Welders in huge demand throughout ND

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) -- Welders are in demand in North Dakota, and not just in oil country.

Job Service North Dakota says there are 61 job openings in the state for welders, cutters and welding fitters. Twenty-eight of the positions are in Cass County, home to the state's largest city.

Officials say many companies that serve the oil patch are moving east to find workers. Job Service says the number of welding positions is expected to grow by 112 jobs a year.

The average pay for welders in North Dakota was more than $42,000 last year.

Keith Reitmeier, Job Service area manager in Grand Forks, tells the Grand Forks Herald that "if you're a welder with skills right now, there are employers who want to talk to you."

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