๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 95 โ€” Below Avg Cost

Salaries in Provo, UT

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

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

Avg. Salary
$68,066
across 40 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$71,649
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Marketing Manager
$155,255
1BR Rent
$1,093
median monthly

Hereโ€™s a look at what you can expect to earn in Provo in 2026, and whether your paycheck will actually go the distance.

First, the surprising part: Provoโ€™s 2.8% unemployment rate is tighter than most major coastal cities. That doesnโ€™t just mean jobs are easier to findโ€”it means employers here have to work harder to keep you. The flip side? That competition hasnโ€™t yet translated into the wild salary spikes you see elsewhere, even with heavy-hitting tech and pharma in town.

Letโ€™s talk real purchasing power. Provoโ€™s cost of living sits at 95.0, meaning your dollar stretches about 5% further than the national average. A one-bedroom apartment runs you $1,093 a month. With a median household income of $62,556, thatโ€™s roughly 19% of your gross pay going to rentโ€”comfortable by most standards. The average salary across all roles is $68,066, but when you adjust for that lower cost of living, its real value jumps to $71,649. Thatโ€™s not a bad deal, especially if youโ€™re coming from a pricier market.

So who actually thrives here? The economy is powered by a mix of tech education (hello, BYU), healthcare, and construction. Youโ€™ll find major employers like Nu Skin and a growing cluster of software firms. The top-paying jobs reflect that: Software Developers pull in $125,351, while Pharmacists and Marketing Managers easily top $130,000. Construction Managers also do well, earning $106,586, a testament to the cityโ€™s steady growth.

Hereโ€™s my honest take: Wages are solid, but theyโ€™re not exploding. That 48% of residents holding a bachelorโ€™s degree or higher points to a skilled workforce, which can keep salary growth in check. The city is a fantastic financial fit for young professionals and families who want a strong job market without the brutal expenses of a big coastal hub. It might feel a bit tight if youโ€™re in a field where Provoโ€™s industry mix isnโ€™t a perfect fit.

The data below will break down the top-paying roles and show you exactly where the money isโ€”and what itโ€™s really worth here.

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

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 226
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 226
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 680
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 226
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 226

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

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 Social Worker $49,249
26 Insurance Agent $49,249
27 Pharmacy Technician $49,249
28 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $49,249
29 Dental Assistant $49,249
30 Loan Officer $49,249
31 Nail Technician $49,249
32 Cosmetologist $49,249
33 Chef/Head Cook $49,249
34 Personal Trainer $49,249
35 Auto Mechanic $49,249
36 Veterinary Technician $49,249
37 Welder $48,846
38 Medical Assistant $37,695
39 Security Guard $35,597
40 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $35,223

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

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Provo

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$1,093/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$1,253/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$500,000
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
2.8%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$62,556
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
48%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
45/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
95
Below Avg Cost

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in Provo?

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

โ“ Provo Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Provo, UT?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations in Provo is $68,066. This figure is based on 2026 data for a wide range of jobs. Insight: This average is 9.1% higher than the city's median household income of $62,556, indicating a concentration of higher-paying roles.

What jobs pay the most in Provo?

โ–ผ
The highest paying role in Provo is Marketing Manager, with an average salary of $155,255. This is more than double the city's overall average salary of $68,066. Insight: The top role's salary is over 2.5 times the median household income, highlighting a significant earnings gap.

Is Provo affordable on a Marketing Manager salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, Provo is highly affordable on a Marketing Manager's $155,255 salary. The city's cost of living index is 95.0, 5% below the national average, and a 1BR apartment rents for $1,093/month. Insight: This salary is 2.5 times the median household income, providing substantial financial comfort in a low-cost area.

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

โ–ผ
Provo's cost of living index of 95.0 means your paycheck goes 5% further than the national average. For an average salary of $68,066, this effectively increases purchasing power. Insight: The low COL amplifies the value of salaries, especially for roles above the average, like Marketing Managers.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Provo?

โ–ผ
To live comfortably, a salary around $75,000 is recommended, based on Provo's $1,093/month rent and 95.0 COL index. This is slightly above the city's average salary of $68,066. Insight: Comfort is achievable with a modest premium over the average, thanks to the city's below-average living costs.

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

As your editor, hereโ€™s my blunt take: Provo in 2026 is a smart financial bet if you play to its strengths. With a cost-of-living index of 95.0 and rent at just $1,093, your paycheck stretches further than in most tech hubs. The average salary of $68,066 feels comfortable here, especially when you see the ceilingโ€”marketing managers are pulling in $155k, or a COL-adjusted $163k.

My verdict? Yes, Provo is absolutely worth it financially, especially if you're in tech, healthcare, or the skilled trades. The booming tech scene (Silicon Slopes) is the obvious draw, but healthcare and trades see high demand with a lower barrier to entry than coastal cities.

My one piece of advice if you're considering the move: don't just chase the highest salary number. Look at the COL-adjusted earnings. A $100k job in Provo often beats a $150k offer in a city where rent eats half your check. Do the math, and you'll see why this valley is a hidden gem.

Explore Provo Further