electrician salary in oregon (2026)
Oregon electricians earn a median of $69,000 per year in 2026 — +15% versus the national median of $60,000. The gap reflects oregon's market dynamics: green energy, intel, nike, tech satellite offices.
But Oregon isn't one market. Wages vary significantly across metros. Here's the full breakdown.
electrician salary by city in oregon
Salary varies considerably across Oregon metros, driven by construction activity, industrial sector concentration, and union density.
| city | median salary | vs. OR median | key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Portland | $78,000 | +13% | tech, Nike, Intel, green energy, union-dominant |
| 2 Eugene | $60,000 | -13% | university, healthcare, outdoor industry |
| 3 Salem | $57,000 | -17% | government, healthcare, food processing |
| 4 Gresham | $66,000 | -4% | suburban Portland, warehousing, light manufacturing |
| 5 Hillsboro | $69,000 | +0% | Intel, semiconductor, tech campuses |
| 6 Beaverton | $67,200 | -3% | Nike, tech, suburban commercial |
| 7 Medford | $54,000 | -22% | healthcare, agriculture, retail |
Oregon market note: Intel's Hillsboro campus is one of the largest semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the US — ongoing expansion creates sustained demand for specialized trades.
what moves your salary in oregon
taxes and take-home pay
Oregon has no sales tax but a high income tax up to 9.9%. Portland-area wages are among the highest in the Pacific Northwest.
union vs. non-union
Oregon has strong union presence, particularly in Portland. Building trades councils are active and prevailing wage applies to public projects.
licensing
To work legally as a licensed electrician in Oregon, you'll need to meet requirements set by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. This typically includes documented apprenticeship hours, passing a written trade exam, and ongoing continuing education. Each license level unlocks higher-paying work — especially the jump to journeyman, which allows independent work on permitted jobs.
is electrician a good career in oregon right now?
Intel's Hillsboro campus is one of the largest semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the US — ongoing expansion creates sustained demand for specialized trades. BLS projects 11% job growth for electricians nationally through 2032, and Oregon tracks at or above that rate given its market conditions.
Hardhat's AI survival score for electricians is 79/100 — the physical, site-specific, judgment-intensive nature of this work makes it genuinely difficult to automate. The job is not going anywhere.
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How much does an Electrician make in Oregon?
Electricians in Oregon earn a median of $69,000 per year in 2026, ranging from around $51,060 for apprentices to $106,950 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Oregon pays electricians the most?
Portland pays the highest electrician salaries in Oregon — around $78,000 median — driven by tech, nike, intel, green energy, union-dominant.
Do you need a license to be an electrician in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon requires licensure through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. Requirements include documented experience, passing a written trade exam, and in many cases continuing education hours.
Is there demand for electricians in Oregon?
Oregon's electrician market is driven by green energy, intel, nike, tech satellite offices. BLS projects 11% national job growth through 2032, and Oregon consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become an electrician in Oregon?
Typically 5–6 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
other trades in oregon