US
Salt Lake City, UT
Utah salary market
$85.8K
Avg / Year
-13% vs U.S.
vs National
710
Employment
$7.1K
Monthly Avg
Updated for 2026

Computer Programmer Salary in Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

The Computer Programmer salary in Salt Lake City, UT for 2026 is presented as a modeled salary benchmark built from the latest official BLS wage baseline, then extended with wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available. This guide compares the Salt Lake City, UT market with the U.S. baseline and breaks projected pay down by experience, skills, industry, and nearby markets.

Official BLS baseline: 2024Salt Lake City, UT city pageModeled salary guide10 min read
City Average
$85.8K
per year
Entry Level
$58.1K
starting range
Senior Level
$112K
upper local band
Remote / Hybrid
$87.5K
modeled local premium
Monthly
$7.1K
avg before tax
Hourly Rate
$43
median equivalent
Salary figures projected to 2026  from May 2024BLS OEWS baseline  ·  Projections use wage history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available
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Computer Programmer Salary Overview in Salt Lake City, UT

Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Computer Programmer pay in Salt Lake City, UT at about $85,778.0 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $59,860.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $136,220.

Salary estimates are based on data from the Salt Lake City-Murray, Ut metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities such as Murray.

If you’re comparing Computer Programmer salaries in Salt Lake City, UT, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.

Salt Lake City, UT vs. U.S. National Average

Salt Lake City, UT pays -13% vs u.s. for Computer Programmer roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.

United States National Average
$98.7K
all U.S. markets combined
-13%
Salt Lake City, UT Premium
Salt Lake City, UT City Average
$85.8K
Computer Programmer
MarketProjected Salaryvs Salt Lake City, UTMarket Maturity
Salt Lake City, UT (this guide)$85,778.0BaselineLocal market
United States$98,670.0+15% vs U.S.National baseline
Ogden, UT$97,090.0+13% vs U.S.Comparable city
Logan, UT$88,200.0+3% vs U.S.Comparable city
Provo, UT$84,770.0-1% vs U.S.Comparable city
Why Salt Lake City, UT pay differsThe strongest city salary premiums usually appear where employers compete for specialized talent, where the role is concentrated, and where local costs make compensation harder to hold down.

Computer Programmer Salary by Experience Level in Salt Lake City, UT

Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Salt Lake City, UT, this breakdown shows how aComputer Programmer can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.

Entry-Level
0-2 years
$69.8K
$41/hr median equivalent
$58.1K - $85.8K
Mid-Level
3-5 years
$85.8K
$41/hr median equivalent
$69.8K - $112K
Senior
6-10 years
$112K
$41/hr median equivalent
$85.8K - $132K
Lead / Principal
10+ years
$132K
$41/hr median equivalent
$112K - $161K
LevelExperienceProjected SalaryProjected RangeMarket Signal
Entry-Level Computer Programmer0-2 years$69,779.0$58,078.0 - $85,778.0-29% vs U.S.
Mid-Level Computer Programmer3-5 years$85,778.0$69,779.0 - $111,877-13% vs U.S.
Senior Computer Programmer6-10 years$111,877$85,778.0 - $132,165+13% vs U.S.
Lead / Principal Computer Programmer10+ years$132,165$111,877 - $161,241+34% vs U.S.
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Best Salary Areas Near Salt Lake City, UT

Nearby metro areas help show how Computer Programmer pay changes around Salt Lake City, UT. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.

#1
Salt Lake City, UT
$85.8K
avg / year
Salary estimates are based on data from the Salt Lake City-Murray, Ut metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities such as Murray.
This guide
#2
Ogden, UT
$97.1K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Computer Programmer salaries around Salt Lake City, UT.
+13% vs U.S.
#3
Logan, UT
$88.2K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Computer Programmer salaries around Salt Lake City, UT.
+3% vs U.S.
#4
Provo, UT
$84.8K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Computer Programmer salaries around Salt Lake City, UT.
-1% vs U.S.
#5
Provo, UT
$110K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Computer Programmer salaries around Salt Lake City, UT.
+28% vs U.S.

Computer Programmer Salary by Industry in Salt Lake City, UT

Industry premiums in Salt Lake City, UT usually come from employers that place the Computer Programmer role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.

IndustryModeled SalaryReference RangeSignal
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction$134,260$91,590.0 - $160,490Stronger salary
Utilities$131,760$83,140.0 - $164,720Stronger salary
Transportation and Warehousing$110,240$71,720.0 - $204,300Stronger salary
Finance and Insurance$106,970$71,320.0 - $185,870Competitive
Management of Companies and Enterprises$106,470$66,450.0 - $149,790Competitive
Information$104,750$50,190.0 - $201,230Competitive
Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing$103,570$49,520.0 - $141,230Competitive
Health Care and Social Assistance$101,140$65,020.0 - $137,700Competitive

Entry-Level Computer Programmer Salary in Salt Lake City, UT

Entry-level Computer Programmer jobs in Salt Lake City, UT are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.

For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Computer Programmer salary guide.

Entry estimateA reasonable entry-level salary benchmark for Computer Programmer roles in Salt Lake City, UT is about $69,779.0.
Preparation pathJob Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Typical education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. Training signal: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Remote vs Onsite Computer Programmer Pay in Salt Lake City, UT

Remote work can widen the employer pool for Computer Programmer candidates in Salt Lake City, UT. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.

