Theme park and arcade jobs heat up in the summer

Oregon is known to vacationers as a destination for scenic beaches, majestic mountains, and high-desert beauty. Families looking for roller coaster rides and high-tech thrills this summer, however, are more likely heading to locations out of state. But Oregon does have a small, yet bustling amusement park and arcade industry.

There are four amusement parks and about 25 dedicated arcades operating in Oregon. Employment at theme parks and arcades is as varied as the seasons. The peak month of employment during the year is usually July. In 2009, employment in the industry topped 600 for the month of July, but was down to half of that by December. Amusement parks usually add 250 workers in the spring and summer, while arcades add about 50 workers.

The workforce of amusement parks and arcades tends to be younger than Oregon's workforce in general. In July 2009, over half the industry's workforce was under 25 years old. In contrast, only 13 percent of the state's entire workforce was under 25 years old.

Read more about earnings and employment in Oregon's theme parks and arcades in the full article, written by State Employment Economist Nick Beleiciks (Nick.J.Beleiciks@state.or.us 503-947-1267).