City Town Info

Portland Employment

Employment and Industries in the Portland, Oregon Area

The tables here illustrate essential information about work and employment in the area. Information includes:

  • A table of the most numerous types of work found here, both for jobs generally requiring college degrees and jobs not requiring college degrees.
  • A table listing those careers significantly more common in Portland than in other US cities; this is useful both for career planning and for understanding the nature of Portland.
  • A list of the highest-paying jobs in Portland.
  • A list of any large public companies in Portland.

Most Popular Jobs in Portland, Oregon Metro Area (2006 data)

Where the Majority of Workers Have College Degrees

RankTitleLocal JobsLocal Mean SalaryTypical Local SalaryNational Growth % 2006-2016National % With College Degree
1Registered nurses16,96065,770$49,480 - 82,52024%56%
2Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products12,98059,130$27,790 - 99,3208%51%
3Elementary school teachers, except special education11,12047,790$32,430 - 66,73014%95%
4Accountants and auditors7,67060,150$35,560 - 89,13018%79%
5Computer software engineers, applications6,27088,230$56,940 - 122,65045%85%
6Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education5,78049,940$34,410 - 69,6506%96%
7Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products4,92079,770$39,010 - 136,56012%51%
8Managers, all other4,52080,040$44,650 - 119,4407%55%
9Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education4,45048,500$33,940 - 65,88011%95%
10Teachers and instructors, all other3,67038,470$24,180 - 60,5409%54%
11Lawyers3,16096,970$45,030 - 011%99%
12Financial managers2,800101,830$59,540 - 013%60%
13Computer specialists, all other2,80066,830$37,420 - 99,81015%68%
14Social and human service assistants2,66027,360$18,570 - 39,75034%58%
15Human resources, training, and labor relations specialists, all other2,53059,160$37,530 - 87,98017%56%
16Computer programmers2,50071,060$36,940 - 110,6600%73%
17Civil engineers2,40068,870$45,660 - 95,50018%87%
18Computer systems analysts2,39071,160$47,410 - 97,47029%68%
19Computer software engineers, systems software2,36092,630$65,140 - 124,71028%85%
20Network and computer systems administrators2,29061,910$38,790 - 88,92027%50%
21Computer and information systems managers2,290105,690$64,580 - 016%73%
22Sales managers2,260106,930$53,510 - 010%69%
23Marketing managers2,23096,870$49,700 - 014%69%
24Management analysts2,06067,420$35,520 - 103,94022%78%
25Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents1,99083,530$29,970 - 025%67%
26Network systems and data communications analysts1,92063,100$39,030 - 90,64053%57%
27Clergy1,86047,350$17,010 - 80,71019%75%
28Mechanical engineers1,81071,590$46,230 - 99,7804%78%
29Pharmacists1,80094,370$74,640 - 118,06022%97%
30Child, family, and school social workers1,67038,010$25,030 - 51,84019%77%
31Sales and related workers, all other1,63035,560$18,700 - 55,53014%62%
32Coaches and scouts1,55034,540$17,710 - 58,74015%60%
33Educational, vocational, and school counselors1,53047,780$29,030 - 69,75013%73%
34Mental health and substance abuse social workers1,52031,200$20,110 - 48,23030%77%
35Medical and health services managers1,51093,800$47,610 - 016%57%
36Training and development specialists1,49052,030$27,770 - 82,86018%56%
37Graphic designers1,49043,300$27,740 - 62,95010%55%
38Architects, except landscape and naval1,46059,210$33,780 - 88,41018%88%
39Rehabilitation counselors1,41031,670$17,860 - 51,19023%73%
40Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety, and transportation1,40047,020$27,060 - 73,7205%58%
41Financial specialists, all other1,39054,240$31,480 - 81,51012%50%
42Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists1,34049,440$28,160 - 79,89018%56%
