Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy
Request Info
people-looking-at-lighthouse

WHY THE INITIATIVE WAS STARTED

JOBS IN THE OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY

The outdoor recreation economy is a diverse economic super sector that is vital to Oregon and communities and economies around the world. There is a long history in Oregon of a connection between residents and the outdoor spaces found across our unique landscapes. Not only do most Oregonians enjoy outdoor recreation activities, but many also rely on the state’s natural resources for their livelihoods.

Outdoor recreation is also big business nationally. In fact, it is among our nation’s largest economic sectors, generating more spending than pharmaceuticals and more jobs than computer technology.

4.3

million jobs
In 2016, the outdoor recreation economy generated 4.3 million in-sector jobs.
bkg

The outdoor recreation industry is an economic powerhouse in the United States with consumers spending $887 billion annually on outdoor recreation and creating 7.6 million American jobs. In 2016, the outdoor recreation economy generated 4.3 million in sector jobs, similar to the hospital sector (4.7 million) and the transportation and warehousing sector (4.7 million).

These jobs run a wide range of sectors, including park rangers, rafting guides, retail, manufacturing, finance, recreation planning and management, tourism, and more. This is a massive workforce that impacts millions of people working in industry, benefitting from these jobs and supporting the systems that allow it all to happen. There is no one-size-fits-all approach for training this workforce, which creates great opportunities for tailored non-traditional education opportunities.

hiker-at-delicate-arch

The National Park Service offers one of many potential career opportunities in the outdoor recreation economy.

OUTDOOR RECREATION INDUSTRY CONFLUENCE ACCORDS

The outdoor recreation industry is growing, both nationally and in Oregon, and it is a huge economic driver and multiplier for our communities. That is why Oregon, along with eleven other states, signed the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence Accords that call for investments in workforce development for the future of the outdoor recreation economy.
 
According to the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence Accords, these states will work to:
 
  • Engage with educators to support environmental and outdoor learning opportunities for early and life-long outdoor activity, career development and advocacy for outdoor recreation.
  • Promote workforce training programs for technical training, skill mastery and business opportunities across the spectrum of outdoor industry careers.
  • Promote interest, participation and diversity in the outdoors for all, supporting opportunities for early and life-long outdoor learning.
 
Under the leadership of Outreach and Engagement and in partnership with industry, Oregon State University launched the Outdoor Recreation Economy Initiative to strategically address this critical need for workforce development in outdoor recreation sectors.
people
$16.4 BILLION
in Oregon consumer spending
money%20(1)
$5.1 BILLION
in wages
+28%25
$749 MILLION
in state and local tax
revenue
icon02
175,000
in Oregon jobs
Design_02

Discover What's Out There for You

About OREI

The outdoor industry is a powerhouse of meaningful job creation and a driving force of Oregon’s economy, creating a unique quality of life in rural and urban areas and attracting new businesses and professional talent to our communities.
Learn More

Workforce Training

Oregon State University has a proven track record of building custom and non-credit workforce trainings, from self-paced learning opportunities to online continuing education classes, and is uniquely positioned to do this work for the outdoor recreation economy.
Learn More

Career Pathways

There are many job opportunities in the outdoor recreation economy for those with the right skills and experience. We are currently building a database of job openings along with various pathways to help you build out your credentials and get to work.
Learn More
OREI

Who We Are

OREI was created to join forces with private and public partners to strategically address a critical need for workforce development identified in Oregon and beyond.

Learn more about the OREI team.

Get Involved

Take the first step to get involved with accelerating the growth of this rapidly expanding industry.

Contact us

We’d love to hear from you! Let us know if you have any questions or comments about the initiative!
541-737-4197
Email Us
© Oregon State University | All Rights Reserved