -3.8% | 20,400 | -5.5% |
| Construction | -- | -- | 26,000 | 5.7% |
| Manufacturing | 4,600 | 4.5% | 25,900 | -0.3% |
| Wholesale Trade | 1,900 | 0.0% | 24,400 | 1.2% |
| Retail Trade | 7,000 | -2.7% | 45,800 | -3.3% |
| Transportation, Warehousing, Utilities | 2,200 | -4.3% | 23,500 | -0.8% |
| Information | 600 | 0.0% | 6,100 | 0.0% |
| Financial Activities | 2,100 | 5.0% | 24,500 | 0.5% |
| Professional & Business Services | 3,500 | 2.9% | 35,100 | 2.3% |
| Education & Health Services | 9,900 | 1.0% | 66,600 | 2.9% |
| Leisure & Hospitality | 6,200 | 1.6% | 39,400 | 1.5% |
| Other Services | 2,000 | 5.2% | 15,000 | 1.3% |
| Government | 14,000 | 0.0% | 85,100 | 0.1% |
There are ample opportunities to find your dream job in Grand Forks. Northern Valley Careers introduces sophomores to career opportunities in northwest Minnesota and northeast North Dakota. More than 77% of students indicate they are more likely to pursue a career in this region as a result of attending the Northern Valley Careers Expo.
Making new connections outside of the workplace can be challenging for young professionals, especially in a new city. The Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals organization provides professional development, volunteering, and networking opportunities for young go-getters in the Grand Forks region.
This program is designed to increase the number of Grand Forks internship offerings by helping employers’ workforce recruitment and retention efforts by introducing college students to career and entrepreneurial opportunities in the greater Grand Forks region.
Stay up to date with the latest information from the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation.
Questions about workforce? Our workforce development manager, Becca Cruger, is ready to answer your questions and connect you to our region’s resources.
Workforce Development Manager
Phone: 701.738.0009
Email: Beccac@grandforks.org