February 20, 2003

More In North Dakota Hold Multiple Jobs

North Dakota continues to have one of the highest multiple jobholding rates in the nation. According to the recent Economic Brief released from the North Dakota State Data Center at North Dakota State University, nearly 10 percent of all employed North Dakotans held more than one job. Only Nebraska had a higher rate (10.4 percent). Nationally, 5.4 percent of employees held multiple jobs.

"The reasons for multiple jobholding are varied and include low wages, limited benefits, and underemployment. What is unique about the Upper Great Plains, the region of the country with the highest concentration of multiple jobholders, is its rural nature. Much of the region is dependent on agriculture, which has a high concentration of multiple jobholders. In addition, the very low population density in the rural parts of the region creates a labor supply problem that fosters multiple jobholding," said Richard Rathge, director of the State Data Center.

The highest multiple jobholding rates continue to be found in the Upper Great Plains states. In contrast, states along the nation’s southern border reported some of the lowest rates. The lowest rates in 2001 were recorded in Alabama and Georgia (4.1 percent each) and Florida and Louisiana (4.2 percent each). Four additional states and the District of Columbia had rates of 4.5 percent or less.

During the past four years, North Dakota’s multiple jobholding rate has been steadily declining, down from a high of 10.8 percent in 1998.

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Sources: Richard Rathge, (701) 231-8621, richard.rathge@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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