Oregon's Manufacturing Industry

The 2007 State of the Industry report from the Oregon Employment Department shows manufacturing remains a big part of the state’s economy, encompassing 12 to 15 percent of all economic activity. Wood products and high tech are the largest segments, but Oregon manufacturing is diverse and includes many smaller companies. Manufacturing employs more than 200,000 Oregonians, with a total payroll more than $10 billion. Manufacturing jobs offer good pay and benefits, with the average pay close to $50,000. Although job growth has been flat, retirements and career changes will create many job openings. Most manufacturing jobs require a combination of on-the-job training, previous experience and higher education.