There’s got to be a secondary economy also that supports these folks ...all sorts of good and services would be needed.
With oil come jobs. Williston and its surrounding areas have generated over 75,000 new jobs, and average annual wages have more than tripled in the past decade, going from $24,841 in 2002 to $78,364 today. For those in the oil field, who typically work long overtime hours, the average wage in the state is $112,462. The state now has 22,000 more jobs than people looking for work.
Nearly every business in town has “Help Wanted” signs and has raised wages to attract employees. McDonald’s started offering $300 signing bonuses, and the hourly pay for a cashier position at Walmart starts at $17.50, twice as much as the same position in other locations. And if a jobseeker can snag a job in the oil industry, they can make over $100,000 with no college degree.
How to Find a Job in the North Dakota Oil Boom
http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2013/11/05/How-Find-Job-North-Dakota-Oil-Boom#sthash.teeaVACT.dpuf