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News Release

Employment Department Projects Strong Demand For Mental Health Professionals To Continue In Oregon - 09/23/26

Logo: State of Oregon Employment Department.

 

For Immediate Release: September 23, 2026

Media Contact:  Communications@employ.oregon.gov;

Luke Coury, Employment Economist, luke.c.coury@employ.oregon.gov.

Employment Department projects strong demand for mental health professionals to continue in Oregon

SALEM, Ore. — As Oregon celebrates National Recovery Month in September, recent research by the Oregon Employment Department finds that demand for mental health professionals has grown faster than all other occupations in the state.

 

In a recent article, OED Employment Economist Luke Coury analyzed demand using published estimates of online job postings and found that, unlike online ad volume economy-wide, which has fallen back to pre-pandemic levels, online ad volume for mental health professionals has remained elevated in Oregon. This followed a smaller dip in ad volume for mental health professionals during the pandemic and a steeper rise during the post-recession boom.

 

A report from the Governor’s Behavior Health Talent Council (BHTC) notes that current employment levels for mental health professionals are not meeting demand in the state, which was already on the rise before accelerating during the pandemic.

 

In response to the Behavioral Health Workforce shortage, Governor Kotek directed the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to consolidate that work through a Behavioral Health Talent Assessment, which informed the creation of the BHTC. The council’s final report includes 74 recommendations aimed at expanding the workforce, streamlining licensing and credentialing, and improving recruitment and retention across the state. The first bill to come out of the work of the council, Cutting Red Tape for Behavioral Health Workers, was passed in 2026.

 

“The Behavioral Health Talent Council developed strategies to address the workforce shortage,” First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, Chair of the BHTC, said. “Supporting the workforce and strengthening pathways into the field helps Oregon to retain workers, attract new talent, and ensure more Oregonians can access care when they need it.”

 

Coury’s analysis found that demand was especially high for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, which had the most online ads (7,190) of any mental health occupation between June 2025 and June 2026.

 

Demand is projected to remain strong in the state over the next decade, as well. Nearly all mental health occupations are projected to outpace the 6.4% growth that OED projects for all occupations through 2034. Psychiatric technicians, for example, have the highest projected growth rate in the industry at 28.1 percent, followed by marriage and family therapists (24.9%), and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (23.5%).  

 

“For those interested in a career built around helping others, becoming a mental health professional could be a great option,” Coury said. “Demand is still high for those occupations and is projected to remain that way over the next decade.”

 

People in recovery and with lived experience of behavioral health conditions are an integral but often overlooked part of the workforce. By supporting them throughout their journeys, mental health and recovery professionals also play an important role in maintaining a vibrant and resilient workforce.

 

OED’s Workforce and Economic Research division offers several tools for students and job seekers at qualityinfo.org, including occupation and wage data, a career explorer, and job postings.

About Workforce and Economic Research

The Workforce and Economic Research Division of the Oregon Employment Department develops and distributes quality economic and workforce information to help Oregonians make informed decisions and support a thriving economy. Staff collect data from state and federal records and surveys; analyze the available information; and share insights with the public in a variety of ways, including regular reports, publications, and the website, QualityInfo.org.

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

 

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

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Employment Department Projects Strong Demand For Mental Health Professionals To Continue In Oregon - 09/23/26

Logo: State of Oregon Employment Department.

 

For Immediate Release: September 23, 2026

Media Contact:  Communications@employ.oregon.gov;

Luke Coury, Employment Economist, luke.c.coury@employ.oregon.gov.

Employment Department projects strong demand for mental health professionals to continue in Oregon

SALEM, Ore. — As Oregon celebrates National Recovery Month in September, recent research by the Oregon Employment Department finds that demand for mental health professionals has grown faster than all other occupations in the state.

 

In a recent article, OED Employment Economist Luke Coury analyzed demand using published estimates of online job postings and found that, unlike online ad volume economy-wide, which has fallen back to pre-pandemic levels, online ad volume for mental health professionals has remained elevated in Oregon. This followed a smaller dip in ad volume for mental health professionals during the pandemic and a steeper rise during the post-recession boom.

 

A report from the Governor’s Behavior Health Talent Council (BHTC) notes that current employment levels for mental health professionals are not meeting demand in the state, which was already on the rise before accelerating during the pandemic.

