Oregon Employment Projections

Right now if you talk to just anybody, they would tell you that the  economy is bleak.  This is certainly true for Oregon, where the unemployment percentage is 3% above the national average.  Reviewing  unemployment statistics can be discouraging.  However, the economy will improve as it always does and now is a good time to position yourself so you can take advantage of the recovery.

It should come as no surprise that according to Oregon employment projections, the largest need will be
for  health care workers.  Occupational and physical therapist assistants are expected to be in greater demand.  These are very stable careers with a lot of growth opportunity as well as good pay and benefits.  As with a lot of other states, home health aides are needed to provide people with the personal care that they need.  If you enjoy people and want to care for them on a daily basis, then take a look into what state certifications are required.

Another occupation continually in high demand is Physician Assistants.  These jobs are available now.  As an assistant, you would have a lot of responsibility for providing treatment plans for your patients.  Healthcare workers such as chiropractors, radiation therapists, registered nurses, and pharmacists will continue to increase in number for at least the next several years.  As the population ages or injures themselves in various activities, the people will come to rely on you to provide good care.

The Oregon employment projections show an increased need for service workers, including personnel who protect our citizens, such as firefighters and law enforcement workers.  These people take on a lot of responsibility but have the satisfaction of knowing they made a difference.  There is also going to be an increased need for workers in the food service industry, including cooks and waitpersons.   The good news about those types of jobs is you typically don’t need a lot of experience and there are jobs available right now.

Let’s not forget that when the economy picks up, businesses are going  to want to make sure their landscaping looks good and their buildings are in good repair.  If you don’t have maintenance experience, now would be a good time to get some, perhaps by volunteering for a non-profit organization.

Oregon employment projections also predict an increase in demand for office and administrative support personnel.  If working with numbers  is your thing, then take a look into a career as a bookkeeping or accounting clerk.  To get your foot in the door, you might consider registering with a temporary agency.  The need for customer service representatives is also expected to increase.  A good customer service representative will listen to the customers and find products and services that meet the customer’s needs.

You live in Oregon and appreciate the beauty and variety of outdoor activities available to you.  If you want to stay in Oregon, consider a career as a healthcare professional or service worker.  These are the careers that offer you the best opportunity for financial security.