43Education administrators, elementary and secondary school1,33079,140$46,450 - 103,2908%78%
44Financial analysts1,33074,730$40,330 - 126,04034%87%
45Electronics engineers, except computer1,25081,460$50,190 - 121,2004%81%
46Public relations specialists1,24050,760$29,900 - 76,71018%81%
47Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school1,21050,650$35,530 - 69,54020%87%
48Physical therapists1,16065,930$50,360 - 85,96027%89%
49Advertising sales agents1,14055,030$26,040 - 96,59020%56%
50Electrical engineers1,06086,310$51,430 - 134,6006%81%
51Self-enrichment education teachers1,04040,090$20,760 - 71,98023%54%
52Social workers, all other1,03043,260$26,560 - 57,49018%77%
53Medical and clinical laboratory technicians1,00038,800$25,750 - 56,35015%51%
54Medical and clinical laboratory technologists99057,260$44,300 - 72,22012%51%
55Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors98036,580$24,080 - 52,11034%73%
56Chief executives980156,880$78,640 - 02%65%
57Urban and regional planners96063,950$45,810 - 85,56015%92%
58Engineers, all other95078,740$47,600 - 112,0906%82%
59Database administrators93069,190$43,300 - 96,45029%72%
60Librarians92054,440$35,520 - 73,9004%85%
61Merchandise displayers and window trimmers91027,590$20,010 - 37,98011%55%
62Social and community service managers89053,730$31,160 - 81,40025%72%
63Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists85047,600$30,730 - 69,83018%56%
64Zoologists and wildlife biologists83061,100$41,510 - 84,7509%95%
65Instructional coordinators81060,000$37,300 - 89,74023%79%
66Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists79052,730$39,480 - 67,37011%58%
67Special education teachers, secondary school76050,680$34,980 - 70,4609%87%
68Insurance underwriters74058,260$36,280 - 86,0306%53%
69Mental health counselors74044,200$26,220 - 65,97030%73%
70Biological technicians72034,590$25,260 - 46,94016%60%
71Directors, religious activities and education72037,120$20,240 - 63,01020%64%
72Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists72072,640$38,540 - 137,09016%99%
73Human resources managers, all other69089,310$52,690 - 134,95011%58%
74Public relations managers68068,290$37,350 - 109,06017%75%
75Environmental scientists and specialists, including health67062,040$41,840 - 90,94025%93%
76Personal financial advisors65070,560$34,480 - 041%81%
77Dentists, general650133,240$43,680 - 09%100%
78Occupational therapists63059,990$37,540 - 75,97023%90%
79Purchasing managers62083,830$54,660 - 118,0403%57%
80Interior designers62052,610$23,280 - 81,90020%55%
81Editors59051,550$30,860 - 80,6502%81%
82Medical and public health social workers59049,880$30,560 - 69,81024%77%
83Education administrators, postsecondary55076,210$39,160 - 119,59014%78%
84Natural sciences managers54096,300$68,460 - 127,48011%93%
85Advertising and promotions managers54082,520$38,660 - 127,8606%76%
86Environmental engineers52066,980$43,830 - 97,26025%86%
87Producers and directors51057,720$28,360 - 101,01011%75%
88Adult literacy, remedial education, and GED teachers and instructors50040,250$24,550 - 62,38014%54%
89Community and social service specialists, all other49035,490$21,580 - 53,09025%58%
90Veterinarians49084,990$47,320 - 140,47035%100%
91Technical writers49064,780$40,780 - 91,29020%74%
92Special education teachers, middle school48051,200$36,110 - 69,94016%87%
93Speech-language pathologists48062,320$43,800 - 84,55011%98%
94Writers and authors45053,880$33,290 - 79,80013%84%
95Meeting and convention planners44039,100$25,970 - 55,10020%67%
96Detectives and criminal investigators42064,350$44,090 - 90,49017%54%
97Musicians and singers410 $0 - 010%53%
98Physician assistants41079,170$59,830 - 102,95027%67%
99Education administrators, preschool and child care center/program40037,840$26,680 - 54,76024%78%
100Floral designers40024,810$18,360 - 32,0100%55%

