Oregon’s land, location and natural resources have all played a vital role in its long-term economic development. Timber and the manufacturing of paper products has traditionally been the number one source of Oregon jobs, but conservation laws have spurred greater diversification over the past two decades. Manufacturing and agriculture remain important sectors for jobs in Oregon, though their forms have changed significantly. Wineries and microbreweries are now major agricultural subsectors in Oregon, and the number of high-tech manufacturers in the Portland metro area has earned it the nickname of Silicon Forest.

The semiconductor company Intel is the largest single provider of jobs in Portland, Oregon. The city’s arts and culture scene has increased its appeal to both tourists and young professionals. Powell’s City of Books in Portland is the largest independent bookstore in the U.S. Education, manufacturing, technology and food processing are paramount economic sectors for Eugene, Oregon jobs. State government is the largest employer in Salem, the capital and third largest city in OR. The healthcare industry is a leading source of Salem, Oregon jobs in the private sector.