BISMARCK — Those thinking about working as a server in North Dakota could bring in an hourly wage of $4.86 — less than the average price of a loaf of bread or 2 gallons of gas.

That’s because the federal minimum wage, the standard for 20 states including North Dakota, hasn’t changed since 2009, despite the cost of living rising by over 50% since then, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The national minimum wage sits at $7.25 per hour and $2.13 for tipped jobs. Employers who have tipped employees must make up the difference if a worker doesn’t make the minimum wage in tips and hourly wage combined.

But the majority of states have set higher standards for their wages, including all of North Dakota’s neighbors.

Montana’s minimum wage is $10.30, South Dakota’s is $11.50, and for

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