Oregon’s High-Tech Employment Trends – What is High Tech?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
By Jill Cuyler
Oregon Employment Department
The high-tech industry is an important and dynamic part of Oregon's economy.
During the late 1990s, it experienced rapid employment growth while paying wages that were significantly higher than those of many other industries. In 2008, high-tech contributed over $5.1 billion in covered payroll to the state's workers and families. The industry represents over one-quarter of total manufacturing employment, predominately in computer and electronic manufacturing.
High-tech employment peaked at 69,900 in 2001. During the recession from 2001 to 2003, employment declined by 20.5 percent or 14,300 jobs. The industry fared better between 2003 and 2006, growing by 6.7 percent or 3,700 jobs. However, since this period, declines have returned. Between 2006 and 2009, the industry declined by 9.1 percent or 5,400 jobs. During the current recession which began in 2008, employment declined 6.9 percent, or 4,000 jobs. Employment in 2009 fell to 53,900, the lowest since 1996 (Graph 1). Many wonder if the industry will ever return to its 2001 peak, especially given the large losses in semiconductor manufacturing.
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