 

In response to the Behavioral Health Workforce shortage, Governor Kotek directed the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to consolidate that work through a Behavioral Health Talent Assessment, which informed the creation of the BHTC. The council’s final report includes 74 recommendations aimed at expanding the workforce, streamlining licensing and credentialing, and improving recruitment and retention across the state. The first bill to come out of the work of the council, Cutting Red Tape for Behavioral Health Workers, was passed in 2026.

 

“The Behavioral Health Talent Council developed strategies to address the workforce shortage,” First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, Chair of the BHTC, said. “Supporting the workforce and strengthening pathways into the field helps Oregon to retain workers, attract new talent, and ensure more Oregonians can access care when they need it.”

 

Coury’s analysis found that demand was especially high for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, which had the most online ads (7,190) of any mental health occupation between June 2025 and June 2026.

 

Demand is projected to remain strong in the state over the next decade, as well. Nearly all mental health occupations are projected to outpace the 6.4% growth that OED projects for all occupations through 2034. Psychiatric technicians, for example, have the highest projected growth rate in the industry at 28.1 percent, followed by marriage and family therapists (24.9%), and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (23.5%).  

 

“For those interested in a career built around helping others, becoming a mental health professional could be a great option,” Coury said. “Demand is still high for those occupations and is projected to remain that way over the next decade.”

 

People in recovery and with lived experience of behavioral health conditions are an integral but often overlooked part of the workforce. By supporting them throughout their journeys, mental health and recovery professionals also play an important role in maintaining a vibrant and resilient workforce.

 

OED’s Workforce and Economic Research division offers several tools for students and job seekers at qualityinfo.org, including occupation and wage data, a career explorer, and job postings.

About Workforce and Economic Research

The Workforce and Economic Research Division of the Oregon Employment Department develops and distributes quality economic and workforce information to help Oregonians make informed decisions and support a thriving economy. Staff collect data from state and federal records and surveys; analyze the available information; and share insights with the public in a variety of ways, including regular reports, publications, and the website, QualityInfo.org.

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

 

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

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Oregon Employment Department Celebrates National Workforce Development Month - 09/17/26

logo: WorkSource Oregon

 

 

For immediate release: Thursday, September 17, 2026

Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov

 

Oregon Employment Department celebrates National Workforce Development Month

 

Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is celebrating National Workforce Development Month this September by highlighting the services WorkSource Oregon provides to job seekers and businesses across the state.

 

OED’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a statewide partnership of state, local and nonprofit organizations that provides no-cost employment and training services to job seekers and businesses.

 

“National Workforce Development Month is an opportunity to recognize the people and partnerships that help us connect Oregonians with job opportunities,” said OED Director Andrew R. Stolfi. “Workforce development is about more than just filling open positions. It’s about helping people build skills and careers, and it’s about helping businesses find the talent they need. The comprehensive services provided by WorkSource Oregon strengthen families, employers, and communities across Oregon.”

 

With 37 locations across the state and three mobile centers, WorkSource Oregon offers services for people at different stages in their careers. A job seeker can meet one-on-one with a career coach for help with a resume, interviewing, or a job search. If they are considering a new career, they can find resources to explore education, apprenticeships, internships, or on-the-job training opportunities. Job seekers can also connect with employers and find openings through iMatchSkills.

 

For eligible customers, WorkSource Oregon can help address barriers that may make it harder to find or keep a job. Depending on the program and individual circumstances, that support may include help with transportation, tuition, work clothing, or other employment-related needs.

 

OED also administers specialized workforce programs for people with different needs and experiences. Veterans Employment Services connects eligible veterans and spouses with individualized career and employment support. The SNAP Training and Employment Program helps eligible SNAP participants build skills and move toward employment. OED also provides employment services for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and other populations.

 

WorkSource Oregon services extend to employers, as well. Business Services representatives work with businesses to understand their workforce needs and connect them with potential candidates. They can also support recruitment efforts, hiring events and workforce training.

 

OED is working to expand access to these services throughout the state, including in rural communities. Mobile WorkSource Oregon centers bring workforce resources to customers who may not live near a WorkSource Oregon location, expanding access for job seekers and employers across the state.

