Skilled Tradesmen Career Profile: The State of Utah

Located in the Rocky Mountains of Western United States, the State of Utah has grown into a diverse and booming economic region. Utah has consistently been ranked as a top state to do business in and outranks most other states in metrics such as GDP growth and the percentage of fast-growing companies. The state boasts a medium-sized pool of skilled trades workers and a low cost of living. Utah is a great place for you to consider finding a skilled trades job or building your skilled trades career.

Manufacturing, in general, has thrived in the “Beehive State” totaling $17.24 billion in 2015 or 11.72 percent of the total economic output of the state. Utah exported $11.64 billion in manufactured goods in 2016.

In 2017, Utah’s gross state product (GSP) was $165 billion, of which the real manufacturing sector made up approximately $19 billion (11.7% of GSP). Utah’s diversified manufacturing is concentrated geographically in Salt Lake City, Weber, Utah, and Cache counties.

Let’s take a look at an in-depth look at what sets Utah apart as a place to work as an industrial trades professional.

Major Industrial Sectors and Skilled Trades Employers in Utah

Utah’s diverse industrial sectors include advanced composites, aerospace, mining, energy, and distribution. Utah is home to many large industrial companies, including:

• C.R. England
• Boeing
• Orbital ATK
• Energy Solutions
• Autoliv
• Rocky Mountain Power
• Amedica Corporation
• Merit Medical Systems
• Myriad Genetics
• Profire Energy
• SkyWest
• USANA Health Sciences
• Varex Imaging Corporation
• Vivint Solar
• Clyde Companies
• ICON Health & Fitness
• Young Electric Sign Company
• Lifetime Products
• Ultradent Products
• SME Steel Contractors
• Cache Valley Electric
• Big-D Construction
• Wheeler Machinery Company
• Pride Transport

Pay Rates in Utah for Skilled Trades Jobs

The average manufacturing salary in Utah is $71,069 per year, which is significantly higher than the average pay of all employees living in Utah, who make an average salary of $46,460 (as of Q4 in 2017). The trend in wages is growing with a 0.7 percent increase over last quarter and cost-of-living is 5.8 percent below the national average.

Below are hourly pay, total pay and salary levels for industrial skilled trades occupations in Salt Lake City (all stats as of May 2018; Source: www.payscale.com):

CNC Programmer

Salary: Median: $48,980; 25% of positions above $60,000 (24% lower national average)
Total Pay Range: $44,685 to $59,984

Quality Assurance Manager

Salary: Median: $62,735; 25% of positions above $81,000 (21% lower than national average)
Total Pay Range: $40,409 to $100,640

Diesel Mechanic

Hourly: Median: $20.75; 25% of positions above $23.00 (5% above national average)
Total Pay Range: $31,409 to $79,667

Skilled Trades Schools in Utah

Utah is home to many educational programs and opportunities, which includes a plentiful choice of post-secondary schools for tradesmen and tradeswomen, ranging from trade schools to career colleges to universities and technical programs.

Here is a list of top trade schools in the Utah Area:

• Davis Technical College
• Ogden–Weber Technical College
• Salt Lake Community College
• Fortis College
• Universal Technical Institute
• Penn Foster Career School
• Weber State University
• Utah Valley University
• Bridgerland Applied Technology College

For a complete list of trades schools in Utah and links, click here.

Unions in Utah

Utah is home to about 70 unions across many industries, with 3.9 percent of workers belonging to unions in 2017 (down from 4.7 in 2016). Union membership has steadily declined from approximately 6.8% in 2007 to current levels.

For a complete list of unions in Utah and links, click here.

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If you are a skilled tradesman or tradeswoman, pursuing a career in a skilled trades discipline and live in Utah (or are considering a move to find work), consider contacting Xemplar Workforce Solutions today.  We can match your in-demand skills with top-tier employers in the Utah area. Elevate your career today with Xemplar and begin experiencing all that life in Utah has to offer.