Advanced Manufacturing
62%
62%
of jobs pay a wage above the regional median wage
Manufacturing Spurs ProductivityProvides Quality JobsSparks InnovationFosters Creativity
Advanced manufacturing is a cornerstone of the metro area’s economy and a source of quality jobs for workers across the region. The advanced manufacturing sector includes high tech, metals, machinery, and transportation equipment. In 2023, the region’s advanced manufacturing gross regional product (GRP) was $20.1 billion, an increase of 85% since 2019.

2023 Regional Industry Facts
Average Wage:
$134,600
Number of Jobs:
70,038
Number of Firms:
1,756
5 Year Job Growth:
5%
industry lq*
1.7
* Location Quotient (LQ) is a statistical measure used to compare the concentration of a particular industry, occupation, or demographic characteristic in a specific region to a larger reference area, typically at the national level. An LQ of 1.7 means the industry plays a 70% larger role in the region’s economy compared to the national economy.
Primary Occupations
Manufacturing encompasses a diverse range of businesses, from heavy equipment production to solar panel manufacturing. Despite their differences, these industries share one common trait: they support jobs that make our region home to some of the most skilled manufacturing workers in the world.
Semiconductor Processing Technicians
Jobs: 4,573
Median Hourly Wage $28.82
Machinists
Jobs: 1,473
Median Hourly Wage $28.32
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Jobs: 2,154
Median Hourly Wage $27.33
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Jobs: 1,946
Median Hourly Wage $32.45
Worksystems’ Manufacturing Initiative
We collaborate with WorkSource Portland Metro and other partners to provide pathways to Quality Jobs across the manufacturing industry. With soaring job demand and a surge in funding from the CHIPS Act, semiconductor manufacturing has become a critical focus area, driving innovation and growth in the industry.
Elevate Careers: Semiconductor Manufacturing is a 10-day paid training program designed to fill critical job loss for the semiconductor industry. It is a partnership between Microchip, onsemi, Worksystems, and Mt. Hood Community College, marking Gresham’s first collaboration in this field. Participants earn one mechatronics credit and a guaranteed interview with Microchip and onsemi. Classes are held at Mt. Hood Community College.
Quick Start was developed in partnership with Worksystems, Intel, PCC, City of Hillsboro, and Washington County. This 10-day training program is the first of its kind in Oregon and the most successful model nationally at creating access to entry-level semiconductor jobs. Since its launch in 2022, nearly 400 job seekers have engaged in semiconductor training in Washington County–76.7% identify as BIPOC or female with 70% of graduates obtaining employment in the semiconductor industry. Because of its success—and thanks to funding from Future Ready Oregon—Quick Start will expand to Multnomah County in 2025.
Additionally, Worksystems provides scholarships for Standards of Training Certification of Watchkeeping at Clatsop Community College’s MERTS Campus. This certification is required for work on a boat or ship.
This bi-state regional partnership, conceptualized and fueled by the Columbia-Willamette Workforce Collaborative, unites industry leaders, educators, workforce development, economic organizations, and community partners to tackle shared industry challenges. This network aligns public and private investments to meet regional needs. While not solely focused on workforce development, the strong relationship with industry makes it a go-to for workforce topics, showcasing Worksystems‘ effective regional networking to build stronger communities.
Employer Champions
Additional Resources