Highest Paying Jobs in Utah 2024: Quick Guide to Top Opportunities
Utah's job market thrives in tech hubs like Orem and Salt Lake City, healthcare systems such as Intermountain Healthcare, and management roles. These sectors offer six-figure salaries that outpace the state's average of $57,462 (historical data, 2022 -- CareerKarma; market conditions may have changed). The best paying roles cluster in tech, healthcare, and executive positions, per Resumeble. Check Utah Department of Workforce Services for latest figures.
From available wage data, the top 10 breaks down like this: 1) Top executive roles ($305k-$515k), 2) Physicians/surgeons ($193k-$296k), 3) Other medical specialists ($149k-$230k), and roles around $100k-$140k. These salaries deliver strong real-world value against Utah's cost of living (33rd most expensive state, historical data, 2021 -- CareerKarma).
If you're researching high-wage paths amid rising costs in areas like Salt Lake City, this guide is for you--but it probably won't fit if you need low-barrier entry jobs without advanced degrees or 10+ years of experience.
Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Utah (From Available Wage Data)
Utah's highest earners dominate in specialized healthcare and leadership, with salary ranges far above the state average. Data from Resumeble highlights these top roles (industry source, no year-specific BLS confirmation):
- Top Executives/Chief Executives: $305,516–$515,284 annually. Real purchasing power stays high even after utilities (~$268/month, historical data, 2022 -- CareerKarma).
- Physicians and Surgeons: $193,272–$295,771.
- Other Medical Specialists: $148,782–$230,233.
- Dentists: $128,851–$162,868.
- Financial Managers: $121,496–$148,376.
- Lawyers: $101,955–$137,748 (national context adjusted; no Utah-specific from sources).
- Software Engineers (tech sector): $104,128–$130,685, fueled by firms like Adobe and Vivint in Orem. 8–10. Roles in engineering, IT management, and healthcare administration fill out the $100k+ bracket.
These figures suggest strong viability in Salt Lake City. Private sector growth hit 3.5% (historical data, 2022 -- CareerKarma). For context, a $150k salary covers family needs comfortably.
Don't pursue these if you lack advanced credentials--many require medical degrees or decades of experience. Check Utah Department of Workforce Services and BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for latest wage data, absent in these sources.
Highest Salaries by Industry in Utah
Utah's economy favors tech, healthcare, and management, with pay scaling by sector growth and demand. No Utah-specific BLS occupational wages appear in sources--verify via Utah Department of Workforce Services or BLS for updates.
Tech leads with hubs in Orem and Salt Lake City, driven by companies like Qualtrics (historical employee data, 2022 -- SLTrib). Healthcare follows, anchored by top-rated hospitals like Intermountain (high-performing in key areas, 2022 -- Incredible Health).
Tech Sector Careers (Software Engineers and Beyond)
Utah's "Silicon Slopes" puts it in competition with Silicon Valley, with Orem's tech sector projected at 18% growth (industry source -- Nucamp). Software engineers earn $104k–$131k (Resumeble), boosted by Adobe, Vivint, and Qualtrics.
Entry often needs bootcamps or university partnerships (strategies from Utah Business 2025). National trends show 8% job growth for software roles, adaptable to Utah's boom.
Healthcare's Top Wage Roles
Healthcare pays top dollar, with Intermountain ranking #2 in Utah for specialties (2022 -- Incredible Health). Nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) average $214k nationally ($140k–$395k range -- NursingEducation; no Utah data), physicians $193k–$296k (Resumeble).
National figures may overestimate Utah pay because costs run lower here. Growth ties to aging populations, but these roles demand advanced degrees.
Salary vs. Cost of Living in Utah: Real Affordability Check
High salaries stretch further in Utah, ranked 33rd most expensive (historical data, 2021 -- CareerKarma). Average salary $57,462 (historical data, 2022 -- CareerKarma) covers basics, but six-figure jobs really shine: a $150k earner can afford housing and utilities ($268/month average: $80 electric, $52 gas, etc., historical data, 2022 -- CareerKarma) with money left over.
Salt Lake City pros: vibrant tech scene, low unemployment (2% in 2022). Cons: rising insurance (~$1,600/month anecdotes, 2026 -- SLTrib). Making under $100k? Simpler jobs in the growing private sector might work better without the high-stress paths.
How to Land a Six-Figure Job in Utah: Step-by-Step
Target Utah's six-figure roles through focused upskilling and networking:
- Research latest wages at Utah Department of Workforce Services and BLS.
- Upskill via bootcamps, university partnerships, or internships (Utah Business 2025; Nucamp).
- Network in SLC tech/health hubs--firms like Qualtrics hire through real-world experience (SLTrib 2022).
- Use DWS for market info; apply to 50+ roles monthly if needed (anecdotes -- SLTrib 2026).
Cases: Tech bootcamp grads enter at Adobe/Vivint.
Evidence Pack
Top Utah High-Pay Jobs Decision Matrix
| Job Role | Salary Range (Source/Year) | Entry Requirements | Industry Growth | Cost-of-Living Fit (vs. $57k Avg + $268/mo Utils) | Job Outlook Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $305k–$515k (Resumeble) | 10+ yrs exp, MBA | Management (stable) | High (surplus after costs) | Leadership demand; no UT BLS |
| Physicians | $193k–$296k (Resumeble) | MD degree, residency | Healthcare (hospital-rated) | High | National trends; check DWS |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $214k avg national (NursingEducation) | MSN + cert (no UT data) | Healthcare | High | No Data |
| Software Engineer | $104k–$131k (Resumeble) | BS/bootcamp | 18% Orem tech (Nucamp) | Medium-High | Bootcamps viable |
| Financial Manager | $121k–$148k (Resumeble) | BS + exp | Finance (stable) | High | No Data |
| Lawyer | $102k–$138k (national adj.) | JD + bar | Legal | Medium-High | No UT specifics |
| No Data (Mining) | No Data | No Data | No Data | No Data | Absent in sources |
Conservative viability: High for tech/health with skills; low without degrees. Sources lack full BLS/Utah DWS--use for targeting.
When High-Pay Careers Might Not Be Right for You
High-pay pursuits work for ambitious upskillers, but risks include job search struggles (50–100 apps/month for interviews, 2026 anecdotes -- SLTrib) and saturation without experience. Unemployment anecdotes show how variable things can get.
Choose stable alternatives in the growing private sector if family needs make work-life balance more important or relocation isn't an option. Individual factors like location matter--rural Utah differs from SLC.
FAQ
What is the average salary in Salt Lake City?
Around $57,462 (historical data, 2022 -- CareerKarma; market may have changed). This covers basics but trails high-pay roles.
Are tech jobs the best paying in Utah?
Tech offers solid pay ($104k+ for engineers) with 18% Orem growth (Nucamp), but healthcare edges higher ($193k+ physicians -- Resumeble).
How does Utah's cost of living affect high salaries?
33rd most expensive (historical 2021 -- CareerKarma); utilities $268/month (2022). Six-figure jobs give you high affordability vs. average.
What qualifications for nurse anesthetist pay in Utah?
National $214k avg requires MSN + certification (NursingEducation); no local data--expect advanced nursing + experience.
Where to find official Utah highest wage data?
Utah Department of Workforce Services and BLS (LEHD) for occupational wages; sources here flag absence of specifics.
To apply this: Do you have relevant degrees/experience? Prefer tech over healthcare? Can you relocate to SLC/Orem?
Next Steps: 1) Visit Utah DWS for current wage data. 2) Enroll in a tech bootcamp if upskilling.