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These Are The 10 Best Jobs In Oregon For Recent College Grads

By Chris Kolmar
Jan. 4, 2017
Last Modified and Fact Checked on:

Find a Job You Really Want In

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Top Jobs for Recent Graduates in Oregon

Source: Wikipedia

Congratulations on your recent graduation! As you step into this exciting phase of your life, you might be asking yourself: what comes next?

For many of you, the immediate goal is clear: secure a job. However, the job market can seem overwhelming, with stories of graduates struggling to find suitable positions. To ease your transition, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 jobs for recent college graduates in Oregon, reflecting the latest trends and demands in the job market.

Here are the best opportunities to consider:

  1. Web Developers
  2. Industrial Engineers
  3. Cost Estimators
  4. Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
  5. Computer Systems Analysts
  6. Sales Engineers
  7. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
  8. Forest and Conservation Workers
  9. Management Analysts
  10. Interior Designers

Surprised to see web developers topping the list? Keep reading to learn how we compiled this ranking and why each position is worth considering.

How We Determined the Best Entry-Level Jobs in Oregon

In our discussions with recent graduates, we’ve gained insight into their priorities when searching for their first job. Commonly, their criteria include:

  1. Job Availability
  2. Location
  3. Salary
  4. Growth Potential
  5. Work-Life Balance

Fortunately, there is a wealth of data available to evaluate these factors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers information on salaries by location, while each state’s Department of Labor tracks job growth statistics. Additionally, O*NET Online provides details on job qualifications and requirements.

We synthesized data from these reliable sources to create a comprehensive database covering various professions. Our analysis focused on the following criteria:

  • Location Quotient: A measure indicating how common a job is in a given state.
  • Jobs requiring a college degree in Oregon.
  • Average Annual Entry-Level Salary.
  • Projected industry growth over the next decade.

By narrowing our dataset to positions that require a bachelor’s degree, we identified 30 jobs for ranking.

Each job was rated from 1 to 30 based on our criteria, with 1 being the most favorable.

We then averaged these rankings to create a “Job Score,” which allowed us to rank each job’s overall desirability.

Your First Job Awaits

Graduating from college can be daunting, but it also presents a thrilling opportunity. The job market offers a plethora of choices, and this list is designed to guide you through your options.

Here’s a detailed overview of the best jobs for recent college graduates in the Beaver State.

Detailed List of the Best Entry-Level Jobs in Oregon for Recent College Graduates

Rank Job Growth % Entry Wage Jobs in 2024
1 Web Developers 42.23% $34,370 4,850
2 Industrial Engineers 20.79% $64,850 4,300
3 Cost Estimators 21.72% $32,980 4,540
4 Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors 23.28% $29,280 1,430
5 Computer Systems Analysts 28.18% $54,730 6,550
6 Sales Engineers 15.46% $66,320 1,120
7 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists 14.35% $43,820 2,470
8 Forest and Conservation Workers 15.75% $24,580 2,940
9 Management Analysts 17.65% $51,030 7,400
10 Interior Designers 16.07% $29,690 1,300
11 Self-Enrichment Education Teachers 20.95% $22,200 3,580
12 Database Administrators 18.26% $49,100 1,360
13 Social and Human Service Assistants 17.32% $21,820 8,130
14 Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products 16.85% $32,870 5,410
15 Residential Advisors 23.3% $19,590 1,270
16 Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners 17.74% $28,190 1,460
17 Electronics Engineers, Except Computer 12.17% $52,040 2,120
18 Paralegals and Legal Assistants 15.83% $32,660 3,220
19 Network and Computer Systems Administrators 14.47% $39,540 4,430
20 Rehabilitation Counselors 12.99% $23,480 2,000
21 Human Resources Specialists 10.76% $33,530 6,380
22 Clergy 6.32% $20,020 4,540
23 Computer Network Support Specialists 12.92% $35,670 2,010
24 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians 17.42% $27,590 1,550
25 Computer Programmers 3.24% $43,900 3,190
26 Insurance Sales Agents 11.82% $29,070 5,580
27 Coaches and Scouts 12.87% $19,500 3,770
28 Directors, Religious Activities and Education 5.63% $19,470 1,690
29 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education 9.6% $32,530 1,370
30 Advertising Sales Agents -5.67% $21,230 1,330

As you navigate the job market, remember that the right opportunity awaits you. Explore these careers that not only align with your degree but also promise growth and fulfillment in Oregon’s evolving workforce.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

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.

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