Oregon’s total employment is expected to increase by 317,600 jobs between 2020 and 2030, according to new projections from the Oregon Department of Employment released this week.
Projections point to historically high employment growth between 2020 and 2030, and explain the resumption of low employment levels in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated recession. In addition, many job offers are expected due to the need to replace workers who leave their jobs, according to the report.
In 2020, there were just under two million jobs statewide. The projected 16% increase in employment between 2020 and 2030 includes gains of 283,500 private sector jobs, growth of 25,700 government jobs and another 8,300 self-employed in Oregon.
Beyond the gains associated with the economic recovery from the COVID-19 recession and expected economic growth, an additional 2.2 million jobs will be created by 2030 to replace workers who retire, leave the workforce for other reasons or make a major professional change. Together, the number of job openings due to economic recovery, job growth and replacements will total 2.5 million, according to projections by the Employment Ministry.
All sectors of Oregon are expected to create jobs by 2030. Recreation and hospitality are expected to grow fastest and create the most jobs. The expected gain of 73,800 jobs – representing a growth of 46% – in leisure and hospitality is mainly attributable to the recovery from the pandemic, as restaurants, hotels and arts, culture and recreation establishments are expected to experience demand. increased in-person and recreational activities resume.
Due to the loss of recreation and hospitality jobs in 2020, many of the fastest growing occupations are associated with jobs in this industry. In fact, 10 of the 20 fastest growing occupations are in recreation and hospitality. These occupations include cooks, chefs, bartenders, waiters and waitresses, fast food workers, exercise coaches and fitness instructors, and entertainment and recreation attendants.
The private health care and social assistance sector is expected to add the second highest number of jobs, with 51,000 jobs (19% growth) over the 10-year period, according to state projections . This growth is attributed to the aging of the state’s population, increased life expectancy and continued population growth. Nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and massage therapists are among the fastest growing professions statewide.
A wide variety of career opportunities will be available across all industries, as well as in all types of jobs. One-third of all job openings will require education or training beyond high school to typical entry-level education. To meet more competitive educational requirements, more than half of job vacancies require at least some training beyond high school.
Occupations with the most job openings, typically requiring a high school diploma or less, include fast food workers, retail salespeople, cashiers, stockmen, and order pickers. Those that require post-secondary certification or an associate’s degree include truck drivers, accountants, and medical and nursing assistants. The occupations with the most openings requiring at least a bachelor’s degree vary from general managers and operations to registered nurses, software developers and accountants, according to projections from the Employment Department.
All parts of Oregon expect to see job opportunities from both economic recovery and growth, and to replace workers leaving the workforce in the years to come. The two regions expected to experience the fastest growth are central Oregon, with expected growth of 18%, and the Portland area, with an expected growth rate of 17%. Northwestern Oregon is expected to grow at the same rate as the entire state of Oregon – 16%. All other regions are expected to experience slower growth.
Scott Carroll can be reached at [email protected] or 541-957-4204. Or follow him on Twitter @ scottcarroll15. =====
