Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Unemployment rate
1990–2024BLS state series.
Employment
Oregon employs roughly 2.07 million people, with strength in semiconductor manufacturing, apparel headquarters, and healthcare.
Total nonfarm payroll jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED ORNA).
| Indicator | Oregon | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Employment (millions) | 2.07 | 161 |
Unemployment
Oregon's unemployment rate was 4.1% in 2024, slightly above the national average.
Unemployment rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average of seasonally adjusted months (FRED ORUR).
| Indicator | Oregon | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate (%) | 4.1 | 4 |
Labor Force
Oregon's labor force totals about 2.16 million workers, anchored by manufacturing, healthcare and technology sectors.
Civilian labor force
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED ORLF).
| Indicator | Oregon | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Labor force (millions) | 2.16 | 168 |
Occupations
Oregon's job market is anchored by semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, apparel and footwear design, agriculture and hospitality occupations.
Workers in management, business, science and arts occupations
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian employed 16+, C24010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Oregon | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing employment share (%) | 10.5 | 8.4 |
Salaries
Oregon's median annual wage is about $52,300, with especially high pay in the semiconductor and software sectors around Portland.
Average weekly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU41000000500000011).
Average hourly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU41000000500000003).
| Indicator | Oregon | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage (USD) | 52300 | 48060 |
Remote Work
About 20% of Oregon workers, especially in the Portland metro tech sector, work remotely at least part of the week, above the national average.
Workers who work from home
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, share of workers 16+, B08301 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Oregon | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Remote work share (%) | 20 | 17.9 |
Workforce Participation
Oregon's labor force participation rate is 61.8%, below the U.S. average, reflecting an aging population in rural counties.
Labor force participation rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED LBSSA41).
| Indicator | Oregon | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Labor force participation (%) | 61.8 | 62.5 |