Are Utah wages truly "low"? (Francis: apartments, for rent)

[Moon Waffle]

I ask because I am currently considering a job opportunity in SLC that pays a very nice salary which I believe to be very competitive for my field. In fact, I've been looking for some time and have found this to be one of the best offers I've received. (And I've received other offers from some very prominent companies.)

So is my situation an anomaly, or does Utah really pay lower wages?

[kaytidid]

I don't know. I know my husband makes a decent wage for what he does. I think wages are coming up, but in general, I think they are a bit lower than what you might net someplace else. There are jobs that do pay quite well, and if you have that opportunity, grab it!

[kwm03160]

Originally Posted by Moon Waffle

I ask because I am currently considering a job opportunity in SLC that pays a very nice salary which I believe to be very competitive for my field. In fact, I've been looking for some time and have found this to be one of the best offers I've received. (And I've received other offers from some very prominent companies.)

So is my situation an anomaly, or does Utah really pay lower wages?

I think it depends a lot on the field. Some fields (like business, for example), pay pretty low because of the number of graduates Utah's colleges churn out.

[Moon Waffle]

^Interesting.

The job I'm considering is in the business sector.

[kwm03160]

Originally Posted by Moon Waffle

^Interesting.

The job I'm considering is in the business sector.

Accounting specifically is overcrowded. There are a lot of business schools in Utah (Utah State, Weber State, U of U, Westminster, BYU, UVU, and USU, but I may be missing one). Wages are depressed compared to other states. If you want to go into public accounting entry level, there is A LOT of competition.

[zena564]

Just remember that the cost of living in Utah is generally lower than in most other metropolitan areas. For example, I just moved from Las Vegas as a teacher. My pay is approximately $4000 less in Utah. However, my mortgage on a 3 bedroom house is LESS than what I paid for RENTING a 2 bedroom apartment in Las Vegas. So, you need to keep this in mind as well.

[Moon Waffle]

^That's exactly what I was suspicious of when I posted this thread. I realize Utah wages may be a bit lower than the national average, but so is the cost of living. If I moved to San Francisco, I'd expect wages to be higher than the national average, again in line with the cost of living.

[cinnabon]

In my field (social work) salaries seem to be generally comparable to what they are in the ultra expensive NYC/NJ metro area where I live now. I got a job in SLC which is a slightly lower level job, but they are paying me a few more thousand than what I'm making in NJ, although I did have to negotiate for the increase. But I would imagine the upper end caps may be higher in NJ, and definitely in NYC. I guess it partially depends on the field. In any case, the cost of living is incredibly less in SLC. Apartments seem to run about 30%+ cheaper, and houses even more.

[Aerorick]

I think there are some other issues with jobs in Utah that have to be considered. There is a very common form new employees must agree to that states while the employee is free to leave the job at any time the employer reserves the right to terminate any employee at any time with or without cause. That's usually the type of language you'd see during a probation period. But in Utah it's the norm regardless of time on the job. And with unions about as common as unicorns in this state any job security is about as solid as the bosse's mood and whether his son-in-law needs your job.

[roosterspur]

Oh yea Moon Waffle are you a Mormon ? If not you will have a hard row to ho in Utah .
In other words you wont do very well .So if your not seriously consider converting and if you wont then better stay home .
Been there done that and I know how it works in Utah !