South Jordan, UT Salary Guide: The Real Value of a $100k Paycheck

You see a job offer for $100,000 in South Jordan. It looks solid. But the sticker price is never the real price. In a state that aggressively courts tech and finance, understanding the delta between gross and net is the difference between building wealth and living paycheck to paycheck.

Here is the unvarnished financial reality of earning six figures in Salt Lake County’s premier suburb.

---

The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

We ran the numbers through a standard deduction scenario for a single filer. Here is the brutal math of what actually lands in your bank account.

• Sticker Price: $100,000 (Annual Gross)
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA (Social Security/Medicare): -$7,650
• Utah State Tax: -$4,500
• Local Tax: -$0
• Total Liability: -$25,764

The Take Home Pay: $74,236 (Annual) / $6,186 (Monthly)

The Analysis:
You lose roughly 25.8% of your gross income to taxes immediately. While Utah doesn't have the crushing municipal tax burdens of New York City or Chicago, the state income tax is a flat 4.5%—a non-negotiable hit that reduces your purchasing power significantly. You aren't earning $100k; you are managing $74k.

---

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With $6,186 hitting your account every month, you have significant liquidity. However, South Jordan is a high-demand housing market. Here is how to deploy that cash without bleeding capital.

Needs ($3,093 / Month)

This bucket covers survival: Rent, utilities, groceries, and insurance.

• The Rent Reality: The median rent for a 1-bedroom in South Jordan hovers around $1,600 - $1,800. You can comfortably afford this category.
• Purchasing Power: You have roughly $1,300 left after rent and basic utilities. This is a healthy buffer for a car payment or insurance, but you must monitor lifestyle creep. A $600 car note would eat 20% of your "Needs" bucket instantly.

Wants ($1,856 / Month)

This is your lifestyle fund: Dining out, subscriptions, travel, and entertainment.

• The Analysis: Nearly $1,900 for "fun" is substantial for this region. You can fund a ski pass, frequent downtown Salt Lake City dining, and weekend trips.
• Warning: This is the wealth killer. If you blow this on a luxury car lease, you are sacrificing your savings potential.

Savings ($1,237 / Month)

This is your wealth creation engine.

• The Analysis: $1,237/mo is $14,844/year.
• Impact: This is enough to max out a Roth IRA (approx. $7,000) and still contribute heavily to a 401(k) or a brokerage account. This is the category that separates the middle class from the independently wealthy. Do not compromise here.

---

South Jordan Taxes vs. The Competition

How does South Jordan stack up against other high-growth hubs?

• Vs. New York City (NYC): In NYC, a $100k salary faces federal taxes, plus New York State tax, plus NYC residency tax. Your take-home would plummet to roughly $63,000. South Jordan puts $11,000+ more cash in your pocket annually.
• Vs. Austin, Texas: Texas has 0% State Income Tax. On the surface, Austin wins. However, Texas utilizes some of the highest property tax rates in the nation (often 1.8%+). Utah has lower property taxes (approx. 0.58% effective rate). If you plan to buy a home in South Jordan, the lack of state tax combined with lower property levies creates a lower total tax burden than Austin over a 10-year horizon.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the income tax rate in South Jordan?

South Jordan has 0% local city income tax. However, you are subject to the Utah State Income Tax rate of 4.5% (flat rate) and Federal taxes.

Is $100k a good salary in South Jordan?

Yes, it is a strong salary. It is above the median household income for the area. However, after taxes ($74k net), it provides a comfortable but not extravagant lifestyle if you plan to buy a home in the current high-interest-rate environment.

Does South Jordan have a local city tax?

No. There is no local income tax levied by the city of South Jordan. Your tax burden is strictly Federal + State (UT) + FICA.

---

• Methodology & Sources: Calculations based on IRS 2026 Tax Tables (Standard Deduction Single Filer), Social Security Administration FICA rates (6.2% SS, 1.45% Medicare), and Utah State Tax Commission rates. Cost of living data derived from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) CPI-U and regional housing market analysis.