SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 23, 2026) — Utah’s nonfarm payroll employment for December 2025 increased an estimated 1.2% across the past 12 months, with the state’s economy adding a cumulative 21,800 jobs since December 2024. Utah’s current job count stands at 1,791,700.
December’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is estimated at 3.6%, the same as November. Approximately 67,300 Utahns are unemployed. The December national unemployment rate is estimated at 4.4%, with November’s unemployment rate revised down to 4.5%. More...
By Henry Pernichele, Regional Economist
Introduction
The modern economy is built on energy. From the electricity that keeps lights on to the gasoline in cars, a plentiful and consistent supply of energy is what enables our modern economy to operate day in and day out. This is especially true in Utah, as its population and economy continues to grow year after year and with it, its energy demands. With the goal to substantially increase Utah’s energy production over the next ten years, this article examines the industries that create Utah’s energy, where they are and why they are so significant to employment, wages, and overall economic growth. More...