‍Each month, EDCUtah’s Research Minute highlights timely research insights and economic development data. This month, Michael Stachitus analyzes Utah’s potential occupational gaps over the next five years.

As Utah’s population and economy continue to grow rapidly, the demand for specific skills and experience in the workforce only continues to increase. As this demand for labor grows, Utah must be nimble and forward-thinking in its workforce development approach.  

EDCUtah analyzed potential workforce demands over the next five years, and we identified three occupations that may become increasingly difficult to fill if current demand and market trends remain the same:

1. Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners

2. Computer Occupations

3. Business Operations Specialists  

The graph below provides a snapshot of the expected annual supply and deficit in occupations over the next five years. These are broad occupational groupings, with more specific occupations nested within each occupational category.

Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners

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

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. Furthermore, there’s not a single surplus occupation in this healthcare category, meaning every occupation in the group faces a hiring deficit.

Computer Occupations

As technology innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to drive economic growth in the U.S., computer occupations remain in high demand. The demand for software developers in Utah has remained high for over a decade and is expected to continue over the next five years.

Utah can address these occupational gaps by fostering strong alignment among workforce development initiatives, educational institutions, and industry needs. 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.

Data Sources: JobsEQ. For more information about occupational gaps, email us at connect@edcutah.org or explore the benefits of investing with EDCUtah.