Oregon Career Planning & Job Market

Leverage Oregon's innovative economy to launch your successful career in technology, outdoor recreation, green energy, and creative industries.

Oregon's Thriving Industries

Explore the major industry sectors driving Oregon's economy and creating opportunities for college graduates.

High Growth
Technology & Software

Portland's Silicon Forest and growing tech ecosystem with major companies

Median Salary Range
$75,000 - $125,000

Major Employers:

Nike
Intel
Salesforce
Adobe

Common Roles:

Software Engineer
UX Designer
Data Scientist
Product Manager
Stable Growth
Outdoor & Athletic

Oregon's iconic outdoor recreation and athletic apparel industry

Median Salary Range
$50,000 - $95,000

Major Employers:

Nike
Adidas
Columbia Sportswear
KEEN

Common Roles:

Product Designer
Marketing Manager
Supply Chain Analyst
Brand Manager
High Growth
Green Energy & Environment

Leading renewable energy sector and environmental technology companies

Median Salary Range
$60,000 - $100,000

Major Employers:

Portland General Electric
Bonneville Power
First Solar
Vestas

Common Roles:

Environmental Engineer
Sustainability Manager
Research Scientist
Policy Analyst
Moderate Growth
Creative & Media

Thriving creative industries including advertising, film, and digital media

Median Salary Range
$45,000 - $85,000

Major Employers:

Wieden+Kennedy
Dark Horse Comics
Laika Studios
Ground Control

Common Roles:

Graphic Designer
Content Creator
Film Producer
Creative Director

Career Development Resources

University Career Centers

Professional career guidance and job placement services

Services:

  • Career counseling
  • Resume and interview prep
  • Job placement assistance
  • Alumni networking

Key Organizations:

  • University of Oregon
  • Oregon State University
  • Portland State University
Professional Networks

Industry associations and networking opportunities

Services:

  • Professional meetups
  • Industry conferences
  • Mentorship programs
  • Job fairs

Key Organizations:

  • Portland Tech Alliance
  • Oregon Business Association
  • Young Professionals
Internship Programs

Hands-on experience with leading Oregon employers

Services:

  • Summer internships
  • Co-op programs
  • Research opportunities
  • Industry partnerships

Key Organizations:

  • Nike
  • Intel
  • Columbia Sportswear
  • Local startups
Entrepreneurship Support

Resources for students interested in starting businesses

Services:

  • Startup incubators
  • Business plan competitions
  • Mentorship networks
  • Funding opportunities

Key Organizations:

  • Portland Incubator Experiment
  • Oregon Angel Fund
  • University programs
  • RAIN

Oregon Salary Expectations

Bachelor's Degree

Entry-level positions across various industries

$50,000
Early Career
$75,000
Mid Career

Master's Degree

Advanced positions with specialized skills

$65,000
Early Career
$95,000
Mid Career

STEM Fields

Engineering, technology, and science careers

$60,000
Early Career
$85,000
Mid Career

Creative Fields

Design, media, and creative industry roles

$45,000
Early Career
$70,000
Mid Career

Why Build Your Career in Oregon

Work-Life Balance

Enjoy outdoor recreation, sustainable living, and a culture that values work-life balance.

Innovation Culture

Access to creative companies, tech startups, and a culture of innovation and sustainability.

Growing Economy

No state sales tax, growing job market, and diverse industry opportunities.

Getting Started with Career Planning

During College

  • Participate in internships and co-op programs
  • Build professional network through events and organizations
  • Develop relevant skills through projects and coursework
  • Utilize university career services and resources

After Graduation

  • Leverage alumni networks and professional connections
  • Continue professional development and skill building
  • Stay connected with industry trends and opportunities
  • Consider advanced degrees or certifications as needed

Complete Your Oregon College Planning Journey

You've explored all aspects of Oregon college planning. Ready to take the next step?