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Q&A: Why does the City continue to focus on the semiconductor industry?

Post Date:10/31/2024

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Hillsboro is one of Oregon’s most diverse and dynamic cities, with a steadily growing population of just over 110,000.

More than 87,000 people work in Hillsboro — bolstering the regional and state economy —working at companies such as Intel, Qorvo, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Tokyo Electron, Jireh Semiconductor, Lam Research, and many others.

Hillsboro is recognized globally for its innovation and concentration of high-tech industries, including semiconductor innovation and manufacturing.

With historic investments at the federal and state level, and major expansion needs within the industry, the City of Hillsboro is taking actions to support this opportunity locally for our community.

Providing Economic Opportunities

Do you know somebody that works in the semiconductor industry? How about someone in the construction or the trades, like electricians and plumbers?

From engineers to processing technicians, pipefitters to electricians, our family, friends and neighbors support the industry’s most advanced and complex facilities and needs.

Almost everyone in Hillsboro is touched by this industry — keeping our economy thriving and providing access to livable wages.

Inspections

Funding Community Services & Community Priorities

Hillsboro’s industrial tax base is vital to maintaining desired levels of service, supporting community goals, and meeting our community’s expectations for high-quality services and amenities.

The additional tax revenues generated by the semiconductor and related industries, provides greater support for service delivery, including:

Fire and emergency medical services
Award winning parks & libraries
Safe bike & pedestrian infrastructure
Workforce development and continuing education programs

Beloved community projects, like Gordon Faber Sports Complex, Hondo Dog Park, Hidden Creek Community Center, HiLight, and many more are largely possible due to the semiconductor industry’s presence in our community.

Hillsboro’s ability to support employers and grow key industries directly leads to more job opportunities, higher wages, tax revenues, continued investment, and a higher quality of life for residents and their families.

Hillsboro Semiconductor Industry By the Numbers

89% of Hillsboro Manufacturing jobs are in high tech manufacturing.
(Sources: Lightcast Hillsboro Industry Snapshot, 2023 OED 2022 QCEW)
The State of Oregon has the third greatest concentration of semiconductor workforce in the US, with 15% of the workforce.
(Sources: US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (2022) and SIA-Impact_May2021-FINAL-May-19-2021_2.pdf)
The Silicon Forest has 11 times the national average of semiconductor workforce.
(Source: SIA-Impact_May2021-FINAL-May-19-2021_2.pdf)

$6 Billion total payroll is generated by the semiconductor industry across the state - helping to pay for our roads, schools and affordable housing.
(Source: Business Oregon)

Shaping the Future

High-impact, competitive-wage careers in advanced manufacturing are easy to access and offer opportunities to build a better life.
Stability and Competitive Pay

Careers are available with competitive salaries, growth and advancement possibilities, and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology to shape our world.

$40,000 to $74,000 is the average salary for advanced manufacturing jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
200+ advanced manufacturing companies in Washington County are competing for workers.
12,000+ postings for advanced manufacturing jobs in 2022.

Low Barrier Entry

Most careers in advanced manufacturing don’t require a four-year college degree.

With a high school diploma or GED, certificate, or associate degree, you can be part of a growing, impactful industry in the Hillsboro area.