Where the Majority of Workers Do Not Have College Degrees

RankTitleLocal JobsLocal Mean SalaryTypical Local SalaryNational Growth % 2006-2016National % With College Degree
1Retail salespersons35,86026,290$16,640 - 39,89012%25%
2Office clerks, general22,31028,220$18,650 - 39,80013%19%
3Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food20,13018,320$15,870 - 22,25018%5%
4Cashiers19,17021,950$16,200 - 33,730-2%10%
5Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand17,14024,960$17,240 - 35,6702%5%
6Waiters and waitresses15,13021,100$16,150 - 28,41011%14%
7Customer service representatives15,05031,150$19,690 - 44,03025%22%
8Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks14,71033,810$22,800 - 46,72013%16%
9Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners13,81022,850$16,840 - 31,17015%4%
10Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer13,26036,730$25,780 - 49,71010%4%
11General and operations managers11,670101,830$46,540 - [?]2%48%
12Stock clerks and order fillers11,38026,170$17,090 - 38,130-7%8%
13Carpenters10,50042,460$22,160 - 67,28010%6%
14Executive secretaries and administrative assistants10,19038,970$26,200 - 53,64015%18%
15Teacher assistants10,18025,770$17,730 - 34,45010%18%
16Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive9,98030,370$20,650 - 41,6501%18%
17Business operations specialists, all other9,45053,000$32,020 - 83,40021%49%
18First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers8,58048,780$30,740 - 72,3106%29%
19Cooks, restaurant8,34022,420$17,220 - 29,00012%5%
20Receptionists and information clerks8,30025,820$18,340 - 34,99017%13%
21First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers8,11041,000$24,030 - 62,8604%25%
22Maintenance and repair workers, general7,08035,720$20,810 - 53,17010%6%
23Truck drivers, light or delivery services6,54029,860$19,410 - 45,4508%4%
24Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants6,37025,080$18,730 - 33,52018%7%
25Landscaping and groundskeeping workers6,28023,750$16,800 - 34,95018%6%
26Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers6,16027,420$19,560 - 36,620-26%6%
27Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks6,13029,500$19,390 - 42,6504%6%
28Construction laborers6,12034,330$20,450 - 51,34011%5%
29Food preparation workers5,76021,060$16,250 - 28,06015%7%
30Industrial truck and tractor operators5,74032,060$20,820 - 44,760-1%2%
31First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers5,68031,390$20,080 - 44,87011%14%
32Sales representatives, services, all other5,65050,550$24,140 - 80,57028%48%
33Maids and housekeeping cleaners5,42019,550$16,150 - 25,73013%5%
34First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers5,20052,830$30,300 - 78,820-4%15%
35Office and administrative support workers, all other5,16029,850$18,900 - 42,510-8%32%
36Team assemblers4,98026,230$17,830 - 37,6000%5%
37Driver/sales workers4,86026,130$17,060 - 39,290-4%4%
38Home health aides4,73020,150$16,510 - 23,54049%7%
39Production workers, all other4,71026,540$16,880 - 39,3902%5%
40Security guards4,69023,360$16,610 - 33,30017%13%
41Medical secretaries4,69033,760$24,440 - 45,53017%18%
42Packers and packagers, hand4,63020,150$15,890 - 29,060-11%3%
43Automotive service technicians and mechanics4,56035,420$18,830 - 53,48014%4%
44Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop4,40019,520$16,200 - 24,26010%8%
45First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers4,24059,410$37,400 - 86,5509%10%
46Loan officers4,22066,410$30,600 - 123,92012%49%
47Computer support specialists4,09044,540$27,060 - 65,82013%43%
48Tellers3,99023,610$18,600 - 30,10014%16%
49Dishwashers3,99017,860$15,940 - 20,99010%3%
50Bartenders3,96021,030$16,230 - 29,30011%17%
51Medical assistants3,91031,260$24,240 - 40,46035%10%
52Bill and account collectors3,84031,990$24,280 - 42,52023%13%
53Electricians3,76058,070$37,910 - 76,7307%7%
54Counter and rental clerks3,66024,980$16,290 - 39,38023%16%
55Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers3,64033,160$19,530 - 48,120-6%14%
56Assemblers and fabricators, all other3,64032,770$19,110 - 45,660-8%5%
57Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters3,63057,470$31,310 - 82,18011%4%
58Cooks, fast food3,49017,720$15,930 - 20,0908%5%
59Billing and posting clerks and machine operators3,37031,640$22,650 - 42,1904%15%
60Loan interviewers and clerks3,34035,290$23,180 - 50,4100%24%
61Helpers--production workers3,29025,970$17,080 - 38,8900%4%
62Dental assistants3,28035,280$25,600 - 45,46029%9%
63Preschool teachers, except special education3,24025,190$17,720 - 36,78026%43%
64Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers3,16034,370$22,990 - 45,7405%2%
65Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators3,11050,510$32,710 - 70,2309%47%
66All other information and record clerks3,07029,550$17,310 - 44,890-12%21%
67Electrical and electronic engineering technicians2,97045,240$26,150 - 67,4204%18%
68Service station attendants2,94018,520$15,870 - 22,71013%6%
69First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers2,83057,750$35,520 - 81,1307%13%
70First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers2,81078,410$33,830 - 140,0504%38%
71Child care workers2,80019,340$16,070 - 24,27018%15%
72Painters, construction and maintenance2,74034,520$23,160 - 47,71012%6%
73Bus drivers, school2,71027,970$22,170 - 35,6209%4%
74Cleaners of vehicles and equipment2,70020,880$16,230 - 28,68014%3%
75Recreation workers2,68029,240$17,410 - 45,60013%47%
76Legal secretaries2,67042,610$30,350 - 56,97012%18%
77Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists2,67023,760$16,500 - 36,19012%6%
78Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers2,61018,480$15,930 - 22,58012%6%
79Industrial machinery mechanics2,58046,160$31,330 - 62,4909%5%
80Police and sheriff's patrol officers2,58056,280$42,640 - 70,78011%33%
81Construction managers2,34076,200$47,890 - 112,74016%29%
82Postal service mail carriers2,31043,850$35,730 - 50,4101%11%
83Machinists2,31040,750$27,800 - 55,760-2%3%
84Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists2,29041,160$30,020 - 54,32012%3%
85Production, planning, and expediting clerks2,23041,550$26,600 - 58,8504%30%
86Machine feeders and offbearers2,20023,800$16,700 - 34,640-14%0%
87Cooks, institution and cafeteria2,17023,400$17,570 - 31,19011%5%
88Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products2,17052,030$33,180 - 75,0400%42%
89First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators2,07052,460$29,130 - 75,52010%17%
90Wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products2,06048,150$29,190 - 70,2700%36%
91Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators2,06048,760$33,230 - 65,9308%3%
92Cost estimators2,03055,610$34,740 - 81,60019%32%
93Insurance claims and policy processing clerks2,03034,960$25,560 - 48,3900%22%
94Personal and home care aides2,02021,680$17,000 - 29,22051%10%
95Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop2,01018,920$16,090 - 23,65010%17%
96Order clerks2,01031,580$21,150 - 46,570-23%16%
97Parts salespersons1,98034,130$21,120 - 50,290-1%6%
98Pharmacy technicians1,98031,390$22,240 - 39,32032%16%
99Cement masons and concrete finishers1,96037,820$20,510 - 58,36011%2%
100Amusement and recreation attendants1,90019,320$16,050 - 24,45024%22%
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Jobs More Common Near Portland Than Most Other Cities

