Featured Careers
- Electrician
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- HVAC Technician
OREGON TRADE CAREER DATA
Skilled Trade Careers in Oregon
Explore electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, welder, carpenter, and other skilled trade career opportunities in Oregon. Compare salaries, training requirements, licensing rules, and job outlook.
Salary information
Training pathways
Licensing requirements
STATE WORKFORCE OVERVIEW
Oregon Skilled Trade Snapshot
Training Pathways
- Apprenticeships
- Trade schools
- Employer training
Major Industries
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Construction
Career Guide Navigation
Featured Trade Careers in Oregon
Compare selected career paths using available salary, training, and outlook data.
Electrician in Oregon
- Median Salary
- $97,320
- Training
- 4–5 Years Apprenticeship
- Job Outlook
- +9% (2024–2034)
Industrial Maintenance Technician in Oregon
- Training
- 1–2 Years
- Job Outlook
- +16%（2024–2034）
HVAC Technician in Oregon
- Median Salary
- $61,840
- Training
- 6 Months–2 Years
- Job Outlook
- +8% (2024–2034)
Oregon Trade Career Guides
Open a state-specific profile for salary, licensing, training, and career requirements.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Oregon Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Carpenter
Oregon Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Welder
Oregon Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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HVAC Technician
Oregon Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Plumber
Oregon Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Electrician
Oregon Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Top Trade Careers in Oregon
Oregon offers career opportunities across construction, energy, transportation, maintenance, manufacturing, and other skilled trade industries. Popular trade careers often include electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, carpenters, diesel mechanics, and heavy equipment operators.
Trade Salary Outlook in Oregon
Oregon offers competitive wages for skilled trade professionals across advanced manufacturing, construction, renewable energy, utilities, transportation, wood products manufacturing, and healthcare. Earnings vary based on experience, certifications, employer type, union membership, and geographic location. Major employment centers such as Portland, Salem, Eugene, Hillsboro, and Bend provide strong opportunities due to continued economic growth, technology investment, and infrastructure development.
Training and Apprenticeship Options in Oregon
Oregon provides multiple pathways into skilled trade careers through community colleges, apprenticeship training centers, employer-sponsored programs, labor unions, and workforce development initiatives. Many skilled trades combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training, allowing workers to gain practical experience while earning income and developing industry-recognized skills.
Oregon Apprenticeship Opportunities
Registered apprenticeship programs are one of the most effective ways to begin a skilled trade career in Oregon. Apprenticeships are available for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, industrial maintenance technicians, welders, construction trades, and manufacturing occupations. Most programs combine paid work experience with classroom instruction while preparing workers for licensing or industry-recognized certifications.
Licensing Requirements in Oregon
Licensing requirements in Oregon vary depending on the occupation. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, and certain construction professionals may require state-issued licenses, examinations, certifications, or contractor registration. Workers should verify current licensing requirements with the Oregon Building Codes Division and other appropriate licensing authorities before performing regulated work independently.
Fastest Growing Trade Careers in Oregon
Electrician
Industrial Maintenance Technician
HVAC Technician
Solar Installer
Commercial Plumber
Heavy Equipment Operator
Welder
Diesel Mechanic
Top Industries Hiring Skilled Trades in Oregon
Skilled trade workers in Oregon may find opportunities across several major industries. Demand can vary by region, economic growth, population trends, infrastructure investment, and employer needs.
Advanced Manufacturing
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Construction
Renewable Energy
Wood Products Manufacturing
Utilities
Transportation & Logistics
Healthcare Facilities
Why Oregon Is One of America's Best States for Skilled Trades
Oregon offers outstanding opportunities for skilled trade professionals thanks to its diversified economy and continued investment in technology, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and infrastructure. The state is home to one of the nation's largest semiconductor manufacturing clusters, a strong wood products industry, expanding commercial construction, and growing clean energy projects. These industries rely on electricians, industrial maintenance technicians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, welders, and other skilled workers. Combined with well-established apprenticeship programs and competitive wages, Oregon provides excellent long-term career opportunities for individuals pursuing the skilled trades.
Major Cities for Trade Careers in Oregon
Skilled trade opportunities in Oregon are often concentrated around major metro areas, growing suburbs, industrial centers, and regions with strong construction, energy, transportation, and maintenance demand.
Portland
Salem
Eugene
Hillsboro
Bend
Gresham
Beaverton
Medford
Corvallis
Albany
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best trade careers in Oregon?
Electrician, industrial maintenance technician, HVAC technician, plumber, welder, diesel mechanic, heavy equipment operator, and solar installer are among the most in-demand skilled trade careers in Oregon. Growth is supported by advanced manufacturing, construction, renewable energy, and utilities.
Are apprenticeships available in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon offers registered apprenticeship opportunities through employers, labor unions, apprenticeship training centers, community colleges, workforce agencies, and industry partners across construction, manufacturing, utilities, and industrial occupations.
Which Oregon cities have the most trade jobs?
Portland, Salem, Eugene, Hillsboro, Bend, Gresham, Beaverton, Medford, Corvallis, and Albany are among Oregon's largest employment markets for skilled trade professionals.
Do skilled trades require licenses in Oregon?
Some skilled trades require state-issued licenses, certifications, examinations, or contractor registration. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC professionals, and contractors should review Oregon licensing requirements before performing regulated work independently.
Is Oregon a good state for skilled trade careers?
Yes. Oregon's advanced manufacturing sector, semiconductor industry, renewable energy projects, utilities, construction market, and infrastructure investments continue to create excellent long-term opportunities for skilled trade professionals.