๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 95 โ€” Below Avg Cost

Salaries in Ogden, UT

What every job actually pays โ€” cost-of-living adjusted

Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data

Avg. Salary
$68,438
across 40 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$71,965
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Marketing Manager
$155,302
1BR Rent
$1,108
median monthly

You might assume Ogden is still a blue-collar town, but its economy has quietly gone tech. The cityโ€™s unemployment rate is just 2.8% right now, and youโ€™ll see more software developers than steelworkers in the downtown core.

Hereโ€™s the real purchasing power story. Ogdenโ€™s cost of living sits at 95.1โ€”about 5% below the national average. That sounds like a win, but itโ€™s the rent that makes the difference. A one-bedroom apartment runs you $1,108 a month. If youโ€™re earning the median household income of $65,035, your housing costs are manageable. But if youโ€™re pulling in the average salary across all rolesโ€”$68,438โ€”your COL-adjusted take-home feels closer to $72,000. Thatโ€™s not bad for a city with this much mountain access.

Who thrives here? Youโ€™ve got the obvious winners: software developers (making $125,389), marketing managers ($155,302), and pharmacists ($134,030). But Ogdenโ€™s real backbone is construction and project management, fueled by steady growth and the presence of companies like Northrop Grumman and the IRS Ogden campus. Itโ€™s not a Wall Street town, but if youโ€™re in tech or healthcare, youโ€™re living well without the coastal price tag.

Now, the catch. Wages are keeping pace with costs for now, but this city is growing. That 24.7% of residents with a bachelorโ€™s degree or higher is rising, and itโ€™s putting gentle pressure on housing. Ogden works beautifully for young professionals or remote workers who want a lower cost base, but youโ€™ll need to be in one of those top five roles to really feel ahead.

The data below breaks down exactly what you can expect to earn, adjusted for what youโ€™ll actually pay to live here.

๐Ÿ† Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Ogden

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

๐Ÿฅ‡ -2% vs national

Marketing Manager

$155,302
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $163,304
โฑ Hourly $74.66/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 174
๐Ÿฅˆ -2% vs national

Pharmacist

$134,030
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $140,936
โฑ Hourly $64.44/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth -3.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 174
๐Ÿฅ‰ -2% vs national

Software Developer

$125,389
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $131,850
โฑ Hourly $60.28/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 523
4๏ธโƒฃ -2% vs national

Construction Manager

$106,619
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $112,113
โฑ Hourly $51.26/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 174
5๏ธโƒฃ -2% vs national

Project Manager

$99,791
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $104,933
โฑ Hourly $47.98/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +6.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 174

๐Ÿ“‹ Complete Salary Guide โ€” All 40 Occupations in Ogden

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (95/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.

# Occupation โ†• Raw Salary โ†•
1 Marketing Manager $155,302
2 Pharmacist $134,030
3 Software Developer $125,389
4 Construction Manager $106,619
5 Project Manager $99,791
6 Physical Therapist $98,244
7 Financial Analyst $97,554
8 Web Developer $91,386
9 Dental Hygienist $86,243
10 Accountant $84,814
11 Registered Nurse $84,804
12 Data Analyst $82,134
13 Police Officer $73,808
14 Human Resources Specialist $66,655
15 Elementary School Teacher $62,734
16 Plumber $62,418
17 Paralegal $61,827
18 Electrician $60,645
19 Real Estate Agent $60,576
20 Graphic Designer $60,438
21 Firefighter $56,280
22 Carpenter $56,083
23 HVAC Technician $54,851
24 Heavy Truck Driver $52,309
25 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $49,265
26 Social Worker $49,265
27 Dental Assistant $49,265
28 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $49,265
29 Nail Technician $49,265
30 Cosmetologist $49,265
31 Chef/Head Cook $49,265
32 Personal Trainer $49,265
33 Auto Mechanic $49,265
34 Veterinary Technician $49,265
35 Loan Officer $49,265
36 Insurance Agent $49,265
37 Pharmacy Technician $49,265
38 Welder $48,861
39 Medical Assistant $37,707
40 Security Guard $35,608

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Ogden

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$1,108/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$1,350/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$407,500
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
2.8%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$65,035
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
25%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
35/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
95
Below Avg Cost

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in Ogden?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Ogden. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

โ“ Ogden Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Ogden, UT?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations in Ogden is $68,438 (2026). This is above the local median household income of $65,035, indicating a robust job market. Insight: With a COL index of 95.1, salaries stretch further than the national average.

What jobs pay the most in Ogden?

โ–ผ
The highest-paying role is Marketing Manager at $155,302 (2026). This role leads a sample of 40 occupations, highlighting demand for management expertise. Insight: Such salaries are rare, as the average across all roles is $68,438.

Is Ogden affordable on a Marketing Manager salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, a Marketing Manager earning $155,302 finds Ogden highly affordable (2026). The 1BR rent of $1,108/month is only 8.5% of gross monthly income, well below the 30% affordability threshold. Insight: With a COL index of 95.1, this salary provides substantial disposable income.

How does Ogden's cost of living affect my paycheck?

โ–ผ
Ogden's COL index of 95.1 means your paycheck has 4.9% more purchasing power than the national average (2026). For example, the average salary of $68,438 covers essentials like the $1,108/month 1BR rent comfortably. Insight: This lower COL amplifies real income compared to higher-cost cities.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Ogden?

โ–ผ
A salary of about $75,000โ€“$80,000 ensures comfortable living in Ogden (2026), covering rent, utilities, and savings. This exceeds the average salary of $68,438 but is below the highest-paying role's $155,302. Insight: With a COL index of 95.1, $75K provides a buffer above the median household income of $65,035.

๐Ÿ“ Editor's Verdict: Is Ogden Worth It?

Ogdenโ€™s math is simple: $68,438 average salary, $1,108 rent, and a 95.1 cost-of-living index mean your dollars stretch further than in many cities. My honest verdict? If youโ€™re chasing pure income, itโ€™s a maybe; if you want value, itโ€™s a solid yes. The standout is Marketing Manager, pulling $155,302 and a COL-adjusted $163,304, but Ogden quietly rewards trades and healthcare pros too, thanks to steady demand and lower overhead. Tech workers can do well if remote or tied to SLC, but local salaries lag the coasts. The vibe is practical, not flashy. Advice before you move: lock in a job or remote role first, then use the lower rent to build savings and enjoy the mountains instead of stretching for a paycheck that barely keeps up.

Explore Ogden Further