* Average job popularity for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal JobsPop. vs. Avg.*
Logging workers, all other33,37013014.8
Musical instrument repairers and tuners29,11015014.2
Zoologists and wildlife biologists61,10083012.8
Directors, religious activities and education37,1207209.6
Recreational vehicle service technicians43,2903409.4
Logging equipment operators39,0104209.1
Soil and plant scientists62,1202208.6
Bicycle repairers24,0101107.8
Clergy47,3501,8607.3
Precision instrument and equipment repairers, all other52,1402506.8
Foresters66,7401006.7
Tank car, truck, and ship loaders44,5503205.9
Music directors and composers48,3002405.8
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators71,0201205.8
Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners39,6303505.5
Service station attendants18,5202,9405.3
Grounds maintenance workers, all other29,6802205.2
Anesthesiologists 5005.1
Hydrologists75,0701404.6
Urban and regional planners63,9509604.5
Engine and other machine assemblers28,3204304.4
Food and tobacco roasting, baking, and drying machine operators and tenders22,4602304.3
Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers27,4206,1604.3
Aircraft cargo handling supervisors48,7901003.8
Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood29,7007303.7
Electro-mechanical technicians48,5802703.7
Cartographers and photogrammetrists55,1402103.6
Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall42,7704803.6
Forest and conservation technicians37,5801903.5
Textile, apparel, and furnishings workers, all other24,7602503.5
Carpet installers37,5506203.5
Numerical tool and process control programmers54,0603103.2
Drafters, all other47,2802903.2
Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators50,8201603.2
Metal workers and plastic workers, all other32,7305303.2
Millwrights50,7506703.2
Machine feeders and offbearers23,8002,2003.1
Real estate brokers102,6205403
Forensic science technicians55,4401403
Transportation workers, all other36,4405902.9
Occupational health and safety technicians48,4801002.9
First-line supervisors/managers of fire fighting and prevention workers71,4205502.8
Social workers, all other43,2601,0302.8
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators41,5509602.8
Audiologists62,7701102.8
Production workers, all other26,5404,7102.8
Social science research assistants35,9601702.8
Agricultural inspectors43,8601202.7
Material moving workers, all other32,9705502.7
Obstetricians and gynecologists186,7002602.7

