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Oil & Gas Trucking Jobs in North Dakota

North Dakota's Bakken Shale formation transformed the state into one of America's top oil-producing regions. The Williston Basin area around Williston, Watford City, and Dickinson offers some of the highest oilfield trucking wages in the country, driven by the remote location and harsh winter conditions. Drivers willing to work through sub-zero temperatures and navigate icy gravel roads earn premium compensation.

ND Industry Pay

$80,000 - $120,000

Top Employers

5 Companies

National Growth

+8% through 2028

Oil & Gas Trucking in North Dakota

North Dakota's Bakken Shale formation transformed the state into one of America's top oil-producing regions. The Williston Basin area around Williston, Watford City, and Dickinson offers some of the highest oilfield trucking wages in the country, driven by the remote location and harsh winter conditions. Drivers willing to work through sub-zero temperatures and navigate icy gravel roads earn premium compensation.

Top Oil & Gas Trucking Employers in North Dakota

1

Hess Midstream

Oil & Gas Trucking · North Dakota

2

WPX Energy

Oil & Gas Trucking · North Dakota

3

Crestwood Equity Partners

Oil & Gas Trucking · North Dakota

4

Targa Resources

Oil & Gas Trucking · North Dakota

5

Dakota Fluid Power

Oil & Gas Trucking · North Dakota

Requirements for Oil & Gas Trucking in ND

CDL-A with Tanker (N) and HazMat (H) endorsements
Clean MVR with no DUI/DWI convictions
TWIC card for terminal access
Ability to work 12-14 hour shifts in remote locations
Experience with vacuum trucks, hot oil units, or winch trucks preferred

Equipment Used in North Dakota

Tanker trailersVacuum trucksWinch trucksHot oil unitsFlatbed (pipe hauling)Pneumatic trailers

Trucking in North Dakota

State CDL Avg

$50,000 - $80,000

Key Industries

Oil & gas (Bakken shale), Agriculture (wheat, sunflowers, durum), Energy infrastructure (wind, coal)

Major Cities

Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot

Top Corridors

I-94 (Fargo to Bismarck and Montana), I-29 (Fargo to Grand Forks and Canada)

Start Your Oil & Gas Trucking Career in North Dakota

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Oil & Gas Trucking in North Dakota — FAQ

Why do Bakken oilfield drivers earn so much?

Bakken drivers command premium pay ($80K-$120K) because of the remote location, extreme winter conditions (temperatures reaching -40F), limited local workforce, and the physically demanding nature of operating in the Williston Basin. Companies must offer top dollar to attract and retain experienced drivers.

What is winter driving like in the North Dakota oilfields?

Winters in the Bakken are severe, with temperatures dropping to -30F to -40F, heavy snowfall, and icy lease roads. Drivers must be experienced with chain-ups, cold-weather truck operation, and navigating unpaved well pad roads in whiteout conditions. Most companies provide winter driving orientation.

Is there housing available near Bakken oilfield trucking jobs?

Housing in Williston and Watford City has improved since the initial boom, with more apartments and workforce housing available. Expect to pay $1,000-$1,600/month for an apartment. Many employers still provide man-camp options or per diem allowances of $75-$150/day.