{"schema_version": 1, "id": "ogden-clearfield-ut-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10", "product": "Metro Job Market Pulse", "metro": {"geography_id": 7, "label": "Ogden-Clearfield, UT MSA", "slug": "ogden-clearfield-ut-msa"}, "focus_area": {"key": "general_conditions", "slug": "metro-job-market", "label": "General Market Conditions"}, "period": "2026-10", "public_after": "2026-10-01", "frozen_at": "2026-11-03T07:59:57.910095+00:00", "headline": "Ogden job growth stabilizes after a quiet 2025 slide.", "headline_summary": "Weber County employment rebounded with back-to-back 1,000-job gains in July and August after averaging 250 monthly job losses through 2025, even as Utah's average weekly wage fell 2.6% year-over-year.", "key_indicators": [{"label": "Ogden-Clearfield unemployment rate", "value": "3.5%", "context": "vs 4.1% national rate, ranked 32nd-lowest of 108 metros"}, {"label": "Metro job growth, July-Aug 2026", "value": "+1,000/mo", "context": "vs -250/mo average monthly loss across 2025"}, {"label": "Utah average weekly wage", "value": "-2.6% YoY", "context": "despite state adding 25,200 jobs over same period"}, {"label": "Utah WARN filings, 2026", "value": "13 notices / 1,861 workers", "context": "vs 3,860 notices / 340,316 workers nationally"}], "takeaways": [{"headline": "Job growth has cooled, but not reversed.", "body": "Ogden-Clearfield averaged a monthly loss of 250 jobs through 2025 before posting back-to-back 1,000-job gains in July and August 2026. That pattern is consistent with a metro economy stabilizing after a slowdown, a distinction that matters for anyone reading the headline unemployment rate as the full story."}, {"headline": "Wage gains are concentrated in a narrow set of trades.", "body": "HVAC technicians and food service workers both show significant local pay increases, while retail, warehouse, and manufacturing production roles are flat or declining. That pattern suggests tight local supply in specific skilled and frontline categories, a nuance that matters for reading consumer spending power broadly."}, {"headline": "Statewide wages are falling even as job counts rise.", "body": "Utah's average weekly wage dropped 2.6% year-over-year even as the state added 25,200 jobs, a divergence that may suggest job growth is concentrated in lower-wage categories or hours are compressing. Local economists should watch whether Ogden-Clearfield's healthcare and manufacturing wage strength offsets this statewide softening or merely tracks it."}, {"headline": "Construction pay is pulling in opposite directions locally and nationally.", "body": "Metro construction laborer pay fell significantly even as the national figure rose moderately, a split worth flagging given the Gardner Institute's 3.2% statewide construction job growth forecast. That divergence may reflect local labor supply conditions distinct from the state's broader construction wage story."}], "local_conditions": "Ogden-Clearfield's unemployment rate held at 3.5% through mid-2026, with Weber County nonfarm employment reaching 124,719 in July, but the pace of job creation has thinned sharply \u2014 from roughly 297 new jobs per month over the past five years to an average monthly loss of 250 jobs across 2025, before stabilizing with 1,000-job gains in both July and August. Wage data shows a split economy: manufacturing ($1,453 average weekly wage) and healthcare ($1,108) anchor the metro's pay structure, while statewide average weekly wages actually fell 2.6% year-over-year even as education and health services led job creation with 8,900 new positions.", "implications": "Slower net job creation alongside continued sector-level hiring demand in healthcare, construction, and manufacturing points to an economy that is rotating, a distinction that matters for how commerce leaders read expansion signals and how economists interpret workforce participation data. Advertised pay for HVAC technicians (up significantly, $78,474 metro median) and food service workers (up significantly, $36,837) suggests localized wage pressure concentrated in a handful of trades, which has different implications for consumer spending capacity than an economy-wide wage surge. Commerce leaders evaluating expansion timing should weigh the metro's still-low 3.5% unemployment rate against the deceleration in net job additions \u2014 conditions suggest a market that can support targeted growth in healthcare and skilled trades without necessarily indicating broad-based economic acceleration.", "looking_ahead": [{"category": "Worth watching", "body": "August and July's 1,000-job monthly gains need a third consecutive month to confirm lasting stabilization instead of a short rebound from 2025's losses. Commerce leaders weighing expansion timing should treat September-October data as the real test."}, {"category": "Emerging pressure point", "body": "Statewide average weekly wages fell 2.6% year-over-year even as Utah added jobs broadly \u2014 a divergence that, if it persists at the metro level, would complicate the picture for household spending capacity across Weber, Davis, and Morgan counties."}, {"category": "Early indicator", "body": "Utah's labor force participation is rebalancing toward older workers (55+) while prime-age and youth participation declines, per state economist Ben Crabb. Watch whether this shift shows up in Ogden-area participation data, with implications for workforce pipeline depth that economic development officials track closely."}, {"category": "Potential inflection point", "body": "National WARN filings remain elevated (3,860 notices, 340,316 workers through late October) while Utah's filings stay localized \u2014 13 notices, 1,861 workers, led by Tyson Fresh Meats. A meaningful uptick in Weber or Davis county filings would signal the national cooling has reached Ogden directly."}], "roles": [{"role": "Retail Sales Associate", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 25932.0, "metro_p50": 31776.0, "metro_p75": 35204.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 33340.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Retail Cashier", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 26889.0, "metro_p50": 30160.0, "metro_p75": 32240.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 31268.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Warehouse/Fulfillment Associate", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 32116.0, "metro_p50": 36520.0, "metro_p75": 39520.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 38480.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "CDL Truck Driver", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 59096.5, "metro_p50": 78000.0, "metro_p75": 87100.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 78872.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Delivery Driver", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 30604.0, "metro_p50": 33961.0, "metro_p75": 38924.75, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 34826.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Construction Laborer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 33894.75, "metro_p50": 38480.0, "metro_p75": 41860.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 40726.6, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Electrician", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 59290.5, "metro_p50": 72383.0, "metro_p75": 79040.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 71835.