BUSINESS + ECONOMY

Study finds engineering, computer science jobs are key to Utah’s economy

SALT LAKE CITY — During 2020, the engineering and computer science workforce created more than 238,000 jobs in the state, representing nearly 15% of Utah’s $200 billion economy. That’s according to the most recent report from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. 

“The emphasis placed on engineering and computer science education by state leaders in the early 2000s has created enormous benefits for the Utah economy,” said Levi Pace, senior research economist at the Gardner Institute, and lead author of the report, in a news release. “Engineers, tech workers, and professionals in related occupations are taking increasingly active roles in the economy and society. In addition to these broader economic and societal benefits, the data show favorable returns on education investments in terms of personal income, both short- and long-term.”

Important findings from the report include the following:

• State comparison – Growth in Utah engineering employment was greater than U.S. engineering employment by fivefold since 2000.
• Student degree completion – In 2020, there were more than 3,700 engineering and computer science graduates. In 2000, there were 1,540 graduates in those two career fields.
• Income – In 2020, those who had engineering jobs had a yearly income of $96,600. Those employed in the computer science field had a wage of $89,500 a year. The state average income in 2020 was $53,800.
• University of Utah – The University of Utah had the most engineering degrees in the state in 2020 with 805 completions.

Read more:

• US employers added 390,000 jobs, Utah economist says workforce participation is up

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