 

“People come to WorkSource Oregon for many different reasons,” Workforce Operations Director Jim Pfarrer said. “Some are looking for their first job. Others are returning to work, changing careers or building new skills. Employers may need help finding candidates or preparing their workforce for what comes next. Our goal is to connect them with services and resources that can help.”

 

Job seekers and businesses can learn more about free WorkSource Oregon services and find their nearest WorkSource Oregon center at WorkSourceOregon.org.

Oregonians can explore employment projections, wages, occupations, industry trends, and other workforce and economic information from OED’s Workforce and Economic Research division at QualityInfo.org.

 

About Workforce Operations and WorkSource Oregon

The Oregon Employment Department’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a consortium of state agencies and local workforce boards, and operates 37 WorkSource Oregon centers across the state. WorkSource Oregon offers a wide range of free services to job seekers, employers, and businesses, including personalized career coaching, resume writing, job search strategies, support for job postings and hiring incentives, and access to labor-market data. Visit worksourceoregon.org for more information.  

 

 

Need Help?

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) is an equal opportunity agency. WSO provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1680. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

 

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. WSO proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1680. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

 

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Oregon Employment Department Celebrates National Workforce Development Month - 09/17/26

logo: WorkSource Oregon

 

 

For immediate release: Thursday, September 17, 2026

Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov

 

Oregon Employment Department celebrates National Workforce Development Month

 

Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is celebrating National Workforce Development Month this September by highlighting the services WorkSource Oregon provides to job seekers and businesses across the state.

 

OED’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a statewide partnership of state, local and nonprofit organizations that provides no-cost employment and training services to job seekers and businesses.

 

“National Workforce Development Month is an opportunity to recognize the people and partnerships that help us connect Oregonians with job opportunities,” said OED Director Andrew R. Stolfi. “Workforce development is about more than just filling open positions. It’s about helping people build skills and careers, and it’s about helping businesses find the talent they need. The comprehensive services provided by WorkSource Oregon strengthen families, employers, and communities across Oregon.”

 

With 37 locations across the state and three mobile centers, WorkSource Oregon offers services for people at different stages in their careers. A job seeker can meet one-on-one with a career coach for help with a resume, interviewing, or a job search. If they are considering a new career, they can find resources to explore education, apprenticeships, internships, or on-the-job training opportunities. Job seekers can also connect with employers and find openings through iMatchSkills.

 

For eligible customers, WorkSource Oregon can help address barriers that may make it harder to find or keep a job. Depending on the program and individual circumstances, that support may include help with transportation, tuition, work clothing, or other employment-related needs.

 

OED also administers specialized workforce programs for people with different needs and experiences. Veterans Employment Services connects eligible veterans and spouses with individualized career and employment support. The SNAP Training and Employment Program helps eligible SNAP participants build skills and move toward employment. OED also provides employment services for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and other populations.

 

WorkSource Oregon services extend to employers, as well. Business Services representatives work with businesses to understand their workforce needs and connect them with potential candidates. They can also support recruitment efforts, hiring events and workforce training.

 

OED is working to expand access to these services throughout the state, including in rural communities. Mobile WorkSource Oregon centers bring workforce resources to customers who may not live near a WorkSource Oregon location, expanding access for job seekers and employers across the state.

 

“People come to WorkSource Oregon for many different reasons,” Workforce Operations Director Jim Pfarrer said. “Some are looking for their first job. Others are returning to work, changing careers or building new skills. Employers may need help finding candidates or preparing their workforce for what comes next. Our goal is to connect them with services and resources that can help.”

 

Job seekers and businesses can learn more about free WorkSource Oregon services and find their nearest WorkSource Oregon center at WorkSourceOregon.org.

Oregonians can explore employment projections, wages, occupations, industry trends, and other workforce and economic information from OED’s Workforce and Economic Research division at QualityInfo.org.

 

About Workforce Operations and WorkSource Oregon

The Oregon Employment Department’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a consortium of state agencies and local workforce boards, and operates 37 WorkSource Oregon centers across the state. WorkSource Oregon offers a wide range of free services to job seekers, employers, and businesses, including personalized career coaching, resume writing, job search strategies, support for job postings and hiring incentives, and access to labor-market data. Visit worksourceoregon.org for more information.  

 

 

Need Help?