Work Paying Relatively Well in the Portland, Oregon Metro Area (2006 data)

* Average Salary Index for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalarySalary Index *Local Jobs
Real estate brokers102,6201.48540
Radio and television announcers52,8501.46120
Structural iron and steel workers63,3101.44130
Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders43,3801.431,540
Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors40,1201.421,650
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary77,7401.4360
Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers44,7101.38340
Computer science teachers, postsecondary87,9401.38190
Electrical power-line installers and repairers67,8201.38660
Coin, vending, and amusement machine servicers and repairers40,2801.36280
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic44,8301.36200
Surveyors67,5401.35310
Pipelayers45,5801.35230
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation39,0901.35110
Massage therapists49,9601.33590
Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers55,6001.33660
Fire fighters52,9601.331,550
Electricians58,0701.323,760
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters57,4701.313,630
Assemblers and fabricators, all other32,7701.313,640
Correctional officers and jailers45,5801.311,520
Refuse and recyclable material collectors37,3901.3790
Recreation workers29,2401.292,680
Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators44,7501.29260
Recreational vehicle service technicians43,2901.29340
Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall42,7701.29480
Couriers and messengers28,5201.29870
Waiters and waitresses21,1001.2815,130
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic39,4701.28200
Reporters and correspondents49,6001.28340
Helpers--electricians31,9601.28200
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists52,7301.27790
Drywall and ceiling tile installers46,7901.271,160
Police and sheriff's patrol officers56,2801.262,580
Multi-media artists and animators63,6801.26240
Security and fire alarm systems installers45,0301.25310
Library technicians35,2501.25640
Camera operators, television, video, and motion picture49,6401.25130
Pest control workers36,8801.25190
Cashiers21,9501.2519,170
Logging equipment operators39,0101.25420
Legal secretaries42,6101.252,670
Teacher assistants25,7701.2410,180
Library assistants, clerical27,9201.241,030
Sailors and marine oilers40,1601.23280
Skin care specialists38,0701.23140
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary74,0301.23260
Motor vehicle operators, all other31,8801.22490
Dental hygienists72,8101.221,790
Medical secretaries33,7601.224,690

Highest Paying Jobs in Portland, Oregon Metro Area (2006 data)

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal Jobs
Obstetricians and gynecologists186,700260
Psychiatrists173,150130
Internists, general171,570540
Pediatricians, general164,110260
Family and general practitioners159,330670
Chief executives156,880980
Surgeons154,200360
Physicists143,68030
Dentists, general133,240650
Physicians and surgeons, all other132,2202,360
Air traffic controllers111,850100
Sales managers106,9302,260
Actuaries106,330100
Computer and information systems managers105,6902,290
Real estate brokers102,620540
Financial managers101,8302,800
General and operations managers101,83011,670
Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates99,580150
Lawyers96,9703,160
Marketing managers96,8702,230
Natural sciences managers96,300540
Pharmacists94,3701,800
Engineering teachers, postsecondary94,160120
Medical and health services managers93,8001,510
Computer software engineers, systems software92,6302,360
Atmospheric and space scientists92,09030
Human resources managers, all other89,310690
Industrial production managers88,2501,690
Computer software engineers, applications88,2306,270
Computer science teachers, postsecondary87,940190
Electrical engineers86,3101,060
Compensation and benefits managers85,620170
Veterinarians84,990490
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners, all other84,170200
Purchasing managers83,830620
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents83,5301,990
Advertising and promotions managers82,520540
Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary82,50030
Training and development managers82,230190
Electronics engineers, except computer81,4601,250
Biomedical engineers81,25040
Optometrists80,380260
Economics teachers, postsecondary80,29060
Managers, all other80,0404,520
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products79,7704,920
Business teachers, postsecondary79,510240
Physician assistants79,170410
Education administrators, elementary and secondary school79,1401,330
Engineers, all other78,740950
First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers78,4102,810

Large Companies Headquartered in Portland

CompanyRevenue 2005 (billions)
Precision Castparts3.2
StanCorp Financial2.3

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