Mid-Valley High-Wage and High-Demand Careers with Alternative Pathways
February 6, 2025
Everyone wants a job that pays well, but finding one that’s also in demand can be a challenge. Many people assume that securing a high-wage, high-demand job requires a bachelor’s degree. However, this isn’t always the case. In fact, many of the fastest-growing careers between 2023 and 2033 offer competitive pay and only require an associate’s degree or specialized training. So, what exactly defines a high-wage, high-demand job?
High-Wage Jobs Offer Salaries Above Median Threshold
High-wage jobs are those that offer salaries above the median wage for all occupations in a specific region. In Oregon, for example, a job is considered high wage if it has a median annual salary above $51,563. In the Mid-Valley area (Linn, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties), the threshold is slightly lower at $49,608. This translates to approximately $24.79 per hour in Oregon and $23.85 per hour in the Mid-Valley area for someone working a standard 40-hour week.
High-demand jobs, on the other hand, are those with a higher-than-average number of job openings, factoring in both growth and replacement. For this article, we focus on careers expected to see high percentage growth between 2023 and 2033 that does not require a four-year degree. In Oregon, a job is considered high-demand if it’s projected to have more than 620 total openings, while in the Mid-Valley area, that number drops to 86.
These statistics emphasize the availability of well-paying, in-demand careers that don’t require a traditional four-year degree, offering exciting opportunities for those exploring alternative paths to success. The following lists may also be helpful as you consider your career options and educational journey.
Mid-Valley Needs You in the Health and Skilled Trades
The table above showcases the top 15 high-wage, high-demand jobs in the Mid-Valley area that don’t require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, offering exciting career opportunities for those with postsecondary training. The fastest-growing position is physical therapist assistant, which requires an associate’s degree and offers a median salary of $64,605. In addition, fields like health care, skilled trades, and manufacturing provide rewarding career paths for individuals with the right training.
Roles like construction managers require an associate’s degree and offer median salary around $100,000. This list is a valuable resource for job seekers looking for stable, high-paying careers with strong growth potential. To learn more about each occupation, visit our Occupation and Wage Information page.
Artists, Interior Designers, and Therapists Jobs Growing in Oregon
In Oregon, high-wage and high-demand occupations mirror those in the Mid-Valley area, though there are some notable differences in job growth across the state. Certain careers are expected to see faster growth statewide, providing more opportunities for job seekers. For example, occupations like fine artists, painters, sculptors, and illustrators, interior designers, and skincare specialists are projected to increase employment by roughly 20% across Oregon. By exploring these growing industries, individuals can set themselves up for success in high paying, rewarding careers.
A New Year, New Opportunities
As we embark on a new year, the data on high-wage and high-demand jobs offers valuable insights for anyone looking to enter the labor force or make a career change. These roles, which don’t require a bachelor’s degree, provide exciting opportunities in fields such as health care, skilled trades, and technical industries in the Mid-Valley area. Whether you’re just starting your career or considering a shift, now is the perfect time to explore these rewarding, well-paying options. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling future.