Southwest Oregon Jobs Projected to Increase 5% by 2033

March 18, 2025

Southwest Oregon’s total employment will grow by 3,850 jobs between 2023 and 2033, according to new projections from the Oregon Employment Department. Projections for the region, which includes Coos, Curry and Douglas counties, reflects structural growth in the economy, as total payroll employment had recovered from pandemic losses by 2023. In addition, many job openings are expected due to the need to replace workers who leave their occupations.

In 2023, there were 74,330 jobs in Southwest Oregon. The 5% increase in employment between 2023 and 2033 includes private-sector gains of 3,180 jobs and 620 jobs in government. In comparison, Oregon statewide total employment is expected to grow 8%.

Almost All Industries Add Jobs

Most major industry sectors are expected to add jobs, the exceptions being information and natural resources and mining. The private education and health services sector will add the most, gaining 1,420 jobs (13% growth) over the 10-year period. Made up mostly of health services, the growth in the sector is attributed to the aging of the population and longer life expectancies.

Leisure and hospitality is projected to add the second-most jobs and increase third fastest. The projected 600 jobs (7% growth) in leisure and hospitality is largely driven by structural growth, but there is still some room to grow after pandemic losses as more normal conditions resume for restaurants, hotels and arts, cultural, and recreational establishments.

At 3,270 jobs, construction is a small industry but is the second fastest growing at 8% (250 jobs). Growth is expected to be especially strong in the specialty trades industry, which includes specific construction-related activities such as site preparation, plumbing, painting, and electrical work.

Declining Industries

Natural resources and mining is expected to drop 80 jobs largely due to losses in logging. Information loses 20 jobs from losses in print publishing that outweigh the small gains seen in software publishing.

Government

Projections show relatively modest growth in government (4%). Federal government will add 80 jobs (4%) including some additional employment for fire suppression. State government is expected to add 70 jobs (5%). Local government will add 470 jobs (4%), helped by gains in health care.

All Industries Need Workers

Whether growing or showing a net loss of jobs by 2033, all broad industry sectors will provide employment opportunities. Many job openings will be created by 2033 due to the need to replace workers who retire, leave the labor force for other reasons, or make a major occupational change.

More information on 2023-2033 industry and occupational projections for Oregon and sub-state areas can be found at QualityInfo.org/projections.