SALT LAKE CITY — A projected 70.6% of Utah jobs will require some level of postsecondary education by 2031, according to a new report from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute and commissioned by Envision Utah. The report notes that Utah’s current attainment rate of 61.7% ranks third in the nation, yet disparities persist among different demographic groups, highlighting the need to increase educational attainment to meet the demands of its evolving economy.

“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.”

Key findings from the report include the following:

Future Job Market – An estimated 70.6% of Utah jobs will require postsecondary education by 2031, the ninth highest share nationwide. This high share reflects sustained demand for a skilled workforce that reinforces the importance of postsecondary education.

High Educational Attainment – 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.

Uneven Outcomes – Educational attainment varies by income, race/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.

Potential Workforce Gains – Closing educational attainment gaps could yield 4,400 additional credential earners in a single year. This number multiplies over time, strengthening the talent pipeline and expanding the supply of skilled labor in Utah.

Broader Benefits – 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 report is now available online.

ABOUT THE KEM C. GARDNER POLICY INSTITUTE

The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute serves Utah by preparing economic, demographic, and public policy research that helps the state prosper. We are Utah’s demographic experts, leaders on the Utah economy, and specialists on public policy and survey research. We are an honest broker of INFORMED RESEARCH, which guides INFORMED DISCUSSIONS, and leads to INFORMED DECISIONS. For more information, please visit gardner.utah.edu or call 801-587-3717.

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