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Manufacturing Production Worker/Assembler", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 32854.0, "metro_p50": 38927.0, "metro_p75": 42640.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 39520.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Customer Service Representative", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 33280.0, "metro_p50": 37440.0, "metro_p75": 40449.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 39520.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Food Service Worker", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 31200.0, "metro_p50": 36836.6, "metro_p75": 39140.5, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 33764.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Certified Nursing Assistant / Home Health Aide", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 34598.0, "metro_p50": 39520.0, "metro_p75": 42452.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 41600.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Administrative Assistant/Office Clerk", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 35148.0, "metro_p50": 43086.4, "metro_p75": 48880.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 44552.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "HVAC Technician", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 64299.5, "metro_p50": 78474.0, "metro_p75": 92418.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 71406.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Registered Nurse", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 79805.0, "metro_p50": 92050.0, "metro_p75": 100986.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 102252.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Software Engineer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 115300.0, "metro_p50": 149179.0, "metro_p75": 164523.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 154403.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Data Engineer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 98781.75, "metro_p50": 133078.0, "metro_p75": 147447.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 138000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Accountant", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 57500.5, "metro_p50": 70000.0, "metro_p75": 78528.75, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 72000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Financial Analyst", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 69295.0, "metro_p50": 94927.2, "metro_p75": 102577.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 94646.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "HR Generalist/Manager", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 55582.0, "metro_p50": 68673.0, "metro_p75": 75399.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 74477.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Marketing Specialist", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 46629.0, "metro_p50": 63440.0, "metro_p75": 76884.25, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 62916.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Operations Manager", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 70479.0, "metro_p50": 83270.0, "metro_p75": 95428.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 86294.2, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Elementary/Secondary School Teacher", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 31200.0, "metro_p50": 49261.0, "metro_p75": 55232.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 55908.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Account Manager", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 66478.0, "metro_p50": 103455.6, "metro_p75": 125000.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 94009.4, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Warehouse Manager", "data_scope": "state_rollup", "metro_p25": 43753.0, "metro_p50": 67375.6, "metro_p75": 69421.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 75000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Business Analyst", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 76493.5, "metro_p50": 97981.2, "metro_p75": 106873.5, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 98302.2, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}], "industry_snapshot": [{"sector": "Construction", "median_pay": 80040.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Manufacturing", "median_pay": 116700.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Retail Trade", "median_pay": 37215.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities", "median_pay": 65520.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Information", "median_pay": 140120.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Financial Activities", "median_pay": 87931.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Professional & Business Services", "median_pay": 77591.5, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Education & Health Services", "median_pay": 58327.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Leisure & Hospitality", "median_pay": 32240.0, "pay_trend_direction": "stable", "pay_trend_magnitude": "stable", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Government", "median_pay": 66286.0, "pay_trend_direction": "stable", "pay_trend_magnitude": "stable", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}], "citations": [{"source_name": "Utah Department of Workforce Services", "source_url": null, "statement": "Weber County nonfarm employment at 124,719 in July 2026"}, {"source_name": "Bureau of Labor Statistics", "source_url": null, "statement": "Metro averaged 250 monthly job losses in 2025, gained 1,000 jobs in July and August 2026"}, {"source_name": "USA Facts / Bureau of Labor Statistics", "source_url": null, "statement": "Utah average weekly wage fell 2.6% year-over-year"}, {"source_name": "USA Facts / Bureau of Labor Statistics", "source_url": null, "statement": "Ogden-Clearfield unemployment ranked 32nd-lowest among 108 large metros"}, {"source_name": "Utah WARN Act tracker", "source_url": null, "statement": "13 WARN notices filed in Utah in 2026 affecting 1,861 workers"}, {"source_name": "Utah Department of Workforce Services", "source_url": null, "statement": "Labor force participation rebalancing toward older workers in Utah"}], "methodology": "Advertised pay from active employer job postings, not survey data. WageScape's median is calibrated to correct for spurious low-value postings: distribution analysis shows roughly the lowest 10% of raw values are erroneous entries, so the reported median is the 60th percentile of raw advertised pay.", "edition_label": "November 2026", "files": {"html": "ogden-clearfield-ut-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.html", "pdf": "ogden-clearfield-ut-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.pdf", "sources_html": "ogden-clearfield-ut-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.sources.html"}, "published_at": "2026-11-03T08:27:30.820078+00:00", "report_html_url": "https://reports.wagescape.com/archive/v1/editions/ogden-clearfield-ut-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.html", "report_pdf_url": "https://reports.wagescape.com/archive/v1/editions/ogden-clearfield-ut-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.pdf"}