SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 22, 2023) — Utah’s nonfarm payroll employment for November 2023 increased an estimated 2.0% across the past 12 months, with the state’s economy adding a cumulative 34,700 jobs since November 2022. Utah’s current job count stands at 1,744,100.

November’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is estimated at 2.8%, a one-tenth of a percentage-point increase over October. Approximately 50,300 Utahns are unemployed. Utah’s October unemployment rate is unrevised at 2.7%. The November national unemployment rate decreased two-tenths of a percentage-point to 3.7%. More...

Apprenticeships are a great way to develop a skilled workforce in any industry. They are one of the many pathways that lead to a successful career. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with related classroom instruction. They benefit employers by building a pipeline of high quality and motivated workers trained to the exact skills needed for the job. In Utah there are more than 280 registered apprenticeship programs and more than 4,100 active apprentices. Apprenticeships continue to expand in Utah with opportunities available in automotive, construction, manufacturing, information technology, health care and more. More...

Marilyn Cannon, Regional Economist

Utah continues to be a state that emphasizes the importance and value of education, something that is increasingly apparent as the average education level and number of enrollees in Utah colleges and universities continues to rise. Women, in particular, have been pursuing higher education at greater rates than men. The Utah economy has rewarded individuals obtaining higher degrees. They have greater access to employment opportunities as the number of jobs requiring higher education has increased. These jobs are also, on average, higher paying opportunities.

It is interesting to note that while college education is increasingly popular in Utah, there is a decreasing number of students enrolling in higher education in other states. From 2019 to 2022, only three states saw an increase in college enrollments. Utah topped the charts with enrollments going up 3.6%. The other 47 states saw fewer students filling the chairs in colleges and universities. This Utah enrollment increase is driven by a few different factors. The state has a young population, creating more potential for enrollment growth. Utah also has relatively less expensive education, recently ranked as the state with the highest degree value. This measure compares the cost of tuition and the earnings potential from a degree. The importance Utahns place on higher education also encourages high enrollment numbers. A 2022 survey found that 74% of Utahns feel that higher education is worth the cost. More...