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

Looking for a new job — or a new hire — feels a little different in 2025.

And there’s a good reason why.

While unemployment rates in Oregon, Washington, and across the United States remain relatively low, the labor market shows signs of change.

The economy has cooled since its rapid post-pandemic recovery, and both employers and job seekers are navigating new challenges in how, where, and why we work.

Hybrid work remains popular, but return-to-office policies are reshaping expectations. Job seekers are facing more competition, while employers continue to seek diverse, qualified candidates in a tight market.

Transparency, flexibility, and work-life balance remain key themes shaping the Pacific Northwest’s job market.

A new annual survey from Mac’s List, outlined in the Oregon and Washington Hiring Report 2025, highlights these trends. At the end of 2024, we surveyed hundreds of local employers and job seekers.

Here’s what they had to tell us.

Key Findings from the Mac’s List 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.

To get your copy of the Oregon and Washington Job Market Report 2025, please [download it here].