A new national ranking puts Utah 4th overall — but first in the nation for office jobs per person.
Did you know Utah has more office jobs per person than any state in the country?
A new national study examining office work conditions across all 50 states found that Utah leads the nation in employment density for office and administrative support roles and ranks 4th overall nationwide for office work conditions.
The study, conducted by work management company Asana, evaluated states using a composite index that considered wages, job availability, employment density, and internet speeds. Utah earned an index score of 79.365 out of 100, placing it ahead of every neighboring state and just a fraction of a point behind third place.
Utah’s Standout Advantage: Job Density
What sets Utah apart is not pay alone, but the sheer number of office jobs available relative to population.
According to the study, Utah has 3,948 office jobs per 100,000 residents, the highest concentration in the nation. That figure surpasses nearby states including Idaho (10th), New Mexico (11th), Arizona (15th), Colorado (16th), Wyoming (28th), and Nevada (29th).
While Utah’s average yearly wage for office workers — $47,105 — is lower than some top-five states, the abundance of available positions appears to be a defining strength. The state also recorded 51 office job openings per 100,000 people, indicating steady demand across the sector.
Infrastructure Matters More Than Ever
In today’s increasingly remote and hybrid work environment, connectivity plays a major role in job viability. Utah’s average internet speed of 314.1 Mbps places it among the better-connected states nationally, supporting both traditional office work and work-from-home arrangements.
For fast-growing communities in Cedar Valley — including Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, and surrounding areas — that combination of job density and infrastructure helps explain why the region continues to attract both employers and workers tied to office-based roles.
How Utah Compares Nationally
The top five states in the study were separated by slim margins:
- New Hampshire ranked first with a score of 80.48, supported by strong wages and solid job availability.
- North Dakota followed closely in second, benefiting from high job density despite a smaller population.
- Rhode Island placed third, offering higher wages and some of the fastest internet speeds in the country.
- Utah ranked fourth, leading the nation in office job concentration.
- Massachusetts rounded out the top five, with the highest job opening rate and the strongest average wages among the group.
A spokesperson for Asana noted that the results challenge common assumptions about where the best office work environments exist.
“Office professionals across America face vastly different prospects depending on location. States offering the strongest combination of competitive wages, job availability, and technological infrastructure create the most favorable working conditions. The data shows that smaller states often provide surprisingly strong environments for office workers, with many offering better overall packages than larger, more populous locations.”
What This Means for Cedar Valley Residents
For local residents, the findings highlight several broader trends already visible across Utah County:
- Office and administrative roles remain widely available, even as some sectors fluctuate.
- Remote and hybrid work is increasingly viable, supported by statewide internet infrastructure.
- Job availability may matter as much as wages, particularly for families prioritizing stability, flexibility, or reduced commute times.
The study also underscores how employment density can influence long-term growth, housing demand, and transportation planning — issues that continue to shape Cedar Valley’s future.
Top 10 States for Office Workers (Summary)
| Rank | State | Index Score | Avg. Yearly Wage | Office Jobs per 100k | Internet Speed (Mbps) | Job Openings per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 80.48 | $50,058 | 3,723 | 317.9 | 64 |
| 2 | North Dakota | 79.61 | $48,619 | 3,880 | 244.3 | 63 |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 79.374 | $52,527 | 2,952 | 433.3 | 66 |
| 4 | Utah | 79.365 | $47,105 | 3,948 | 314.1 | 51 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 78.93 | $55,273 | 2,931 | 401.2 | 75 |
| 6 | Minnesota | 77.93 | $53,410 | 3,436 | 304.2 | 63 |
| 7 | Kansas | 77.73 | $42,868 | 3,387 | 325.7 | 70 |
| 8 | Alaska | 77.67 | $52,900 | 2,877 | 285.1 | 73 |
| 9 | New Jersey | 77.64 | $54,350 | 3,343 | 427.8 | 50 |
| 10 | Idaho | 77.49 | $47,085 | 3,827 | 230.1 | 45 |
Methodology
The study assessed office work conditions across all 50 U.S. states using a composite index. Data sources included:
- Wage and employment figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Job openings data from Jooble
- Statewide internet speed data from Wise Voter
Office and administrative support occupations were defined using Bureau of Labor Statistics classifications and included roles such as bookkeeping and accounting clerks, customer service representatives, receptionists, administrative assistants, dispatchers, financial clerks, postal service workers, and other office support positions.
Each state was scored based on wages, job availability, employment density, and internet infrastructure to determine overall office work conditions.
Photo by Alex Kotliarskyi on Unsplash
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.