Salaries in Orem, UT
What every job actually pays โ cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data
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, itโs a workerโs market, and top salaries here rival those in much pricier cities. This isnโt just a bedroom community for Salt Lake anymore.
Letโs talk real purchasing power. Oremโs cost of living sits at 95โ5% below the national average. That median household income of $82,348 stretches further than youโd expect. A one-bedroom apartment runs you about $1,093 a month. That means your salary isnโt just a number; itโs a tangible lifestyle here. Itโs a genuine bargain, especially if youโre coming from a coastal tech hub.
Whoโs thriving? The tech and healthcare sectors are the obvious powerhouses. Youโve 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 cityโs future. The average salary across all roles might be $68,417, but that figure hides a lot of earning potential in specific fields.
Hereโs my honest take: while wages are strong, theyโre not keeping pace with the rapid population growth. The housing market is getting tighter, and that $1,093 rent isnโt 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. Itโs 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. Itโs worth a close look.
๐ Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Orem
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
๐ 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.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
๐๏ธ Living Costs in Orem
๐งฎ 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
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๐ Editor's Verdict: Is Orem Worth It?
Hereโs my honest verdict: if youโre chasing top dollar, Orem wonโt 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 youโd 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 hereโhealthcare pays okay, but the real upside is in tech roles and hands-on trades that feed the local economy. My advice? If youโre moving here for work, negotiate remote flexibility. Oremโs affordability makes it a smart home base, and commuting to Salt Lake on the rare occasions you need to wonโt kill you.