News, Now hiring: North Dakota oil boom creates thousands of jobs. (Fargo: live, mayor)

[John1960]

Those hurt hard by the ailing economy are flocking to Williston, N.D., where an oil boom has turned a sleepy prairie town into a place producing thousands of jobs.

"There's opportunity here and that's what we all need is opportunity," said Williston Mayor Ward Koeser. "It's kind of been an oasis for the country. You know, there's a lot of jobs here, good paying jobs in the oil industry."

Rock Center with Brian Williams - Now hiring: North Dakota oil boom creates thousands of jobs

[Roloff1976]

I'm definately going to be watching this news program. I guess the episode with Williston will be coming on Monday, 0ct. 31. Will see how they portray Williston...could go either way I guess.

[Prairieparson]

I don't know why just ND gets the attention. Same thing is going on in Midland Texas. There are "now hiring" signs all over the place. IF you like hot instead of cold, its the place to go.

[internationalman]

So there is an equivalent boom happening in Midland right now, with an equivalent opportunity for entry level workers?

[Drover]

Is this really "news" to anyone who lives in North Dakota?

[kychlo]

Originally Posted by Prairieparson

I don't know why just ND gets the attention. Same thing is going on in Midland Texas. There are "now hiring" signs all over the place. IF you like hot instead of cold, its the place to go.

Because TX is known for oil. ND has kept it hidden until now. Pennsylvania is having a boom as well but you don't hear much about that one either.

[kychlo]

Originally Posted by Drover

Is this really "news" to anyone who lives in North Dakota?

Yes it is to the eastern side of our state. People from Fargo/Grand Forks think ND starts in Bismarck and ends in Minneapolis. East siders generally don't have a clue about the oil in ND. (no offense to the easterners on this site...they are very informed on the topic)

[John1960]

Originally Posted by kychlo

Because TX is known for oil. ND has kept it hidden until now. Pennsylvania is having a boom as well but you don't hear much about that one either.

I wonder if Pennsylvania and Texas jobs are paying the same as N.D.?

[internationalman]

Originally Posted by kychlo

Because TX is known for oil. ND has kept it hidden until now. Pennsylvania is having a boom as well but you don't hear much about that one either.

Where in Pennsylvania?

[kychlo]

Originally Posted by John1960

I wonder if Pennsylvania and Texas jobs are paying the same as N.D.?

Not even close. Truckdrivers in TX and PA are starting around $40-50K. Here they are $80K. "Laborers" are still $12/hr in PA and they are closer to $18 or $20 in ND.