Local Onsite Role
$85,778.0
avg local employer
Hybrid Role
$87,493.6
modeled local premium
+2% local avg
Work TypeEstimated SalaryExperienceBest FitFlexibility
Remote$84,062.4Market dependentNational hiring poolsHigh
Hybrid$87,493.6Metro dependentSalt Lake City, UT employersMedium
Onsite$85,778.0Location dependentLocal teams and operationsLower

Cost of Living vs Salary in Salt Lake City, UT

A salary in Salt Lake City, UT should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.

Monthly Expense
Entry
Mid
Senior
Housing / rent
$1.1K
$1.6K
$2.0K
Transport / commute
$250.2
$285.9
$321.7
Food and groceries
$536.1
$571.9
$643.3
Utilities and internet
$250.2
$285.9
$321.7
Estimated remainder
$2.4K
$3.7K
$4.6K
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Top Employers Hiring Computer Programmers in Salt Lake City, UT

Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Computer Programmer pay tends to be strongest in Salt Lake City, UT, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.

1
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction employers
$134K
Industry benchmark for Computer Programmer roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
2
Utilities employers
$132K
Industry benchmark for Computer Programmer roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
3
Transportation and Warehousing employers
$110K
Industry benchmark for Computer Programmer roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
4
Finance and Insurance employers
$107K
Industry benchmark for Computer Programmer roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
5
Management of Companies and Enterprises employers
$106K
Industry benchmark for Computer Programmer roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
6
Information employers
$105K
Industry benchmark for Computer Programmer roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.

Salt Lake City, UT Compared With Other U.S. Cities

This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherSalt Lake City, UT is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Computer Programmer work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.

Salt Lake City, UT
This guide
$85.8K
Baseline
Ogden, UT
Nearby U.S. market
$97.1K
+13% vs U.S.
Logan, UT
Nearby U.S. market
$88.2K
+3% vs U.S.
Provo, UT
Nearby U.S. market
$84.8K
-1% vs U.S.
Provo, UT
Nearby U.S. market
$110K
+28% vs U.S.
Ogden, UT
Nearby U.S. market
$86.0K
Near national
Logan, UT
Nearby U.S. market
$84.3K
-2% vs U.S.

Career Growth Opportunities in Salt Lake City, UT

Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.

1
Intern / Trainee
$57.2K - $77.0K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
2
Junior
$71.0K - $93.7K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
3
Mid Level
$88.8K - $111K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
4
Senior
$107K - $138K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
5
Lead
$126K - $160K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
6
Principal / Architect
$148K - $202K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
BLS Demand SignalEmployment is projected to change by -6.0% from 2024 to 2034.
DecliningAnnual openings: 5.5 thousand.
Metric2026 Outlook
Projected employment121.2k → 113.9k
Typical educationMost of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Related experienceA considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Local market anchor710 jobs with a median of $85,778.0

Factors Affecting Computer Programmer Salary in Salt Lake City, UT

Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.

Years of Experience
Salary usually rises as the role moves from entry-level execution to independent ownership, mentoring, and broader decision-making.
Location and Cost of Living
Local salary ranges vary by labor market, employer density, and household-income context.
Industry
Industry pay can vary when employers in higher-margin or harder-to-staff sectors compete for the same occupation.
Specialized Skills
O*NET marks high-demand role-specific skills as relevant skills for this role, making them useful anchors for specialization and salary-growth content.

How to Increase Your Computer Programmer Salary in Salt Lake City, UT

In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.

1
Benchmark against stronger markets
Compare national, metro, and industry salary facts before negotiating so your target range is grounded in current wage data.
1-3 months timeline
2
Build a visible specialization
Prioritize skills such as high-demand role-specific skills; O*NET relevance scores make these good first candidates for portfolio and resume positioning.
3-9 months timeline
3
Target higher-paying industries
Use industry salary facts to identify sectors that already pay above the occupation baseline.
2-6 months timeline
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Computer Programmer Salary in Salt Lake City, UT: FAQs

These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.

These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Computer Programmer" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.

What is the average Computer Programmer in Salt Lake City, UTs salary?
The latest national baseline for Computer Programmers is about $98,700 per year, based on the current BLS-derived salary facts in CareerClev.
What is the entry-level Computer Programmer in Salt Lake City, UTs salary?
Entry-level estimates for Computer Programmers are modeled around the lower BLS percentile range, currently about $52,200 per year nationally.
How much can senior Computer Programmer in Salt Lake City, UTs professionals earn?
Senior Computer Programmers estimates are modeled from upper percentile wage bands and currently sit around $129,000 per year nationally.
Does location affect Computer Programmer in Salt Lake City, UTs salary?
Yes. CareerClev stores salary facts by national, state, and metro locations, so location-specific pages should use the closest available geography instead of a single national number.
Which skills matter for Computer Programmer in Salt Lake City, UTs salary growth?
CareerClev uses O*NET skill importance and level scores to identify role-relevant skills. These are useful for recommendations, but should not be presented as measured salary premiums unless enriched compensation data exists.
Data
Data Sources & MethodologyUpdated using 2024 BLS OEWS salary facts, O*NET occupation-skill data, Census location context where available, ILOSTAT country benchmarks where mapped, BLS Employment Projections where imported, and Stack Overflow Developer Survey enrichment for mapped tech roles.
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.
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