MINOT, N.D. (AP) Some civilian employees at the Minot Air Force Base and surrounding areas will soon see their paychecks increase.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has authorized wage boosts for skilled trade workers at the base to help them offset the high cost of living in western North Dakota.
Wages will be increased by as much as 30 percent for employees in 17 skilled trade occupations including mechanics, electricians and drill rig operators.
The oil boom and resulting economic boom has significantly raised the cost of living in western North Dakota in recent years. Private sector salaries have largely adjusted to these costs. But often federal government jobs have lagged behind in salary adjustment.
About 100 other civilian employees at the base saw wage hikes in December.
U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp says ``fair compensation'' must be provided to federal employees in order to retain and attract top talent.