Tech Trends of the Silicon Forest.

Local leaders and professionals weigh in on tech priorities, hiring, salaries, AI, and more.
Get the 2025 Report
;
2024 Tech Trends Report

Read the annual Tech Trends Report.

The 2025 Silicon Forest Tech Trends Report is here! Insights and predictions from over 200 local tech leaders and professionals shape the 33-page report – covering topics like AI, salary data, hiring plans, and talent challenges. This year Portland tech leaders express optimism with 67% expecting revenue growth, however, talent mobility and workforce pressures remain key concerns.
For the fifth year in a row, ProFocus Technology is proud to share this FREE report on the strategies and critical issues local firms face. Compare this year’s results to our previous reports from 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Highlights and hot topics.

The 2025 Silicon Forest Tech Trends Report reveals a few hot topics and trends for our local tech community:

Revenue Increases

67% anticipate revenue increases

Tech Investments

Top 2 investments for leaders: AI, tech modernization

Salary Data

Portland tech salaries are 11% higher than the national average

Hybrid Work Trends

Hybrid work increased from 40% in 2023 to 70% in 2025

Work-Life Balance

90% give work-life balance in the PNW high marks

Download Now
2025 Silicon Forest Tech Trends Report Cover
2025 Oregon Tech Trends: Hiring, AI, Salaries & Workforce FAQs
What are the key findings from the 2025 report?

Some of the biggest takeaways from this year’s report include:

  • 67% of tech leaders expect revenue growth in 2025
  • Hybrid work adoption has grown to nearly 70%
  • AI adoption is moving from hype to real-world applications, focusing on efficiency and automation
What are the top tech hiring trends for 2025?

Over a third of tech leaders in the Silicon Forest plan to grow their tech teams in 2025, while nearly half (48%) aim to maintain their current headcount. However, retention is a challenge with 48% of tech leaders report concerns about overworked teams. Many companies are focusing on upskilling (62%) and contractor hiring (31% offshore, 25% onshore) to manage workforce gaps.

How much do tech jobs pay in Portland, Oregon in 2025?
The report confirms that Portland tech salaries are 11% above the national average. Salary expectations vary based on role and level.

For more salary data, check out the full report.

How is AI impacting the Silicon Forest tech industry in 2025?
AI is becoming a practical tool rather than a hype-driven trend. Leaders are piloting AI initiatives carefully, focusing on automation, efficiency, and customer experience.

One leader from a local community college shares “we’re investing in is enhancing our IT Service Management (ITSM) tool by piloting Conversational AI tools.”

Is remote work still popular in Oregon’s tech industry?
Hybrid work has become the dominant model:

  • Nearly 70% of companies now operate in hybrid mode
  • Fully remote work has dropped below 20%
  • Only 3% of companies require full-time in-office work

Large enterprises favor structured hybrid schedules (82%), while smaller companies (59%) offer more flexibility, including hybrid-at-will and fully remote options.

What are the top factors attracting and retaining tech talent in 2025?
For the first time, remote work is the #1 priority for tech professionals, surpassing salary. The top five attraction and retention factors are:

  1. Remote work
  2. Salary & compensation
  3. Meaningful & interesting work
  4. Flexible hours
  5. Career development & advancement

Companies that offer hybrid/remote options, competitive pay, and career growth will have an edge in talent acquisition and retention.

Insights from Leaders in the Silicon Forest

“Technology Association of Oregon works closely with legislators and leaders to address the opportunities and challenges in Oregon’s tech sector— from chairing Oregon’s AI Taskforce to organizing AI roundtables with legislators and hosting a summit with over 300 attendees focused on semiconductors and AI technologies.

With growth in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and cleantech, Oregon has the chance to build an efficient, accessible AI tech stack, democratize innovation, and lead the way in transforming tech education.”

SKIP NEWBERRY

PRESIDENT, CEO, TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION OF OREGON

“There’s a significant gap in gender representation for women in IT leadership. It’s critical that we continue to gain visibility and influence within our organizations by showing up with vulnerability, confidence, and resilience as we pursue our objectives.”
ANDREA BALLINGER

VP, CIO, OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

“I see AI in 2025 entering people’s lives behind the scenes -powering everyday experiences & features we use without us explicitly thinking about it as ‘AI.’ When you sign up for a service or set up a new device, AI will be quietly working invisibly, making things simpler and more personalized. The real innovation won’t be in showcasing AI, but in making it so seamless that we don’t even notice it’s there.”
NICOLE MORS

PRODUCT DESIGN MANAGER, LITHIA MOTORS, & CO-FOUNDER OF AI PORTLAND

Download the 2025 Report
Stay up to date:
subscribe to receive
future reports.
Subscribe
Looking for talent—or
a new tech career?
You’re in the right place.
Connect with us