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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.

Manufacturers in the United States are innovative, productive and efficient. For decades the manufacturing sector has been the center of strength of the American economy and its prospects for future growth. Nonetheless, global pressures are squeezing U.S. manufacturers as they face brutal competition from around the world. Relentless advances in technology have infused every aspect of manufacturing—from design and production to inventory management, delivery and service. Today’s manufacturing jobs are technology jobs, and employees at all levels must have the wide range of skills required to respond to the demands of an increasingly complex environment. And as baby boomers retire, manufacturers face a looming shortage of highly skilled, technically competent employees who can fully exploit the potential of new technologies and support increased product complexity. More than 80 percent of the surveyed manufacturers reported a “moderate to serious” shortage of qualified job applicants.

Food manufacturers put nearly two-thirds of a billion dollars into workers’ pockets. Global competition, rising fuel and energy costs, and changing consumer tastes will all continue to shape the future of Oregon food manufacturing.

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians play an important role in the aviation industry; there will always be a need for safe, well-maintained aircraft. A two-year community college program provides training for this high-paying occupation.

The Oregon Employment Department expects nearly 47,000 current manufacturing workers to retire or move to another occupation during the decade. How will Oregon’s manufacturers find enough new workers to replace those who leave?