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Oregon and Washington Job Market Report 2025 Highlights Local Job Market Shifts

5/01/25

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Portland, Ore., May 1, 2025 – A new report from Mac’s List, the Pacific Northwest’s premier job board, reveals that the region’s job market is navigating significant shifts as both employers and job seekers adjust to ongoing challenges in a changed world of work.

“The job market today is still shaped by the ripple effects of COVID-19,” says Mac Prichard, founder and CEO of Mac’s List. “Hybrid and remote work continue to be top priorities for both job seekers and employers, but the landscape has shifted. Job seekers now face more competition in certain industries, and employers are grappling with a tight hiring market and a desire to reach diverse talent.” 

“The future of work in the Pacific Northwest hinges on flexibility and transparency,” Prichard says. “Employers who embrace salary transparency, prioritize work-life balance, and build authentic employer brands will attract top talent and stay competitive in this evolving job market.”

These and other findings are outlined in the Oregon and Washington Job Market Report 2025, an annual publication from Mac’s List. It draws on a survey conducted in 2024 of hundreds of local employers and job seekers in Oregon and Washington across various industries.

Key Findings from the Oregon and Washington Job Market Report 2025:

  • Job seekers feel uncertain about the market: Over half (53%) of job seekers describe the market as mixed, and 29% say it’s bad. With concerns over economic slowdowns (44%), burnout (29%), and hiring discrimination (32%), job seekers are feeling stuck and unsure about their next steps.
  • Employers face a tight hiring market: 56% of employers report that hiring is tough, with 67% struggling to reach diverse candidates and 61% finding it hard to hire the right talent. Employers are facing longer hiring cycles and a more selective pool of applicants.
  • Salary transparency is a must: 86% of job seekers check salary ranges before applying, and many won’t apply without salary details. Transparency is crucial for attracting top talent and avoiding assumptions about low pay or inefficiency in the hiring process.
  • Hybrid work remains a top priority: 37% of job seekers and 44% of employers report following a hybrid work model. Flexibility is still key for job seekers, with 65% working remotely or in hybrid arrangements. Employers offering flexible work options are more likely to retain employees and attract top talent.
  • Employer branding is key to attracting talent: More than half of job seekers research company culture before applying, making employer branding more important than ever. Companies with strong values around diversity, equity, and inclusion, social responsibility, and employee well-being have a competitive edge in recruiting.

Download the Oregon and Washington Job Market Report 2025

To get your copy of the​ Oregon and Washington Job Market Report 202​5, please [download it here].

About Mac’s List

Mac’s List is a regional job board in Portland, Oregon for professionals and employers in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 2001 by Mac Prichard, Mac’s List shares high-quality local job listings and practical, actionable career and hiring advice. Mac’s List is the first Certified B Corp job board in the United States and its mission is to make the hiring process more human. Whether you’re looking for the right job, direction in your career, or your next new hire, the Mac’s List team is here to help. To learn more, visit www.macslist.org.