Oregon’s skilled trades are experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025. With billions in semiconductor manufacturing investments, massive infrastructure projects, and a retiring workforce, the demand for skilled tradespeople has never been higher. This comprehensive guide covers the best trades to pursue in Oregon and where you can get trained throughout the state.
Why Choose a Trade Career in Oregon?
Skilled trades in Oregon offer:
- Competitive salaries averaging $51,000-$71,000 annually, with experienced workers earning $75,000-$100,000+
- No massive student debt compared to four-year degrees
- Job security in careers that can’t be outsourced or automated
- Earn while you learn through apprenticeship programs
- Strong union representation with excellent benefits
The Top 10 Trades in Oregon
1. Electrician
Why It’s Hot: With 9% job growth nationally and Oregon’s push toward renewable energy and smart infrastructure, electricians are in extremely high demand. The shift to green energy is creating specialized opportunities in solar installation and EV charging systems.
Salary Range: $50,000 to $80,000+ annually (experienced master electricians can earn over $100,000)
Training Options:
Community Colleges:
- Portland Community College – Electrician Apprenticeship Technology (Associate Degree: 2 years, Certificate: Less than 1 year)
- Central Oregon Community College (Bend) – Inside Electrician, Limited Maintenance Electrician
- Lane Community College (Eugene) – Inside Electricians, Limited Energy Technicians, Limited Maintenance Electricians
- Chemeketa Community College (Salem) – Inside Wire Electrician apprenticeship (4 years)
- Clackamas Community College (Oregon City) – Inside Electrical, Limited Energy apprenticeships
- Rogue Community College (Grants Pass) – Inside Electrician, Limited Energy programs
- Blue Mountain Community College (Pendleton) – Inside Electrician (8,000 hours), Limited Energy Technician
- Linn-Benton Community College (Albany) – Electrician Apprenticeship Technologies
Union Apprenticeship Programs:
- NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center (Portland) – 5-year Inside Electrical program, 3.5-year Limited Energy program, 2.5-year Limited Residential program
- Independent Electrical Contractors of Oregon (IEC) – Multiple locations including Portland and Roseburg
- IBEW Local 48 – Premier union electrical apprenticeship
Training Duration: 2-5 years depending on program and specialization
2. Semiconductor Manufacturing Technician
Why It’s Hot: Oregon is becoming a semiconductor powerhouse. Intel is investing over $36 billion in Hillsboro, making it Oregon’s largest private employer. The CHIPS Act is bringing even more manufacturing to the region, creating thousands of high-tech jobs in cleanroom environments.
Salary Range: $51,000 to $64,000+ annually (Equipment technicians can earn $40+ per hour, with specialized roles reaching $85,000+)
Training Options:
Community Colleges:
- Portland Community College – Microelectronics Technology (5 degrees and certificates), Electronic Engineering Technology (6 programs)
- Blue Mountain Community College – Industrial Maintenance programs that support semiconductor manufacturing
- Central Oregon Community College – Manufacturing and industrial maintenance programs
Industry Partnerships:
- Intel offers technician apprenticeship programs in partnership with community colleges
- Many positions offer on-the-job training with education reimbursement
Training Duration: 1-2 years for certificates and associate degrees
3. HVAC Technician
Why It’s Hot: Every building needs climate control. Oregon’s construction boom and focus on energy-efficient systems means constant demand for HVAC professionals.
Salary Range: $45,000 to $70,000+ annually
Training Options:
Community Colleges:
- Portland Community College – Facilities Maintenance – HVAC (3 degrees and certificates)
- Chemeketa Community College (Salem) – HVAC/R Technician apprenticeship (4 years)
- Lane Community College (Eugene) – HVAC Technicians & Installers
- Central Oregon Community College – HVAC apprenticeship programs
- Blue Mountain Community College – HVAC/R programs (6,000-8,000 hours)
- Rogue Community College – HVAC apprenticeship
Training Duration: 1-4 years depending on program level
4. Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter
Why It’s Hot: Plumbing is recession-proof. Oregon’s focus on water efficiency and sustainable building practices creates specialized high-paying opportunities.
Salary Range: $55,000 to $85,000+ annually
Training Options:
Community Colleges:
- Chemeketa Community College – Plumber apprenticeship (4 years)
- Lane Community College – Plumbers apprenticeship
- Central Oregon Community College – Plumbing apprenticeship
- Linn-Benton Community College – Industrial Pipe Trades: Fitting and Welding
- Blue Mountain Community College – Plumber programs
Union Programs:
- Area plumbers’ union JATCs throughout Oregon
Training Duration: 4-5 years for journeyman status
5. Welder
Why It’s Hot: Welding offers incredible versatility across construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and more. Oregon has strong demand in shipbuilding, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing.
Salary Range: $45,000 to $75,000+ annually (specialized welders earn significantly more)
Training Options:
Community Colleges:
- Portland Community College – Welding (21 degrees and certificates – the most in the state!)
