North Dakota: These Are the Deadliest Jobs in America

If you're a farmer, truck driver, or work the oil patch in North Dakota, you might find this new report (July 2026) interesting. It ranked the deadliest jobs in America by fatal injury rates, and North Dakota's most common industries land at the very top of the list.

The report was published by Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, looking at 5 years of fatal workplace injuries data, and found the professions where there's most risk to human life.

10 Deadliest Jobs In The U.S.

#1. Agricultural workers

Number of Injuries (5 Years) 725

Fatal Injuries per 100k workers: 2,401

Average Annual Salary: $45.6K

This is not a distant statistic for North Dakotans, considering North Dakota is one of the top agricultural states in the country. We produce wheat, soybeans, sunflowers, etc. This statistic is a scary reality for a lot of families in this state.
#2. Motor vehicle operators 

Number of Injuries (5 Years):  5,342

Fatal Injuries per 100k workers:  2,089

Average Annual Salary: $39.9K
#3. Grounds maintenance workers  

Number of Injuries (5 Years): 1,114

Fatal Injuries per 100k workers:  1,860

Average Annual Salary: $46.5K
#4. Material moving workers 

Number of Injuries (5 Years): 1,285

Fatal Injuries per 100k workers:  1,033

Average Annual Salary: $ 43.2K
#5. Extraction workers   

Number of Injuries (5 Years): 304

Fatal Injuries per 100k workers: 854

Average Annual Salary: $53K

Think about this: the Bakken oil patch employs thousands of North Dakotans. Oil work is one of the most visible industries in western North Dakota.
#6. Air transportation workers 

Number of Injuries (5 Years): 328

Fatal Injuries per 100k workers: 600

Average Annual Salary: $43.5K
#7. Fishing and hunting workers 

Number of Injuries (5 Years):124

Fatal Injuries per 100k workers: 113

Average Annual Salary: $ 28.5K
#8. Construction trades workers  

Number of Injuries (5 Years):3,905

Fatal Injuries per 100k workers: 77

Average Annual Salary: $49.2K
#9. Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations  

Number of Injuries (5 Years):1,188

Fatal Injuries per 100k workers: 55

Average Annual Salary: $39.9K
#10. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers 

Number of Injuries (5 Years):4,195

Fatal Injuries per 100k workers: 41

Average Annual Salary: $55.9K

North Dakota's geography means a lot of long hauls in dangerous snowy and icy conditions. Driving through our state is no picnic, and these stats certainly show that.

What These Findings Mean For North Dakota

According to the source, farmworkers face the highest risk among all professions, with 1 in 50 laborers dying on the job, and if you think about it, North Dakota's economy runs on ag, energy, and transportation. Those three industries alone account for a massive share of the state's workforce — and unfortunately, they dominate this list.

Do you know someone who works in any of these industries? Share any stories you've picked up from them about the job in the comments.