๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 95 โ€” Below Avg Cost

Salaries in Orem, UT

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

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

Avg. Salary
$68,417
across 40 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$72,018
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Marketing Manager
$155,255
1BR Rent
$1,093
median monthly

Orem might not be the first place you think of for a high-flying career, but the numbers tell a different story. With a 2.8% unemployment rate, itโ€™s a workerโ€™s market, and top salaries here rival those in much pricier cities. This isnโ€™t just a bedroom community for Salt Lake anymore.

Letโ€™s talk real purchasing power. Oremโ€™s cost of living sits at 95โ€”5% below the national average. That median household income of $82,348 stretches further than youโ€™d expect. A one-bedroom apartment runs you about $1,093 a month. That means your salary isnโ€™t just a number; itโ€™s a tangible lifestyle here. Itโ€™s a genuine bargain, especially if youโ€™re coming from a coastal tech hub.

Whoโ€™s thriving? The tech and healthcare sectors are the obvious powerhouses. Youโ€™ve got large employers like Utah Valley University and the sprawling Timpanogos Regional Hospital, but the real buzz is around the software companies clustered near the University Parkway. Construction is also booming, literally building the cityโ€™s future. The average salary across all roles might be $68,417, but that figure hides a lot of earning potential in specific fields.

Hereโ€™s my honest take: while wages are strong, theyโ€™re not keeping pace with the rapid population growth. The housing market is getting tighter, and that $1,093 rent isnโ€™t the bargain it was two years ago. This city works best for mid-career professionals in tech, healthcare, or management who want a family-friendly environment without the brutal price tag of a major metro. Itโ€™s less ideal for those just starting out in entry-level roles.

The data below breaks down the top-paying jobs and what you can actually afford. Itโ€™s worth a close look.

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

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

๐Ÿฅ‡ -2% vs national

Marketing Manager

$155,255
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $163,426
โฑ Hourly $74.64/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 191
๐Ÿฅˆ -2% vs national

Pharmacist

$133,989
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $141,041
โฑ Hourly $64.42/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth -3.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 191
๐Ÿฅ‰ -2% vs national

Software Developer

$125,351
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $131,948
โฑ Hourly $60.26/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 573
4๏ธโƒฃ -2% vs national

Construction Manager

$106,586
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $112,196
โฑ Hourly $51.24/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 191
5๏ธโƒฃ -2% vs national

Project Manager

$99,760
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $105,011
โฑ Hourly $47.96/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +6.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 191

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

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 $155,255
2 Pharmacist $133,989
3 Software Developer $125,351
4 Construction Manager $106,586
5 Project Manager $99,760
6 Physical Therapist $98,214
7 Financial Analyst $97,524
8 Web Developer $91,358
9 Dental Hygienist $86,217
10 Accountant $84,788
11 Registered Nurse $84,778
12 Data Analyst $82,109
13 Police Officer $73,786
14 Human Resources Specialist $66,635
15 Elementary School Teacher $62,714
16 Plumber $62,399
17 Paralegal $61,808
18 Electrician $60,626
19 Real Estate Agent $60,557
20 Graphic Designer $60,419
21 Firefighter $56,263
22 Carpenter $56,066
23 HVAC Technician $54,834
24 Heavy Truck Driver $52,293
25 Auto Mechanic $49,249
26 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $49,249
27 Dental Assistant $49,249
28 Social Worker $49,249
29 Pharmacy Technician $49,249
30 Loan Officer $49,249
31 Insurance Agent $49,249
32 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $49,249
33 Personal Trainer $49,249
34 Chef/Head Cook $49,249
35 Veterinary Technician $49,249
36 Nail Technician $49,249
37 Cosmetologist $49,249
38 Welder $48,846
39 Medical Assistant $37,695
40 Security Guard $35,597

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

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Orem

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$1,093/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$1,253/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$515,000
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
2.8%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$82,348
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
44%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
35/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
95
Below Avg Cost

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in Orem?

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

โ“ Orem Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Orem, UT?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations in Orem is $68,417. This figure is lower than the median household income of $82,348, indicating that average wages may not fully capture total household earnings. Insight: The Cost of Living Index is 95.0, meaning salaries stretch 5% further than the U.S. average.

What jobs pay the most in Orem?

โ–ผ
The highest-paying role in Orem is Marketing Manager at $155,255. This salary is more than double the city's average of $68,417 across 40 occupations. Insight: High-earning roles like this are key to exceeding the median household income of $82,348.

Is Orem affordable on a Marketing Manager salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, a Marketing Manager salary of $155,255 is highly affordable in Orem. With a 1BR rent at $1,093/month, housing costs are only about 8.5% of the gross monthly salary. Insight: The Cost of Living Index of 95.0 means your paycheck has 5% more purchasing power than the national average.

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

โ–ผ
Orem's Cost of Living Index of 95.0 means your paycheck is 5% more powerful than the U.S. average. For example, a $68,417 salary here has the purchasing power of about $71,800 nationally. Insight: This advantage is most noticeable in housing, where a $1,093 1BR rent is significantly below national averages.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Orem?

โ–ผ
To live comfortably in Orem, a salary around $82,348 (the median household income) is a strong benchmark. This comfortably covers the $1,093/month rent, which is about 16% of this income. Insight: The 95.0 COL index suggests you can live well on less than the national equivalent, making $80k-$90k a robust target for comfort.

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

Hereโ€™s my honest verdict: if youโ€™re chasing top dollar, Orem wonโ€™t be your first stop, but it punches above its weight when you factor in the cost of living. With a COL index of 95 and rent at $1,093, that $68,417 average salary stretches further than youโ€™d expect. Marketing Managers are the clear winners here, pulling in $155K+ and a COL-adjusted $163K.

For who benefits most? Tech and skilled trades thrive hereโ€”healthcare pays okay, but the real upside is in tech roles and hands-on trades that feed the local economy. My advice? If youโ€™re moving here for work, negotiate remote flexibility. Oremโ€™s affordability makes it a smart home base, and commuting to Salt Lake on the rare occasions you need to wonโ€™t kill you.

Explore Orem Further