welder salary in oregon (2026)
Oregon welders earn a median of $54,049 per year in 2026 — +15% versus the national median of $47,000. 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.
welder 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 | $61,100 | +13% | tech, Nike, Intel, green energy, union-dominant |
| 2 Eugene | $47,000 | -13% | university, healthcare, outdoor industry |
| 3 Salem | $44,650 | -17% | government, healthcare, food processing |
| 4 Gresham | $51,700 | -4% | suburban Portland, warehousing, light manufacturing |
| 5 Hillsboro | $54,049 | +0% | Intel, semiconductor, tech campuses |
| 6 Beaverton | $52,640 | -3% | Nike, tech, suburban commercial |
| 7 Medford | $42,300 | -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 welder 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.
how oregon compares to other states
| state | median salary | vs. oregon | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $66,700 | +23% | 9.3% state income tax |
| New York | $58,400 | +8% | NYC drives wages up; high COL |
| Illinois | $56,200 | 0% | Chicago union rates |
| Oregon | $54,049 | — | Portland drives wages; no sales tax |
| Texas | $52,800 | -2% | no state income tax |
| National median | $47,010 | -13% | BLS OEWS 2024 |
| Florida | $45,200 | -16% | no state income tax, lower COL |
is welder 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 3% job growth for welders nationally through 2032, and Oregon tracks at or above that rate given its market conditions.
Hardhat's AI survival score for welders is 68/100 — 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 a Welder make in Oregon?
Welders in Oregon earn a median of $54,049 per year in 2026, ranging from around $39,996 for apprentices to $83,775 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Oregon pays welders the most?
Portland pays the highest welder salaries in Oregon — around $61,100 median — driven by tech, nike, intel, green energy, union-dominant.
Do you need a license to be a welder 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 welders in Oregon?
Oregon's welder market is driven by green energy, intel, nike, tech satellite offices. BLS projects 3% national job growth through 2032, and Oregon consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become a welder in Oregon?
Typically 1–3 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
welder salary in other states
other trades in oregon