What Is a Good Salary in Oregon?

A “good salary” in Oregon is subjective, determined by an individual’s financial needs, lifestyle choices, and location. What might be comfortable in a smaller town could prove insufficient in a major metropolitan area due to varying costs of living. Understanding the interplay between earnings and expenses is fundamental to assessing salary adequacy. This article explores these dynamics.

Understanding the Cost of Living in Oregon

The cost of living in Oregon is higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses. Average rent in Oregon was around $1,895 in August 2025. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,485 per month, while a three-bedroom unit might exceed $2,000. In urban centers like Portland, average rent for a one-bedroom apartment can be higher, reaching $1,570, with two-bedroom units around $2,160. Conversely, rural areas or cities like Medford offer budget-friendly rental options.

Purchasing a home in Oregon presents considerable costs, with average 30-year fixed mortgage rates ranging from 6.5% to 7.0%. Homeowners can expect a property tax rate around 0.86% of the home’s value. Beyond housing, other monthly expenditures contribute to the overall cost of living. Average utility bills, encompassing electricity, heating, water, and internet, fall within the $380 to $410 range.

Food expenses for an individual range from $327 to $370 per month, with costs higher in major cities like Portland, where a single person might spend $375 to $400 monthly on groceries. Transportation costs, including fuel and vehicle maintenance, amount to over $5,300 annually. Gas prices in Oregon have recently fluctuated, hovering between $3.50 and $4.00 per gallon. Overall, Oregon ranks among states with a higher cost of living, with some estimates placing it as the 44th or 45th most expensive state.

General Salary Landscape in Oregon

Oregon’s salary landscape reflects its economic characteristics and labor market dynamics. The average annual salary for all occupations in Oregon was $68,780 in 2024, or about $33.06 per hour. Other figures suggest an average annual income around $66,710 in July 2024, or $70,290 in 2025. The median hourly wage for all jobs in Oregon increased to $25.54 in 2024. The median household income for Oregon households ranged from $80,160 in 2023 to $86,780 in 2024.

Minimum wage regulations in Oregon vary by geographic area, using a three-tiered system. From July 2024 through June 2025, the minimum wage is $15.95 per hour within the Portland urban growth boundary. A standard rate of $14.70 per hour applies to other areas, while designated nonurban counties have a rate of $13.70 per hour. This tiered approach acknowledges differing economic conditions across the state.

Wage distribution data from 2024 indicates over 70% of jobs in Oregon paid at least $20 per hour, and 40% paid $30 per hour or more. However, in 2023, 28% of jobs paid less than $20 per hour, and 57% paid less than $30 per hour. Industries like information, federal government, and professional and business services offer higher average annual salaries, exceeding $90,000. Conversely, entry-level positions or roles in sectors like leisure and hospitality may have lower wage scales.

Key Influences on Salary in Oregon

Several factors influence salary levels in Oregon, creating varied earning potential. Educational attainment plays a significant role, with higher degrees often correlating to increased earning capacity. Occupations requiring extensive education and specialized training, like medical specialists, command the highest wages, reflecting investment in their professional development. Experience also directly impacts salary, as professionals with more years in a field earn more than those in entry-level positions.

Industry demand is another determinant of salary. Sectors with high growth or a shortage of skilled labor offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain talent. For example, industries like construction, natural resources and mining, and information have seen notable wage increases. Location in Oregon also significantly affects salary levels. Wages are often higher in urban centers, particularly within the Portland metropolitan area, where the average hourly wage reached $36.98 in 2024.

In contrast, regions like Central and Southwestern Oregon have lower average wages, such as $30.62 and $26.91 per hour, respectively. Specific local taxes can impact take-home pay, such as transit taxes in the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District (TriMet) and Lane County Mass Transit District (LTD).

Where to Find Specific Salary Information

To gain insights into salary expectations for a profession and location in Oregon, several reliable resources are available. The Oregon Employment Department’s QualityInfo.org website provides data on occupations and wages, including median hourly wages and employment trends. This resource allows users to search for occupations and view detailed wage estimates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also offers comprehensive occupational employment and wage statistics for Oregon, found on its website.

Reputable online job boards are another valuable tool for researching salaries. Platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn, and Google Jobs include salary ranges within job postings or offer dedicated salary research tools. These sites aggregate data from various sources, providing a broader perspective on compensation for specific roles. For those seeking employment, WorkSource Oregon, through its iMatchSkills database, lists numerous job openings and provides information on training and career planning. Local job boards, such as Mac’s List, focus on opportunities within the Pacific Northwest and provide localized salary insights, particularly for the Portland area.