Oregon Salaries 2025
Tech industry strength with no sales tax
Median Household Income
Oregon Salary Overview 2025
Oregon offers Pacific Northwest lifestyle with genuine tech industry presence—anchored by Nike, Intel, and Columbia Sportswear—at costs below Seattle and San Francisco. The state's median household income of $70,000 is near the national median, while Oregon's unique no-sales-tax status provides real purchasing power benefits.
Portland's tech scene has matured with hardware (Intel), athletic apparel (Nike, Adidas NA, Columbia), and software companies. The city attracts those seeking Pacific Northwest lifestyle—outdoor recreation, food culture, progressive politics—without Seattle's explosive costs.
The tradeoff: Oregon's income tax is high (top rate 9.9%), and Portland housing has risen significantly. The state's "Keep Portland Weird" culture appeals to some while challenging others. For outdoor enthusiasts with tech careers, Oregon offers compelling combination of opportunity and lifestyle. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
Oregon Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Oregon | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $70,000 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $91,000 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $38,000 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $14.70/hr (Portland metro higher) | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 113 | 100 |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 9.9% | Varies |
Salaries by Oregon Region
Portland Metro
Median Household Income: $78,000
Portland drives Oregon's economy with tech, athletic apparel, and healthcare. Nike's world headquarters (Beaverton) employs 12,000+. Intel's Hillsboro campus is one of the company's largest globally. Columbia Sportswear, Adidas North America, and Under Armour (design) add apparel employment. Software engineers $95,000-$160,000, product designers $80,000-$140,000, marketing $60,000-$130,000.
Portland offers walkable neighborhoods, exceptional food scene, and proximity to mountains/coast. Housing has risen significantly ($550,000 median) but remains below Seattle.
Hillsboro/Beaverton – Silicon Forest
Median Household Income: $90,000
Intel's massive campus and Nike headquarters create high-income suburban employment. Semiconductor engineers $95,000-$165,000, Nike product roles $80,000-$150,000. Housing expensive ($600,000+) but excellent schools attract families.
Salem – State Capital
Median Household Income: $58,000
State government and healthcare anchor the capital. More affordable ($400,000 median) than Portland with Willamette Valley access.
Eugene
Median Household Income: $52,000
University of Oregon creates education economy. Track & Field heritage connects to Nike origins. College-town culture with outdoor access. Affordable by Oregon standards ($420,000 median).
Bend
Median Household Income: $75,000
Outdoor recreation destination with high quality of life. Remote workers and retirees have driven costs up ($700,000+ median). Limited local employment but exceptional lifestyle.
| Region | Median Income | Median Home | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | $78,000 | $550,000 | Tech, Apparel, Healthcare |
| Hillsboro/Beaverton | $90,000 | $600,000 | Intel, Nike |
| Salem | $58,000 | $400,000 | Government, Healthcare |
| Eugene | $52,000 | $420,000 | Education, Healthcare |
| Bend | $75,000 | $700,000 | Tourism, Remote Work |
Top Paying Industries in Oregon
Semiconductors (Intel)
Intel's Hillsboro operations are among the company's most important globally. Process engineers $95,000-$165,000, hardware engineers $100,000-$170,000, manufacturing technicians $50,000-$85,000. The CHIPS Act has driven expansion investment.
Athletic Apparel & Footwear
Nike, Columbia Sportswear, and Adidas North America create unique product and design employment. Product designers $75,000-$140,000, marketing $65,000-$130,000, supply chain $60,000-$120,000. Nike is particularly competitive for creative talent.
Technology
Beyond Intel, Portland has software companies and startup scene. Salesforce, Puppet, and numerous smaller companies create employment. Software engineers $90,000-$160,000, data scientists $95,000-$150,000.
Healthcare
OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University), Providence, and Legacy Health serve the region. Physicians $270,000-$450,000+, nurses $75,000-$100,000. OHSU is a major research employer.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor (Intel) | $80,000 | $120,000 | $170,000+ |
| Athletic Apparel (Nike) | $65,000 | $100,000 | $150,000+ |
| Software Engineering | $80,000 | $120,000 | $165,000+ |
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $270,000 | $360,000 | $450,000+ |
Oregon Tax Analysis
No Sales Tax + High Income Tax
Oregon has no sales tax—one of five states with none. However, income tax is high:
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $4,050 | 4.75% |
| $4,051 – $10,200 | 6.75% |
| $10,201 – $125,000 | 8.75% |
| $125,001+ | 9.9% |
| Salary | OR Tax | WA Tax | CA Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | ~$7,900 | $0 | ~$7,100 |
| $150,000 | ~$12,600 | $0 | ~$12,500 |
Oregon's high income tax offsets the no-sales-tax benefit for most residents. Washington residents working in Oregon face the worst of both—Oregon income tax without Washington's no income tax benefit.
Highest Paying Jobs in Oregon 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $290,000 | $450,000+ |
| IT Directors | $160,000 | $210,000+ |
| Semiconductor Engineers | $135,000 | $180,000+ |
| Software Architects | $155,000 | $200,000+ |
| Product Directors (Nike) | $170,000 | $230,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Portland vs. Seattle?
Seattle has more tech jobs and no income tax. Portland offers lower costs, more relaxed pace, and unique culture. Seattle salaries are higher but so are costs. Portland appeals to those seeking Pacific Northwest lifestyle without Seattle intensity.
Is no sales tax actually beneficial?
Mixed. Oregon's high income tax (9.9% top rate) often offsets sales tax savings. For large purchases (cars, furniture), no sales tax helps. For most everyday spending, the benefit is modest. High earners may pay more overall than in Washington.
What's the outdoor lifestyle like?
Exceptional. Mt. Hood skiing within an hour, coast within 90 minutes, Bend and Cascades accessible. Portland has extensive trail system and cycling culture. For outdoor enthusiasts, Oregon delivers.