North Dakota's Largest Employers Revealed for 2026

The top companies employing the most people in the state, from insurance to energy to education

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:26pm

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A minimalist studio still life featuring a metal gear, stacked business books, and a glass paperweight, symbolizing the industrial, educational, and administrative foundations of North Dakota's top companies.The diverse industries and geographic hubs that comprise North Dakota's largest employers, from manufacturing to government to academia.Bismarck Today

A new report from Zippia has compiled data on the largest employers in North Dakota as of 2026, with Noridian Mutual Insurance Company, MDU Resources, and the State of North Dakota topping the list. The top 50 employers span industries like insurance, energy, construction, hospitality, retail, and education, with many headquartered in Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks.

Why it matters

Understanding the state's largest employers provides insight into the key industries and economic drivers in North Dakota. This data can help job seekers, policymakers, and businesses make informed decisions about workforce development, real estate, and economic planning.

The details

According to the Zippia report, the top 5 largest employers in North Dakota as of 2026 are: Noridian Mutual Insurance Company in Fargo (16,000 employees), MDU Resources in Bismarck (10,140 employees), the State of North Dakota in Bismarck (10,001 employees), Knife River in Bismarck (7,500 employees), and MDU Construction Services Group in Bismarck (7,500 employees). The list also includes major employers in healthcare, education, retail, and other sectors across the state.

  • The Zippia report was compiled in April 2026.

The players

Zippia

A company that compiled a database of over 250,000 companies across the nation to determine the largest employers in each state.

Noridian Mutual Insurance Company

The largest employer in North Dakota with 16,000 employees in its Fargo headquarters.

MDU Resources

A major energy and construction company headquartered in Bismarck, employing 10,140 people in the state.

State of North Dakota

The state government, which is the third largest employer with 10,001 employees based in Bismarck.

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What’s next

The report provides a comprehensive look at the state's largest employers, which can help guide economic development, workforce planning, and business strategy decisions in North Dakota.

The takeaway

North Dakota's economy remains heavily influenced by the energy, construction, insurance, and public sectors, with many of the state's largest employers concentrated in Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks. This data underscores the importance of these key industries to the state's workforce and economy.