EDCUtah: Shortfalls expected for health care, computer occupations in Utah

Utah companies may face difficulty filling positions related to health care diagnosing or treatment, computers and business operations over the next five years, according to research by the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. 

In a “Research Minute” at the EDCUtah website, Michael Stachitus, EDCUtah’s director of research, lists expected deficits in those occupations. The expected annual shortfall for health care diagnosing or treating practitioners (paying an average of $123,400) is 770. Computer occupations ($118,400) will be short 670 positions annually. Business operations specialists ($86,600) are projected to be 408 short.

Those shortfalls are based on current demand and market trends remaining in place and consider positions that require two-year higher education
degrees.

“Health care remains a critical industry in Utah and continues to face challenges in meeting hiring demands,” Stachitus wrote. “This challenge is not unique to Utah. The high demand for health care workers is a nationwide and potentially even global issue. As the median age in Utah and across the nation increases, health care needs are also expected to rise.”

Among occupations in the health care category with expected deficits are registered nurses ($90,300), 274 annually; nurse practitioners ($134,500), 110; and dental hygienists ($86,300), 44.

“The gap leaves Utah with over 300 fewer registered nurses and nurse practitioners than the industry requires each year — which also means that existing nurses and hospital staff will have to shoulder the burden of increasing demand,” Stachitus wrote. “Furthermore, there’s not a single surplus occupation in this health care category, meaning every occupation in the group faces a hiring deficit.”

Meanwhile, EDCUtah found, computer occupations remain in high demand as technology innovation and artificial intelligence continue to drive economic growth in the U.S. “The demand for software developers in Utah has remained high for over a decade and is expected to continue over the next five years,” it noted.

The annual shortfall for software developers ($130,000), is expected to be 393. Next is computer user support specialists ($66,700), short by 71, and all other computer occupations ($106,000), short by 63.

The only computer-related occupation projected to have an annual surplus is computer programmer ($97,500), a surplus of five positions.

To tackle employment needs, EDCUtah calls for Utah to be “nimble and forward-thinking in its workforce development approach.”

“Utah can address these occupational gaps by fostering strong alignment among workforce development initiatives, educational institutions and industry needs,” EDCUtah said. “This includes investing in targeted training programs, apprenticeships and certifications that align with high-demand sectors, while encouraging businesses to partner with schools and community colleges to shape curricula around in-demand skills. Utah is addressing these demands through key programs and initiatives, including Talent Ready Utah, Custom Fit and Return Utah — three programs that connect companies to the workforce they need.”

The analysis also identified occupations with expected supply surpluses in the next five years. They include preschool, elementary, middle, secondary and special education teachers ($66,300), 113 positions annually; other teachers and instructors ($43,100), 56; and entertainers and performers, sports and related workers ($67,400), 28.

Details about occupational gaps are available by emailing connect@edcutah.org.