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) is an equal opportunity agency. WSO provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1680. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

 

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. WSO proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1680. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

 

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Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was 5.1% In August (Photo) - 09/16/26

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 16, 2026

Contact Information: 

Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist (971) 301-3771

Video and Audio available at 10 a.m. PT

David Cooke, Economist (971) 375-5288

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was 5.1% in August

Oregon’s unemployment rate was little changed at 5.1% in August and 5.2% in July. It has been within a tight range between 5.0% and 5.3% for the past 18 months, since March 2025 when it was 5.0%. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% in both July and August.

 

In August, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 800 jobs, following a revised loss of 1,800 jobs in July. August’s losses were largest in professional and business services (-1,100 jobs). Gains were largest in construction (+700 jobs) and retail trade (+500).

 

In the past 12 months, payroll employment dropped by 10,900 jobs, or 0.5%. Health care and social assistance continued its rapid growth of the past four years by adding 10,200 jobs, or 3.2%, in the past 12 months. Private education (+800, or 2.2%) and other services (+1,300 jobs, or 2.0%) were the only other major industries that added jobs since August 2025. Manufacturing (-6,800 jobs, or -3.8%) cut the most jobs in that time. Most of the other major industries cut jobs by less than 2%.

 

However, there were signs of stabilization over the past five months, as total nonfarm payroll employment inched upward by 1,800 jobs, or 0.1%. The gains since March were largest in health care and social assistance (+3,800 jobs); construction (+2,200); other services (+1,700); retail trade (+1,400); and private education (+1,400). These gains were partially offset by losses in manufacturing (-3,100 jobs); leisure and hospitality (-2,600); and government

(-2,000).

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the August county and metropolitan area unemployment and jobs data on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for September on Wednesday, Oct. 14. 

About Workforce and Economic Research

The Workforce and Economic Research Division of the Oregon Employment Department develops and distributes quality economic and workforce information to help Oregonians make informed decisions and support a thriving economy. Staff collect data from state and federal records and surveys; analyze the available information; and share insights with the public in a variety of ways, including regular reports, publications, and the website, QualityInfo.org.

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

 

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

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Attached Media Files: employment_in_Oregon_August_2026_press_release.pdf,

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was 5.1% In August (Photo) - 09/16/26

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 16, 2026

Contact Information: 

Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist (971) 301-3771

Video and Audio available at 10 a.m. PT

David Cooke, Economist (971) 375-5288

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was 5.1% in August

Oregon’s unemployment rate was little changed at 5.1% in August and 5.2% in July. It has been within a tight range between 5.0% and 5.3% for the past 18 months, since March 2025 when it was 5.0%. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% in both July and August.

 

In August, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 800 jobs, following a revised loss of 1,800 jobs in July. August’s losses were largest in professional and business services (-1,100 jobs). Gains were largest in construction (+700 jobs) and retail trade (+500).

 

In the past 12 months, payroll employment dropped by 10,900 jobs, or 0.5%. Health care and social assistance continued its rapid growth of the past four years by adding 10,200 jobs, or 3.2%, in the past 12 months. Private education (+800, or 2.2%) and other services (+1,300 jobs, or 2.0%) were the only other major industries that added jobs since August 2025. Manufacturing (-6,800 jobs, or -3.8%) cut the most jobs in that time. Most of the other major industries cut jobs by less than 2%.

 

However, there were signs of stabilization over the past five months, as total nonfarm payroll employment inched upward by 1,800 jobs, or 0.1%. The gains since March were largest in health care and social assistance (+3,800 jobs); construction (+2,200); other services (+1,700); retail trade (+1,400); and private education (+1,400). These gains were partially offset by losses in manufacturing (-3,100 jobs); leisure and hospitality (-2,600); and government

(-2,000).

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the August county and metropolitan area unemployment and jobs data on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for September on Wednesday, Oct. 14. 

About Workforce and Economic Research

The Workforce and Economic Research Division of the Oregon Employment Department develops and distributes quality economic and workforce information to help Oregonians make informed decisions and support a thriving economy. Staff collect data from state and federal records and surveys; analyze the available information; and share insights with the public in a variety of ways, including regular reports, publications, and the website, QualityInfo.org.

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

 

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

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Attached Media Files: employment_in_Oregon_August_2026_press_release.pdf,