As of July 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Oregon is $15.05 per hour in standard areas, $16.30 in the Portland metro area, and $14.05 in nonurban counties. Rates increase again on July 1, 2026. Oregon does not allow a tip credit — tipped employees must be paid the full applicable minimum wage.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage in Oregon is $28.68. Wages vary by occupation, industry, and location.
The estimated living wage in Oregon is $26.46 per hour. A living wage represents the estimated hourly rate needed to cover basic living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other essential costs.
A guide to hourly labor laws in Oregon
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Termination: By the end of the next business day.
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Resignation with 48+ hours notice: Paid by the end of the last business day worked, with exceptions.
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Resignation without notice: Within five business days or your next regular payday, whichever is first (Oregon.gov) (ORS § 652.140).
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10+ employees: At least 40 hours of paid sick leave annually.
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Smaller employers: At least 40 hours of unpaid sick leave per year.
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Accrual rate: One hour for every 30 hours worked (ORS § 653.606).
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School session: No working during school hours; up to three hours per day and 18 hours per week.
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Non-school session: Up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.
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Working hours: Only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extended until 9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day. Limited exceptions (OR SoS) (ORS § 653.315) (Or. Admin. R. 839-021-0072) (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).
What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
What is a good hourly wage?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
Still have questions?
