As students prepare to step out of high school and into the real world, the options may seem endless—college, trade school, or jumping straight into the workforce. If your recent graduate is in the Linn and Benton Counties region, manufacturing is one path filled with opportunity and growth. With a booming industry, above-average wages, and career flexibility, it’s a great time to consider this rewarding field.
The Growing Demand for Manufacturing Workers
Did you know that nearly 25% of Oregon manufacturing workers are nearing retirement? This opens the door for fresh talent, like yourself, to step in. Between 2022 and 2032, the manufacturing industry in Oregon is projected to grow by 7%, creating over 14,000 new jobs. Some sectors like metals (19%), machinery (14%), and transportation equipment (12%) are growing even faster. Local companies are ready to hire motivated, curious graduates and provide tons of on-the-job training to help young workers succeed.
High Wages & Benefits
In Oregon, manufacturing jobs pay well above the state average. The average annual wage for manufacturing workers was $83,300 in 2022, compared to the state average of $66,300. Even excluding the high-paying tech jobs, skilled manufacturing workers in other industries still earn about $65,500 annually. This means you could start earning a solid wage right after high school, with benefits like medical coverage and retirement options.
Exciting Local Companies
Linn and Benton Counties are home to many innovative manufacturing businesses that you could be a part of. Companies like ATI, ENTEK, SELMET, Ti Squared, Clayton Homes, and Oregon Freeze Dry offer exciting opportunities in aerospace, robotics, metals, shoes, prefabricated homes, and more. You could work with cutting-edge technology— with the Chips and Science Act, microchip manufacturing could also be on the horizon, giving potential workers the opportunity to work with tools like 3D printing, robotics, and AI—right in your community.
Career Flexibility and Growth
Manufacturing is not a dead-end job. Many companies offer on-the-job training and promote from within, allowing you to start in production and move into to areas like sales, marketing, or business development as workers’ interests and abilities evolve. Plus, if you decide to go back to school for college or trade training later, manufacturing gives you the financial stability to make that choice on your terms.
Make an Impact in Your Community
Working in manufacturing isn’t just about the paycheck—it’s about creating tangible products you can see and touch, from locally-made shoes to aerospace parts. When you work in industries like construction or manufacturing, you contribute directly to your community’s economy and infrastructure. Imagine seeing a house or building and knowing you had a hand in creating it!
Conclusion:
Whether you’re looking for a high-paying job straight out of high school or a stepping stone toward college or trade school, manufacturing offers diverse opportunities. With a growing demand for workers, competitive wages, and plenty of room for growth, it’s a career path worth considering.
Resources:
- Local Manufacturing
- Educator Externships – a professional development opportunity for educators to learn about STEM and manufacturing career options for their students in the Linn-Benton region.
- A Step Ahead video series offers a look into a variety of STEM, manufacturing, and skilled trades job positions.
- Trades Notebook
Sources:
- Made in Oregon: A Profile of the State’s Manufacturing Sector (qualifyinfo.org)
- Manufacturing Job Titles and Descriptions: A Complete Guide (resumehead.com)
- 8 Reasons It’s Great To Work In Manufacturing (thomasnet.com)
- 10 Reasons why you should consider a manufacturing career (adecco.com)
- 10 Reasons to Consider a Career in Manufacturing (tapecon.com)