- Lane Community College – Fabrication and Welding Technology
- Linn-Benton Community College – Welding and Fabrication Technology (Associate Degree and 1-year Certificate)
- Central Oregon Community College – Welding programs
- Rogue Community College – Welding training
Special Facilities:
- PCC Maritime Welding Training Center – Specialized maritime welding training
Training Duration: 6 months to 2 years depending on specialization
6. Carpenter
Why It’s Hot: Oregon’s housing shortage and infrastructure projects mean ongoing high demand for carpenters. Union carpenters in Oregon have excellent wages and benefits.
Salary Range: $45,000 to $75,000+ annually
Training Options:
Community Colleges:
- Central Oregon Community College – Carpentry pre-apprenticeship (3 weeks) and apprenticeship programs
- Lane Community College – Carpenters apprenticeship
- Blue Mountain Community College – Carpenter programs (6,000-8,000 hours)
Union Programs:
- Portland Carpenters JATC – Premier union apprenticeship
- Greater Eastern Oregon Carpenters JATC
- Multiple regional carpenter apprenticeship programs throughout Oregon
Training Duration: 4 years for journeyman carpenter
7. Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Why It’s Hot: Oregon’s transportation, agriculture, and construction industries depend heavily on diesel equipment. Technicians who can work with computerized systems are especially in demand.
Salary Range: $50,000 to $75,000+ annually
Training Options:
Community Colleges:
- Portland Community College – Diesel Service Technology (5 programs), Dealer Service Technology – Caterpillar (2 programs)
- Lane Community College – Diesel Technology programs
- Central Oregon Community College – Diesel and heavy equipment programs
Training Duration: 1-2 years
8. Sheet Metal Worker
Why It’s Hot: HVAC systems, construction, and manufacturing all need skilled sheet metal workers. Union wages are excellent in Oregon.
Salary Range: $50,000 to $75,000+ annually
Training Options:
Community Colleges:
- Chemeketa Community College – Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship
- Lane Community College – Sheet Metal Workers apprenticeship
- Central Oregon Community College – Sheet Metal apprenticeship
- Blue Mountain Community College – Sheet Metal programs
Union Programs:
- Portland Sheet Metal Worker JATC
- Regional sheet metal JATCs
Training Duration: 4-5 years
9. Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance
Why It’s Hot: Keeps factories and industrial facilities running. Essential work with excellent job security and opportunities in Oregon’s growing manufacturing sector.
Salary Range: $50,000 to $70,000+ annually
Training Options:
Community Colleges:
- Portland Community College – Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology Apprenticeship (Associate: 2 years, Certificate: Less than 1 year)
- Central Oregon Community College – Industrial Maintenance Millwright programs
- Linn-Benton Community College – Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance Technology Apprenticeship
- Blue Mountain Community College – Millwright, Industrial Mobile Mechanic programs
Training Duration: 2-4 years
10. Aviation Maintenance Technician
Why It’s Hot: Oregon has a strong aerospace presence. Aircraft mechanics are in high demand nationally with excellent pay and job security.
Salary Range: $64,000 to $77,000+ annually
Training Options:
Community Colleges:
- Portland Community College – Aviation Maintenance (4 degrees and certificates)
- Lane Community College – Aviation Maintenance Technician programs
- Blue Mountain Community College – Air Frame and Power Plant Technicians
Training Duration: 1.5-2 years for FAA certification
Additional High-Demand Trades
Construction Trades
Training: PCC (4 programs), COCC, Blue Mountain, Lane Salary: $45,000-$75,000+ Includes: General construction, carpentry, concrete work
Millwright
Training: COCC, Blue Mountain, union programs Salary: $55,000-$80,000+ Duration: 4 years
Machinist
Training: PCC Machine Manufacturing Technology (5 programs), Clackamas CC Salary: $50,000-$70,000+
Operating Engineer (Heavy Equipment Operator)
Training: Union apprenticeships through IUOE Local 701 Salary: $60,000-$90,000+
Emerging & Specialized Opportunities
Green Energy Trades
- Solar Panel Installation – Expected 50%+ growth by 2030
- Wind Turbine Technician – Growing with Oregon’s renewable energy push
- Energy Efficiency Specialist – Combines electrical/HVAC skills
Medical Trades (High-Paying)
- Dental Hygiene – $77,000+ (PCC: 1 program)
- Medical Imaging – $65,000+ (PCC: 2 programs, Linn-Benton)
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – $75,000+
Tech & Design
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) – $50,000-$70,000+ (PCC: 4 programs)
- Graphic Design – $45,000-$65,000+ (PCC: 1 program)
How to Get Started: Your Training Pathways
1. Community College Programs
Oregon has 17 community colleges offering trade programs:
Portland Metro:
- Portland Community College (4 campuses)
- Clackamas Community College (Oregon City)
Willamette Valley:
- Chemeketa Community College (Salem)
- Linn-Benton Community College (Albany)
- Lane Community College (Eugene)
Southern Oregon:
