More than 70 percent of jobs in Utah will require some level of postsecondary education by 2031, according to a new report from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah.
The study was commissioned by Envision Utah, a nonprofit public-private partnership aimed at community development.
While 70.6 percent of jobs will need some form of higher education in the next five years, Utah’s current attainment rate of 61.7 percent ranks third-highest in the nation. Still, disparities persist among different demographic groups, highlighting the need to increase educational attainment to meet the demands of Utah’s evolving economy, the study author said.
“Maintaining Utah’s economic strength depends on a skilled workforce,” said Andrea Brandley, senior education analyst at the Gardner Institute and author of the report. “Increasing postsecondary attainment and aligning credentials with workforce needs are essential strategies for expanding opportunities and sustaining Utah’s economic momentum.”
“This research reinforces that higher education will continue to be a reliable path for getting a good job, even as our economy changes over the next decade,” said Travis Allred, senior education program manager at Envision Utah. “While higher education will need to continue to evolve to meet the needs of Utah’s future economy, most good jobs with a strong employment outlook and high wages in the future will still require higher education.”
Utah’s 70.6 percent of jobs requiring postsecondary education is the ninth-highest share nationwide. This high share reflects sustained demand for a skilled workforce required by the state’s economy.
The report said Utah’s postsecondary institutions awarded over 70,000 degrees and certificates in 2022-23, with nearly three-quarters from public institutions considered “high-yield.” These high-yield awards are aligned with high-wage, high-demand jobs, indicating a strong connection between education and workforce needs.
Educational attainment varies by income, race or ethnicity and gender. Existing gaps limit individual opportunities and the state’s workforce potential, as economically disadvantaged, male and Hispanic/Latino students complete credentials at lower rates than their peers, the study found.
Closing these educational attainment gaps could yield 4,400 additional credential earners in a single year, according to the report. This number multiplies over time, strengthening the talent pipeline and expanding the supply of skilled labor in Utah.
Higher educational attainment is linked to higher earnings, lower poverty, better health outcomes and greater civic participation. These benefits demonstrate that investing in education has positive ripple effects for individuals and communities.
The full education attainment report can be accessed through the Gardner Institute website at gardner.utah.edu.