The primary industries for the Salt Lake City economy are government, professional and business services, and trade, transportation and utilities. Combined, the federal, state and local governments provide a large number of jobs. The Salt Lake City area is a major industrial banking center and includes the headquarters of the vast majority of the nation's industrial banks. The numerous regional distribution centers, the major call centers and conventions also add to the economy.
The Salt Lake City economy benefits from the outdoor recreation tourist industry, which is primarily based on skiing. Tourism in the Wasatch Mountains is a primary source of employment.
The State of Utah, Intermountain Healthcare and the University of Utah are major employers. Noteworthy companies headquartered in Salt Lake City are Sinclair Oil Corporation, Alpha Graphics, Smith's Food and Drug and Zions Bancorporation. Salt Lake City includes the international headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Prominent firms based in the metropolitan area include Overstock.com, Arctic Circle Restaurants and Franklin Covey. High-tech companies with a presence in the region include Unisys, Micron, 3M, Siebel and L-3 Communications. The notable e-Bay also has facilities in the area.
Shown below is a list of the major employers in Salt Lake City:
- State of Utah
- Intermountain Healthcare
- University of Utah
- Salt Lake County
- Smith's Food & Drug Centers
- U.S. Postal Service
- Novus Credit Services
- Delta Airlines
- Cordant Technologies
- Salt Lake City School District
- Salt Lake City Corporation
- Zions First International Bank
- PacifiCorp
- Wells Fargo
- Fred Meyers Stores
- Sears Roebuck and Company
- C R England Inc
- Primary Children's Hospital
- Salt Lake Community College
- LDS Hospital
The leading employment fields in Salt Lake City:
- