Jobs in Gresham Oregon: Gresham, Oregon combines community life, access to the Portland metro region, and a steadily growing local economy. For job seekers, it offers a mix of traditional industries and modern employers. Whether you are a recent graduate, a skilled tradesperson, a healthcare worker, or someone searching for an entry-level role, Gresham provides a range of options without the congestion and high costs found in larger cities.
Key Takeaways
- Growing opportunities in healthcare, education, manufacturing, logistics, and retail
- Access to Portland-area employers while living in a smaller community setting
- Steady demand for skilled trades, transportation, and warehouse roles
- Entry-level and part-time jobs available for students and career changers
- Local government and public sector jobs in USA provide stability and benefits

Why consider working in Jobs in Gresham Oregon?
Jobs in Gresham Oregon’s fourth-largest city and benefits from its proximity to Portland while still maintaining a distinct identity. Residents enjoy access to public transportation, scenic surroundings, and a lower cost of living compared to Portland’s core neighborhoods.
Commuters can reach major companies in Portland, Troutdale, and Fairview, while many employers are located directly in Gresham. For families, the blend of parks, schools, and employment creates an appealing balance.
Job seekers value:
- Lower housing costs compared to central Portland
- Expanding commercial and industrial areas
- A diverse workforce and community culture
- Steady business development in east Multnomah County
Major industries providing jobs in Gresham, Oregon
1. Healthcare and medical services
Healthcare is one of the strongest employment sectors in Gresham. Hospitals, clinics, dental offices, assisted-living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and specialty practices provide both clinical and non-clinical jobs.
Common roles include:
- Registered nurses
- Certified nursing assistants
- Medical assistants
- Office administrators
- Therapists and technicians
Aging populations and long-term care centers continue to create steady demand. Support roles such as scheduling, billing, and reception also provide opportunities for those without medical certifications.
2. Manufacturing and production
Gresham hosts several industrial parks and manufacturing facilities. These employers create well-paid roles for individuals comfortable with hands-on work, machinery, or quality control.
Types of jobs include:
- Machine operators
- Production technicians
- Maintenance mechanics
- Quality inspectors
- Supervisors and line leads
Manufacturing also supports logistics, shipping, receiving, and supply chain positions, expanding career paths for workers at different experience levels.
3. Retail, customer service, and hospitality
Retail remains one of the most accessible job categories in Gresham. From grocery stores and large retail chains to local businesses and restaurants, customer-facing roles are plentiful.
Positions often include:
- Cashiers
- Sales associates
- Store managers
- Restaurant servers and cooks
- Baristas
- Hotel front-desk staff
These jobs are especially suitable for students, part-time workers, or those returning to the workforce. Many employers offer flexible scheduling and on-the-job training.
4. Education and public sector employment
School districts, community colleges, libraries, and municipal departments form a strong base of government and education jobs in Gresham.
Examples include:
- Teachers and substitutes
- Special education professionals
- Counselors
- Administrative support staff
- Parks and recreation workers
- Public safety roles
Public sector jobs are valued for steady schedules, retirement systems, and reliable benefits.
5. Transportation, warehousing, and logistics
Gresham’s location near major highways and the Columbia River Gorge creates ongoing employment in transport and warehousing. Online shopping growth has raised demand for distribution centers and delivery services.
Typical roles include:
- Forklift operators
- Warehouse associates
- Delivery drivers
- Inventory clerks
- Dispatchers
These jobs often provide overtime opportunities and promote from within for supervisory paths.
High-demand in Jobs in Gresham Oregon right now
While exact listings change regularly, certain categories consistently show higher openings:
- Registered nurses and medical support staff
- CDL drivers and delivery workers
- Electricians and skilled tradespeople
- Early childhood educators and teacher’s aides
- Retail supervisors and shift leads
- Maintenance and repair technicians
Workers with trades certifications, state licenses, or vocational training often see particularly strong demand.
Skills that make candidates stand out in Gresham
Employers in Gresham value practical abilities and reliability as much as formal education.
Key qualities include:
- Strong communication
- Punctuality and work ethic
- Willingness to learn new tasks
- Basic computer literacy
- Team collaboration
- Customer service mindset
For manufacturing and technical roles, additional advantages include:
- Blueprint reading
- Safety training
- Equipment operation
- Troubleshooting abilities
Certifications such as CPR, food handler permits, forklift training, or trade licenses can immediately improve job prospects.
Entry-level jobs in Gresham, Oregon
Not everyone enters the market with long experience. Fortunately, Gresham offers many roles open to beginners.
Examples include:
- Retail sales associate
- Call center representative
- Warehouse picker or packer
- Grocery clerk
- Caregiver roles with training provided
- Fast-food and quick-service restaurants
These positions provide an excellent foundation for gaining references, experience, and confidence. Many companies also offer tuition assistance and internal promotions.
Work-life balance and lifestyle advantages
A major advantage of working in Gresham is lifestyle quality. The city sits near scenic outdoor areas such as Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, making it ideal for people who enjoy hiking, cycling, or nature.
Other benefits include:
- Community events and local markets
- Shorter commutes compared to central metro areas
- Access to public transportation
- Neighborhood-based employers
People who prefer suburban living without giving up job access to a major metropolitan region often find Gresham appealing.
Tips for finding jobs in Gresham, Oregon
Here are practical steps to speed up your job search:
- Prepare a focused résumé tailored to each role
- Highlight concrete achievements, not just duties
- Use local job boards and company career pages
- Network through community groups and LinkedIn
- Visit employers directly for retail or hospitality roles
- Keep certifications current
Candidates willing to accept swing or night shifts may gain faster access to warehouse or manufacturing positions, where 24-hour operations are common.
Remote and hybrid work opportunities
While Gresham has many on-site roles, remote work has become more common. Employees who live in Gresham often work online for employers based elsewhere.
Remote-friendly fields include:
- Customer support
- Digital marketing
- IT services
- Writing and editing
- Bookkeeping and virtual assistance
Hybrid job options also exist for roles requiring both in-office and at-home time, especially in professional services and administrative fields.
Salary expectations in Gresham
Earnings vary widely depending on training and industry. As a general picture:
- Retail and entry-level roles tend to pay hourly wages close to state minimum or above
- Skilled trades, transport, and manufacturing usually provide higher hourly rates
- Healthcare and technical positions pay the strongest mid-career incomes
Overtime, shift differentials, union agreements, and benefits packages can add meaningful value beyond base pay.
Growing your career in Gresham
Career growth does not require moving to a bigger city. Many Gresham employers promote from within. Community colleges, trade schools, and online programs make it easier to upskill while working.
Good strategies include:
- Enrolling in certification programs
- Asking supervisors about advancement paths
- Attending local job fairs and workshops
- Building a strong professional network
Continuous learning remains one of the most reliable ways to move into higher-paying positions.
Final thoughts
Gresham, Oregon offers a balanced mix of opportunity, stability, and lifestyle. With growing industries, access to Portland-area jobs, and a community-driven environment, it stands out as a solid place to build a career or start a new chapter. Whether you prefer healthcare, manufacturing, public service, retail, or logistics, you can find roles that match your experience level and long-term goals.
FAQs
What are the best industries for jobs in Gresham?
Healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, retail, and education are among the strongest sectors, with consistent openings across skill levels.
Can I find remote jobs while living in Gresham?
Yes, many residents work remotely for companies across Oregon and the United States, especially in customer service, tech support, writing, and administrative fields.
Are there good entry-level job opportunities in Gresham?
Yes. Retail, food service, warehousing, caregiving, and customer support frequently hire workers with little or no prior experience.
Do I need a college degree to get a good job in Gresham?
Not always. Skilled trades, transportation, logistics, and several healthcare support roles value certifications, experience, and training as much as formal degrees.
Is Gresham a good place to live and work?
For those who want access to the Portland metro area without big-city congestion, Gresham offers community life, outdoor recreation nearby, and a diverse job market.