A growing and talented workforce supports Greater Portland’s diverse economy. Over 1.3 million eligible workers support businesses across various industries, including apparel and outdoors, clean tech and computers and electronics, while the talent pool continues to expand.  

A high quality of life and a designation as one of the best cities to live on the West Coast, combined with several universities, such as the University of Oregon just south, make Greater Portland a hotspot for attracting qualified talent. Nearly 40% of the workforce has a bachelor’s degree, well above the national average.

Large companies, small businesses and new startups can take advantage of Greater Portland's workforce population. Highly skilled and ready to meet the needs of today and tomorrow, Greater Portland’s talent is ready to get to work. 

 

Greater Portland's Workforce Fast Facts

 

1.3M+

Available workers above the age of 16

1.2M+

Workers currently employed

 

334,000+ 

Individuals have at least a High School Degree

*ESRI, 2024

 

Uncover Our Regional Workforce Strengths

The Portland Metro area has a dynamic workforce of over 1.3 million professionals ready to fuel your business growth. The Greater Portland, Oregon, workforce is highly educated and supports over 100,000 diverse businesses. This diverse landscape of industries fosters innovation and opportunities for new career pathways and on-the-job training. Established companies like Nike and universities like the University of Oregon create the perfect mix of seasoned experts and fresh talent.

Whether your business is looking for young people to occupy entry-level positions or internships or offering advanced work opportunities, Portland is ready to help you meet your talent needs.

 

Continued Talent Growth Through Higher Education

As the Greater Portland population grows, so does the talent pool. Between Oregon and Washington, you’ll find strong community college networks, higher education institutions and targeted workforce development efforts supply a highly educated workforce compared to the national average. Over 515,000 Oregonians have at least a bachelor’s degree and nearly 300,000 have advanced graduate degrees.

Portland universities and community colleges, such as Portland State University, the University of Oregon and Washington State University Vancouver, play a critical role in creating career pathways and workforce training programs that align with industry needs. 

 

Reed College

Reed College

Portland State University

Portland State University Logo

 

 

University of Oregon

University of Oregon

Portland Community College

Portland Community College

 

Oregon State University

Oregon State University Logo

 

Washington State University Vancouver

Washington State University Logo

 

Mt Hood Community College

Mt Hood Community College Logo

 

 

Workforce development isn’t exclusive to getting a degree. Many organizations and workforce development programs for upskilling employees with certifications or industry-specific classes exist. Worksystems and the Portland Workforce Alliance aim to help talent develop meaningful skills and awareness of employment opportunities. Other organizations, such as the Urban League of Portland, work more exclusively with underrepresented communities and people of color to help you find a profession “that can propel [you] to the next level of wealth creation.

 

Economic Diversity Supports a Diverse Talent Pool

The Greater Portland Metro Area's economic landscape offers stability and opportunity across multiple sectors, creating a robust and diversified talent pool with experience in every industry.
From cutting-edge technology firms to advanced manufacturing, from world-class healthcare institutions to a thriving creative sector, Greater Portland offers a business ecosystem where companies can find the workforce training, resources, community-based talented job seekers and support they need to succeed.


Portland's Workforce by Industry

 

Healthcare & Social Assistance

  • 11,951 Businesses
  • 227,144 Employed Professionals

Retail Trade

  • 11,914 Businesses
  • 149,424 Employed Professionals

Manufacturing

  • 4,410 Businesses
  • 116,121 Skilled Workers

Accommodation & Food Service

  • 8,399 Businesses
  • 105,355 Employed in Hospitality

 

 

Industry Impact

Greater Portland is home to major employers that span various industries, including clean tech, apparel and outdoors and bioscience. The region is also a hub for headquarters, with 63 out of the top 100 employers based in Greater Portland.

This concentration of industry leaders is possible because of the region’s talented workforce. Highly educated individuals allow businesses to thrive and push to new limits. In turn, working with industry leaders like Intel and Nike provides a high level of hands-on experience and mentorship that makes job seekers uniquely qualified in the region.

 

 

Workforce

Total Businesses

104,758

Total Employed

1,316,936

Workers 16+

1,315,344

2024 HealthCare / Social Assistance

cp-industries

Businesses

11,951

Employed

227,144

2024 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

11,914

Employed

149,242

2024 Manufacturing Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

4,410

Employed

116,121

2024 Accommodation / Food Service

cp-industries

Businesses

8,399

Employed

105,355

2024 Other Service excl Pub Admin

cp-industries

Businesses

12,304

Employed

102,851

2024 Educational Services - Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

2,528

Employed

99,384

Some
High School

72,850

Graduated
High School

334,422

Associates
Degree

182,451

Bachelor's
Degree

507,870

Graduate
Degree

312,701

Average Commute Time

0 min.



Resident Commuters

968,775

Non-Resident Commuters

259,474

Drive Alone

853,712

Carpooled

104,713

Public

54,315

Work At Home

227,261

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27