Sam SmithUtah’s economy has transformed into one of the strongest and fastest-growing in the United States, fueled by technology, healthcare, transportation, energy, and financial services. From the booming “Silicon Slopes” corridor to the state’s expanding healthcare networks and aerospace hubs, high-skilled professionals continue to see exceptional earning potential.
The following list highlights the money spinning jobs in Utah, based on current salary data from major employers, government sources, and verified job platforms. Whether you’re exploring a career path, assessing earning potential, or planning a move to Utah, this salary guide offers an accurate snapshot of where the best-paying opportunities are today.
Highest Paying Jobs In Utah – An Unlikely Goldmine
1. Surgeon
Surgeons in Utah command some of the highest salaries due to the extensive training, advanced skill level, and responsibility required in performing life-saving procedures. They operate across hospitals, surgical centers, and specialized clinics, often working long hours under intense pressure. Demand is strong because of Utah’s growing population and expanding healthcare infrastructure. Surgeons also frequently specialize in high-pay fields like orthopedic, cardiovascular, or neurosurgery, contributing to even higher earning potential with experience and specialty certifications.
2. Airline Pilot
Airline pilots in Utah benefit from multiple commercial carriers and regional aviation hubs, including Salt Lake City International Airport. Their work involves safely navigating aircraft, monitoring complex systems, and handling emergency protocols. High salaries reflect the rigorous training and certifications required, along with the responsibility for passenger safety. Pilots often work variable schedules, travel extensively, and pursue continuous training. Utah’s growing tourism industry and strong transportation sector help maintain consistent demand and competitive pay.
3. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
CEOs in Utah oversee company strategy, operations, and performance, often leading fast-growing firms in tech, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Their high pay reflects broad leadership responsibility, decision-making authority, and accountability for company success. Utah’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and “Silicon Slopes” startup boom create strong opportunities for executive leadership roles. Successful CEOs combine strategic planning, financial oversight, and strong communication skills while guiding organizations through growth, competition, regulatory challenges, and economic fluctuations.
4. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery, making them indispensable members of surgical teams in hospitals and outpatient centers. Their work demands precision, deep medical knowledge, and the ability to respond instantly to critical situations. Utah’s expanding healthcare system and rising demand for surgical services create strong earning potential. These specialists handle pain management, sedation, and emergency airway support, contributing to their high compensation and respected position within the medical field.
5. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
CFOs in Utah direct financial strategy, investment decisions, budgeting, and risk management for corporations and institutions. Their compensation reflects the high level of expertise and accountability required to safeguard financial stability and drive growth. Utah’s diverse industries — including technology, banking, real estate, and healthcare — rely on skilled financial executives. Effective CFOs blend financial analysis, forecasting, leadership, and regulatory knowledge while managing investor relationships and long-term financial planning.
6. Chief Operating Officer (COO)
COOs oversee day-to-day business operations, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and organizational performance. In Utah, many COOs work within technology, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, helping companies scale and streamline processes. Their salary reflects operational expertise, strategic execution, and leadership responsibility. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential. COOs often collaborate closely with CEOs and department leaders to drive productivity, implement systems, and maintain profitability in fast-growing competitive environments.
7. Investment Banker
Investment bankers in Utah support mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, valuation, and financial advisory services for corporations and investors. Although major financial hubs like New York dominate the industry, Utah’s growing finance and venture-capital scene provides lucrative roles, particularly around the “Silicon Slopes” tech corridor. These professionals work long, demanding hours but earn high compensation tied to deal performance. Strong analytical skills, financial modeling expertise, and market knowledge are essential for success.
8. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders through therapy, medication management, and treatment planning. Utah’s rapid population growth and increasing mental-health service demand — especially among youth and rural communities — drive strong career opportunities. Psychiatrists work in hospitals, private practices, and behavioral-health centers. Their compensation reflects the medical training required and the rising focus on mental-health support statewide. Specializations like child psychiatry and addiction medicine can lead to even higher earnings.
9. Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons specialize in complex surgeries involving the brain, spine, and nervous system. Their role demands years of advanced training and exceptional precision, as they treat life-threatening conditions such as tumors, aneurysms, traumatic brain injuries, and degenerative spine disorders. Utah’s fast-growing population and advanced hospital systems, including Level 1 trauma centers, drive demand for neurological specialists. Neurosurgeons earn some of the highest salaries in medicine due to the intense skill required, high-stakes environment, and extended operating hours.
10. Orthodontist
Orthodontists specialize in correcting dental alignment issues through braces, aligners, and other orthodontic treatments. Utah has a strong demand for cosmetic dental and orthodontic services due to its young family-oriented population and emphasis on preventive care. These specialists complete extensive dental and orthodontic training, which contributes to high pay. Many operate private practices, providing flexibility, business ownership potential, and opportunities to maximize income through additional cosmetic and corrective procedures.
