Major Employers
Northern Utah is home to a diverse group of major employers that drive economic growth, innovation, and job creation across the region. Anchored by Hill Air Force Base and supported by strong aerospace, manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors, these organizations help power a resilient and highly skilled regional economy.
Hill Air Force Base: A Major Economic Engine for Northern Utah
Hill Air Force Base is one of Northern Utah’s most powerful economic drivers, employing nearly 27,000 military, civilian, and contract personnel and supporting a combined population of more than 32,500 service members and dependents. According to the 2024 Hill Air Force Base Economic Impact Statement, the base generates an estimated $12.76 billion in total annual economic impact, including $2.1 billion in government payroll, $4.3 billion in annual expenditures, and more than $6.3 billion in indirect economic activity throughout the region. Hill AFB also supports an estimated 67,000 jobs, reinforcing Northern Utah’s strength in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and defense-related industries.
Northern Utah Major Employers
Northern Utah is anchored by a diverse mix of major employers spanning defense, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and professional services. The region is home to large employment centers including Hill Air Force Base, Northrop Grumman, Intermountain Healthcare, Weber State University, Autoliv, Lifetime Products, and multiple federal agencies. This employer diversity supports economic stability, workforce depth, and long-term resilience across business cycles.
Aerospace & Defense
Aerospace and defense are cornerstone industries in Northern Utah, led by Hill Air Force Base and a dense network of defense contractors and suppliers. Major companies such as Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Williams International, Barnes Aerospace, and Parker Hannifin support both military and commercial programs, including advanced propulsion, composites, and precision systems. This cluster benefits from a highly skilled engineering workforce, strong federal investment, and specialized education and training pipelines.
Advanced Manufacturing
Manufacturing is one of Northern Utah’s largest employment sectors, with more than 32,700 workers and a strong concentration in advanced manufacturing. The region supports a wide range of high-value production, including aerospace components, medical devices, electronics, composites, and precision machining. Competitive operating costs, robust supply chains, and access to technical training through local universities and technical colleges make Northern Utah an attractive location for advanced and scalable manufacturing operations.
Major Employers – Northern Utah