- Rogue Community College (Grants Pass)
Central Oregon:
- Central Oregon Community College (Bend)
Eastern Oregon:
- Blue Mountain Community College (Pendleton)
Additional colleges offer specialized programs – visit Oregon Community Colleges
2. Union Apprenticeship Programs
Union apprenticeships offer the highest wages and best benefits. Key unions in Oregon:
- IBEW (Electricians) – Local 48 and regional locals
- UA (Plumbers & Pipefitters) – Multiple locals
- OPCMIA (Cement Masons)
- IUPAT (Painters)
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Carpenters Union – Multiple locals
- Laborers Union – Oregon Construction Craft Laborers
- IUOE (Operating Engineers) – Local 701
- Ironworkers – Pacific Northwest
Find union apprenticeships: OregonApprenticeship.org
3. Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
No experience? Pre-apprenticeship programs (typically 3-8 weeks) prepare you with foundational skills:
- Constructing Hope (Portland) – Construction pre-apprenticeship
- COCC Pre-Apprenticeship – Carpentry and other trades (3 weeks)
- Many community colleges offer pre-apprenticeship programs
Find certified programs: Oregon BOLI Pre-Apprenticeship
4. Non-Union Training Centers
- Northwest College of Construction (Portland)
- Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) of Oregon – Non-union electrical training
- Various private trade schools
Financial Aid & Support
Oregon-Specific Financial Aid:
- Oregon Chafee Education Grant – Up to $2,500 for foster care students
- OSAC Scholarships – Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion offers numerous trade school scholarships
- Oregon Barbers and Hairdresser Grant – For cosmetology/barbering students
- Brent Strohmeyer Memorial Foundation Scholarship – Up to $400 for automotive students in Marion, Linn, and Polk counties
- Pride Foundation Scholarships – For LGBTQ+ students
Federal Financial Aid:
- Pell Grants – Up to $7,395/year for eligible students
- Federal Student Loans – Available for most programs
- Work-Study Programs – Many colleges offer work-study
Apprenticeship Benefits:
- Paid training from day one – Earn $15-$25+/hour while learning
- Regular pay increases – Wages increase as skills improve
- No tuition for most union apprenticeships
- Full benefits – Health insurance, retirement through many programs
Oregon’s Semiconductor Industry: Special Focus
Oregon is becoming a global semiconductor hub, creating massive opportunities:
Major Employers:
- Intel (Hillsboro) – Oregon’s largest private employer, investing $36+ billion
- ON Semiconductor (Gresham)
- Analog Devices (Beaverton)
- Lam Research (Tualatin)
Job Types:
- Process Technicians ($50,000-$75,000)
- Equipment Technicians ($55,000-$85,000)
- Manufacturing Engineers ($75,000-$120,000)
- Cleanroom specialists
Training for Semiconductor Careers:
- PCC Microelectronics Technology programs
- Electronic Engineering Technology
- Industrial maintenance backgrounds transfer well
- Many companies offer paid apprenticeships
Choosing Your Trade: Key Considerations
Job Growth: Electricians, semiconductor technicians, HVAC, and construction trades are seeing the strongest growth
Earning Potential: Elevator installers, power line workers, and specialized welders earn the most, but require additional training
Work Environment:
- Indoor cleanroom (semiconductors) vs. outdoor construction
- Office-adjacent (CAD/drafting) vs. hands-on mechanical
- Travel requirements (some trades require it, others don’t)
Physical Demands: Construction trades are more physically demanding than technical trades
Time to Career:
- Certificates: Less than 1 year to start working
- Associate Degrees: 2 years
- Apprenticeships: 2-5 years to journeyman status
Union vs. Non-Union:
- Union: Higher wages, better benefits, more structure
- Non-Union: More flexibility, potentially faster advancement
Next Steps
- Explore trades at OregonApprenticeship.org – Search by county and trade
- Visit community college websites to review programs and requirements
- Attend information sessions – Most programs offer open houses
- Apply for pre-apprenticeship if you have no experience
- Complete applications – Many apprenticeships accept applications once or twice per year
- Take placement tests – Some programs require math/reading assessments
- Apply for financial aid – Complete FAFSA even if you’re not sure you’ll need it
The Bottom Line
Oregon’s skilled trades offer stable, well-paying careers without requiring a four-year degree. With average salaries around $51,000-$71,000 and experienced tradespeople earning $75,000-$100,000+, the financial rewards are substantial. Add in union benefits, job security, and the satisfaction of hands-on work, and it’s clear why Oregon’s trade programs are filling up fast.
The semiconductor boom, infrastructure investments, and retiring workforce mean there’s never been a better time to start a trade career in Oregon. Whether you choose a quick certificate program or a comprehensive apprenticeship, you’re investing in a future that builds Oregon—and builds your financial security.
Ready to start? Contact your local community college or visit OregonApprenticeship.org to explore opportunities near you.