11. Corporate Lawyer
Corporate lawyers in Utah advise businesses on legal matters including contracts, mergers, intellectual property, compliance, and dispute resolution. High salaries reflect the specialized knowledge and responsibility required to protect companies legally. Utah’s tech boom, growth in private capital investment, and expanding corporate presence increase demand for legal expertise. Many lawyers work for law firms or as in-house counsel, navigating regulatory issues and structuring deals for fast-moving industries.
12. HR Director
HR Directors lead talent strategy, workforce planning, compensation, compliance, and organizational culture. Utah’s booming tech and healthcare sectors create demand for skilled HR leadership to attract and retain top talent. Their compensation reflects responsibility for employee experience, workplace policies, and performance systems. HR Directors handle recruitment, training, benefits, and employee relations. Because Utah’s businesses continue to scale rapidly, HR experts play a critical role in building effective, diverse, high-performing teams.
13. Cloud Architect
Cloud architects design and manage cloud computing systems for organizations, supporting scalability, data security, and digital transformation. Utah’s tech-centric environment — home to numerous software companies and data-driven enterprises — fuels high demand for cloud experts. These professionals use platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud to build secure, efficient infrastructure. Their role requires deep technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to guide enterprise-level cloud strategy, earning them top-tier compensation.
14. Radiologist
Radiologists interpret medical imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, playing a key role in diagnosing disease and guiding treatment. Utah’s growing hospitals and specialty clinics rely heavily on radiology, making these physicians highly compensated. Their work requires advanced medical training, precision, and the ability to identify complex health issues quickly. Subspecialties like interventional radiology, neuroradiology, and oncology imaging offer even higher earnings and demand.
15. Marketing Director
Marketing directors in Utah oversee branding, advertising, digital campaigns, and strategic communications to grow business revenue and customer engagement. High salaries reflect leadership responsibility, creative strategy development, and results-driven performance metrics. Utah’s expanding tech ecosystem and startup culture increase demand for skilled marketing leadership. These professionals manage teams, analyze market trends, and drive product positioning across competitive industries, making them vital to business growth and visibility.
16. Financial Controller
Financial controllers manage accounting operations, reporting, compliance, and financial procedures within organizations. They support financial planning and internal controls, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance. Utah’s mix of tech startups, healthcare systems, and manufacturing firms offers strong opportunities. Controllers often supervise accounting teams and work closely with executives. Their high salaries represent technical expertise, experience in financial systems, and the critical role they play in organizational stability and budget management.
17. Software Engineering Manager
Software engineering managers lead engineering teams, define development strategies, oversee coding standards, and drive product delivery. Utah’s “Silicon Slopes” region fuels some of the strongest demand for software leadership in the Mountain West. These professionals blend coding expertise with team leadership, project planning, and technical architecture decisions. They are responsible for hiring, performance management, and mentoring engineers, making their role central to innovation and software quality at high-growth companies.
18. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers ensure the safe movement of aircraft through Utah’s controlled airspace and airports, including Salt Lake City International. Their job requires intense focus, real-time decision-making, and adherence to strict safety protocols. High compensation reflects the responsibility for passenger safety and the mental demands of the role. Controllers coordinate takeoffs, landings, and in-flight routing. Extensive testing, certification, and ongoing training contribute to high professional standards and competitive pay.
19. Tax Advisor
Tax advisors help individuals and companies navigate tax laws, optimize returns, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Utah’s growing business environment and increasing number of high-net-worth individuals create demand for tax planning expertise. Advisors interpret changing tax codes, manage filings, and develop strategies to reduce liabilities. Many work in accounting firms or private practice, earning strong compensation due to specialized knowledge and the complexity of financial regulations.
20. DevOps Engineer
DevOps engineers build automation systems, manage deployment pipelines, and support continuous integration and delivery for software teams. Utah’s expanding tech sector makes DevOps one of the most in-demand roles, especially within enterprise cloud environments. These specialists work across development and IT operations, ensuring system reliability, scalability, and efficiency. Their compensation reflects expertise in tools like Docker, Kubernetes, Git, and CI/CD platforms, along with strong problem-solving abilities and infrastructure knowledge.
Top 100 Highest-Paying Jobs in Utah
Average annual salary (USD)
| # | Role | Avg Salary (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surgeon | $141,000+ |
| 2 | Airline Pilot | $141,100+ |
| 3 | CEO | $150,000+ |
| 4 | Anesthesiologist | $135,000+ |
| 5 | CFO | $140,000+ |
| 6 | COO | $135,000+ |
| 7 | Investment Banker | $130,000+ |
| 8 | Psychiatrist | $130,000+ |
| 9 | Surgeon | $141,000+ |
| 10 | Orthodontist | $125,000+ |
| 11 | Corporate Lawyer | $125,000+ |
| 12 | HR Director | $125,000+ |
| 13 | Cloud Architect | $125,000+ |
| 14 | Radiologist | $120,000+ |
| 15 | Marketing Director | $120,000+ |
| 16 | Financial Controller | $120,000+ |
| 17 | Software Engineering Manager | $130,000+ |
| 18 | Air Traffic Controller | $120,000+ |
| 19 | Tax Advisor | $115,000+ |
| 20 | DevOps Engineer | $115,000+ |
| 21 | Operations Director | $110,000+ |
| 22 | Risk Manager | $110,000+ |
| 23 | Cybersecurity Analyst | $110,000+ |
| 24 | Pediatrician | $110,000+ |
| 25 | Emergency Medicine Physician | $105,000+ |
| 26 | Compliance Officer | $105,000+ |
| 27 | Data Scientist | $105,000+ |
| 28 | Product Manager | $105,000+ |
| 29 | Physician Assistant | $90,000+ |
| 30 | Wealth Manager | $90,000+ |
| 31 | General Practitioner | $115,000+ |
| 32 | Dentist | $100,000+ |
| 33 | Physical Therapist | $75,000+ |
| 34 | Occupational Therapist | $70,000+ |
| 35 | Clinical Psychologist | $85,000+ |
| 36 | Hospital Administrator | $80,000+ |
| 37 | Nurse Practitioner | $95,000+ |
| 38 | Actuary | $100,000+ |
| 39 | Auditor (Senior) | $95,000+ |
| 40 | Portfolio Manager | $80,000+ |
| 41 | Financial Analyst | $85,000+ |
| 42 | Credit Analyst | $75,000+ |
| 43 | Accountant (Senior) | $70,000+ |
| 44 | Insurance Underwriter | $65,000+ |
| 45 | Loan Officer | $60,000+ |
| 46 | AI/ML Engineer | $120,000+ |
| 47 | Full Stack Developer | $100,000+ |
| 48 | IT Project Manager | $95,000+ |
| 49 | Systems Architect | $90,000+ |
| 50 | UX Designer | $85,000+ |
| 51 | QA Engineer | $80,000+ |
| 52 | Database Administrator | $75,000+ |
| 53 | Network Engineer | $70,000+ |
| 54 | Front-End Developer | $70,000+ |
| 55 | Technical Support Manager | $65,000+ |
| 56 | Aviation Safety Manager | $110,000+ |
| 57 | Logistics Director | $100,000+ |
| 58 | Transport Planner | $95,000+ |
| 59 | Fleet Manager | $90,000+ |
| 60 | Supply Chain Analyst | $85,000+ |
| 61 | Freight Coordinator | $80,000+ |
| 62 | Rail Operations Manager | $75,000+ |
| 63 | Maritime Engineer | $70,000+ |
| 64 | COO (repeat removed) | |
| 64 | Managing Director | $130,000+ |
| 65 | Sales Director | $115,000+ |
| 66 | Business Development Manager | $100,000+ |
| 67 | Procurement Manager | $95,000+ |
| 68 | Account Director | $90,000+ |
| 69 | Strategy Lead | $85,000+ |
| 70 | Brand Manager | $80,000+ |
| 71 | Project Manager | $65,935+ |
| 72 | Biomedical Engineer | $85,000+ |
| 73 | Electrical Engineer (Senior) | $95,000+ |
| 74 | Mechanical Engineer | $90,000+ |
| 75 | Civil Engineer | $85,000+ |
| 76 | Construction Project Manager | $105,000+ |
| 77 | Geotechnical Engineer | $95,000+ |
| 78 | Mining Engineer | $110,000+ |
| 79 | Renewable Energy Engineer | $100,000+ |
| 80 | Energy Analyst | $85,000+ |
| 81 | Manufacturing Director | $120,000+ |
| 82 | Operations Manager | $90,000+ |
| 83 | Quality Control Manager | $80,000+ |
| 84 | HR Manager | $90,000+ |
| 85 | Marketing Manager | $85,000+ |
| 86 | Sales Manager | $85,000+ |
| 87 | Real Estate Broker (Top Tier) | $120,000+ |
| 88 | Commercial Pilot (non-airline) | $95,000+ |
| 89 | Chiropractor | $95,000+ |
| 90 | Speech-Language Pathologist | $75,000+ |
| 91 | School Principal | $95,000+ |
| 92 | College Professor | $85,000+ |
| 93 | Pharmacist | $120,000+ |
| 94 | Veterinarian | $95,000+ |
| 95 | Dentist Hygienist (Senior) | $75,000+ |
| 96 | Social Services Director | $85,000+ |
| 97 | Public Health Administrator | $90,000+ |
| 98 | Insurance Claims Manager | $80,000+ |
| 99 | Supply Chain Manager | $95,000+ |
| 100 | Aerospace Engineer | $105,000+ |
Closing
Utah’s labor market remains one of the most competitive and diverse in the nation, offering strong salaries across medical, aviation, engineering, finance, and tech fields. While compensation varies by experience, location, and employer, the jobs listed here consistently rank at the top for earning potential in the present economy. If you’re pursuing a high-income career in Utah, focusing on advanced education, in-demand technical skills, and professional certifications will open the door to these opportunities. As the state continues to grow and innovate, its highest-paying industries are expected to expand even further — making Utah a compelling destination for ambitious professionals and future investors.