Good News For Job Seekers: Utah Shines In New Report
Utah continues to hold a strong position in the national job market, ranking 14th overall in WalletHub’s 2025 “Best & Worst States for Jobs” report. The study compared all 50 states using 34 key metrics to measure both job market strength and overall economic environment.
WalletHub’s analysis divided the metrics into two main categories: Job Market, which made up 60 percent of the total score, and Economic Environment, which accounted for the remaining 40 percent. Factors included employment growth, job security, opportunities per labor force, median annual income adjusted for cost of living, tax burdens, commute times, and even risk from AI automation. Each state received a score out of 100, resulting in a ranking that reflects both job opportunity and economic quality of life.
Median Income, Work Week Length Boost Utah's Ranking
Utah earned a total score of 57.65, placing it solidly among the better-performing states. It ranked 17th in the Job Market category and 12th for Economic Environment. Utah’s standout performance came in several individual metrics, including a second-place national ranking for median annual income adjusted for cost of living, and first for the shortest average work week. These strengths suggest Utahns are earning competitive wages without excessively long hours, a balance that supports quality of life and work satisfaction.
While Utah fell short of the top ten—led by Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Minnesota— it was the best state in the Intermountain region placing higher than Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming as well as outpacing California, Nevada and Montana as a place for job seekers.
Utah's strong income levels and moderate working hours reflect a thriving employment landscape. The ranking also indicates a state economy that continues to attract workers with a growing tech sector, steady population increase, and a relatively low unemployment rate.
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However, the report’s statewide averages can mask regional differences. Urban centers such as Salt Lake City and Provo often experience faster job growth than rural areas like Iron County or Cedar City, where opportunities may be more limited but cost of living remains low.
Overall, Utah’s 14th-place ranking suggests a robust and balanced job environment. For workers seeking stability, good wages, and a healthy balance between professional and personal life, the Beehive State remains one of the most promising places to build a career.
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