Advanced Manufacturing

The engine that powers our region’s economic vitality and provides key opportunities for quality jobs.

2.74%

2.74%

community’s rate of return for every one dollar spent in manufacturing. This is the highest return on community investment, from all sustainable industries.

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.

Worker standing at a manufacturing station

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.

Supporting Growth & Success

Worksystems builds a strong, accessible, and effective workforce by matching industry needs with recruitment and training programs through community partners. We collaborate with the manufacturing community to address challengesdesign programsinvest resources and meet their needs by:

  • Convening industry champions, partners, and government agencies to tackle workforce issues

  • Conducting labor market research to understand industry trends

  • Hosting events to connect the workforce pipeline to the manufacturing industry

  • Sharing training best practices with the public workforce system to connect job seekers to industry opportunities

  • Sharing occupational pathways for industry-identified manufacturing careers

  • Introducing youth to manufacturing careers

  • Securing new training resources to meet emerging needs

  • Funding scholarships, work experiences, and other skill development opportunities to prepare people for success

Employer Champions

Additional Resources