Oregon · BLS OEWS May 2025
The highest paying trades in Oregon
Seven skilled trades, ranked by what they actually pay in Oregon. Elevator Installers lead at a $138,600 median, and our 10-year model puts that path $919,549 ahead of the average college route. Every number is BLS data; every trade links to its full state breakdown.
Reviewed by Brad Zemke, third-generation tradesman, 20+ years in the field.
| # | Trade | Median | Per hour | 10-yr edge vs college |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elevator Installer | $138,600 | $66.63/hr | $919,549 |
| 2 | Lineworker | $131,090 | $63.02/hr | $871,029 |
| 3 | Electrician | $101,310 | $48.71/hr | $608,392 |
| 4 | Plumber | $97,050 | $46.66/hr | $588,651 |
| 5 | Aircraft Mechanic | $82,850 | $39.83/hr | $465,414 |
| 6 | Heavy Equipment Operator | $73,430 | $35.30/hr | $398,606 |
| 7 | Diesel Mechanic | $63,970 | $30.75/hr | $293,617 |
| 8 | HVAC Technician | $62,940 | $30.26/hr | $292,095 |
| 9 | Carpenter | $62,870 | $30.23/hr | $306,696 |
| 10 | CDL Truck Driver | $61,980 | $29.80/hr | $308,941 |
| 11 | Wind Turbine Technician | $61,820 | $29.72/hr | $286,780 |
| 12 | Welder | $59,450 | $28.58/hr | $258,491 |
| 13 | Auto Mechanic | $58,520 | $28.13/hr | $255,167 |
"10-yr edge" = cumulative net earnings advantage over the average bachelor's path after 10 years, per our documented model. Elevator installer pay is real, but union apprenticeship entry is competitive.
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