Find a Job You Really Want In
Oregon is not only known for its breathtaking hikes, culinary delights, and vibrant culture but also boasts a robust economy and a dynamic job market that continues to evolve.
At Zippia, we delve into local economies to identify which industries are thriving, offering valuable insights for job seekers and those considering relocating for work opportunities.
In this article, we unveil the best industries for jobs in Oregon as of 2026.
After analyzing the latest data, we present the top five industries for jobs in Oregon:
Continue reading to discover how we determined which industries excel in Oregon.
For further insights into the job landscape in Oregon, check out:
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Portland
- 20 Best Companies to Work For in Portland, OR
- The 10 Best Places in Oregon to Get a Job
How We Identified the Best Industries for Jobs in Oregon
We rely on data to guide our insights into the Oregon job market. Our research focused on gathering comprehensive information regarding various industries. The criteria we used to determine the best industries include:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Stress Level of Jobs in the Industry
Data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
Stress levels are based on self-reported statistics from professionals in the field. We ranked each industry on a scale from 1 to 22, with 1 being the most favorable.
Ultimately, we averaged these rankings to create a ‘Best Industry’ index, declaring Architecture and Engineering as the leading industry in Oregon.
For a detailed breakdown of our findings, please refer to the table below. Let’s explore why these industries stand out for job seekers.
Detailed List of the Best Industries in Oregon
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Architecture and Engineering | $86,810 |
| 2 | Management | $102,990 |
| 3 | Life, Physical, and Social Sciences | $62,020 |
| 4 | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $90,100 |
| 5 | Computer and Mathematical | $82,190 |
| 6 | Education, Training, and Library | $57,450 |
| 7 | Community and Social Service | $46,490 |
| 8 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $52,120 |
| 9 | Production and Manufacturing | $37,460 |
| 10 | Business and Financial Operations | $68,530 |
| 11 | Legal | $90,480 |
| 12 | Office and Administrative Support | $37,430 |
| 13 | Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $33,380 |
| 14 | Personal Care and Service | $27,900 |
| 15 | Construction and Extraction | $50,820 |
| 16 | Sales | $37,980 |
| 17 | Transportation | $36,550 |
| 18 | Food Preparation and Serving Related | $25,190 |
| 19 | Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $29,350 |
| 20 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $47,190 |
| 21 | Healthcare Support | $35,110 |
| 22 | Protective Service | $50,010 |
Summary of the Best Industries in Oregon
In summary, the Architecture and Engineering sector stands out as the prime industry for job seekers in Oregon, offering promising career opportunities and competitive salaries.
Conversely, the Protective Service industry ranks lower in terms of pay and job availability, making it less favorable for potential job seekers.
For further reading, explore:
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
