JUNE 2008: STATE WE'RE IN, OREGON EMPLOYMENT
Logging remains vital to rural Oregon
THE HISTORY CHANNEL’S Axmen series has drawn a spotlight
to Oregon’s logging industry. Although it can be
dangerous – logging occupations ranked third in 2006
fatality rates at 82.1 deaths per 100,000
— and though employment dropped more than
30% due to mechanization and environmental concerns since the
early 1990s, the industry is still important. As of 2007, 90%
of Oregon’s 7,100 logging jobs were located outside of
the Portland metropolitan area. At $39,695 in 2006, the
industry’s annual average wage was above the all-industry
average of $38,070, making logging a valuable source of income
for rural areas. But after a period of relative stability
beginning in the late 1990s, employment dropped 500 since 2005,
this time in response to slower home construction. Projections
show the industry declining by 3%, or 200 jobs, between 2006
and 2016. However, an estimated 1,500 replacement openings, due
largely to retirements, will provide opportunities for some new
loggers.
BRIAN ROONEY
Worksource Oregon Employment
Economist
Have an opinion?
E-mail feedback@oregonbusiness.com
