A More Inclusive Future: Oregon’s Disability Workforce Journey
January 17, 2025As Oregon’s labor market continues to evolve, a key area of focus is enhancing the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. Ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of ability, is essential for creating a diverse and equitable workforce. According to the American Community Survey (ACS), disabilities can include a range of challenges, such as those related to hearing, vision, cognition, mobility, self-care, and independent living. Despite these challenges, individuals with disabilities make valuable contributions to the economy, bringing unique skills and perspectives to a wide variety of industries and occupations.
In 2023, employed individuals accounted for 29.8% of Oregonians with disabilities, slightly above the national average of 29.2%. From 2017 to 2023, the percent change in employment for individuals with disabilities in Oregon varied year to year. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Oregon experienced higher growth in employment among individuals with disabilities compared with the U.S. However, since 2020, the U.S. has seen higher annual employment growth for individuals with disabilities than Oregon. Despite this shift, workers with disabilities continue to be employed at a higher rate in Oregon compared with the national average.
Where Oregonians with Disabilities Work: Private Sectors and Management Roles
According to the 2023 U.S. Census Bureau, the majority of individuals with disabilities in Oregon are employed in the private-for-profit sector (66.6%), followed by the non-profit sector (11.2%). Notably, 13.9% of individuals with disabilities hold government positions. Smaller percentages are self-employed (8%) or work as unpaid family workers (less than 1%).
When examining occupational representation, individuals with disabilities in Oregon are most prevalent in management, business, science, and arts occupations, comprising 33.4% of this workforce. Service occupations follow at 22.8%, while sales and office jobs make up 21.6%. Other sectors include production, transportation, and material-moving occupations (13.1%), as well as natural resources, construction, and maintenance (9.1%).
Expanding Horizons: Industries Embracing Disability Inclusion
OOregon’s education and health services sector employs the largest share of individuals with disabilities, accounting for 22% of the workforce. The trade, transportation, and utilities sector follows closely, employing 20% of employees with disabilities and 19% of employees without disabilities. The professional and business services sector employs 12% of the workforce, both of employees with disabilities and those without disabilities. Workers with disabilities are also slightly more concentrated in leisure and hospitality, with 11% of workers in the industry compared with 8% of workers with no disability. Overall, people with disabilities work in every industry of the economy and the distribution across industries is fairly similar for both groups.
Looking ahead, the Oregon Employment Department forecasts a 13% increase in employment within the private educational and health services sector by 2033. In contrast, the trade, transportation, and utilities sector, which employs the second-highest number of individuals with disabilities, is expected to grow by only 5%. Meanwhile, the information sector—currently underrepresented—is projected to expand by 11%, offering significant opportunities for greater inclusion in the rapidly growing tech industry. This growth presents a valuable opportunity to create more pathways for individuals with disabilities to enter and thrive in the tech workforce, helping to diversify an industry that continues to shape the future of the economy.
Closing the Gap: Wages and the Path to Economic Equity
In 2023, the median earnings for individuals with disabilities in Oregon are $31,375, significantly lower than the $47,187 earned by individuals without disabilities. Nationally, individuals with disabilities earn a median of $32,149 compared with $46,235 for non-disabled workers.
Despite these ongoing wage disparities, individuals with disabilities in Oregon have received significant wage growth over the past decade. From 2013 to 2018, their median earnings increased by 21%, and from 2018 to 2023, they rose by approximately 40%. These gains are like those of workers without disabilities during the same periods. However, the earnings gap remains substantial. Workers who don't have disabilities earn approximately 50% more than the median income of their peers with disabilities.
While challenges remain, this upward trend is a promising indicator of progress. It shows that workers with disabilities are experiencing meaningful wage growth. It is also critical to continue promoting inclusive hiring practices, expanding access to higher-paying industries, and focusing on emerging fields like technology to narrow the wage gap and advance economic equity for all.
Empowering the Future: Equity and Inclusion in Employment
As Oregon strives for a more inclusive workforce, it is crucial to address the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. While significant progress has been made in employment rates and wage growth, disparities still exist that require continued focus. To advance this progress, it is essential to prioritize inclusive hiring practices, expand access to skill development, and increase disability representation in growing industries. By emphasizing these areas, Oregon can build a workforce that fully harnesses the talents and potential of all its residents, fostering both economic growth and social equity.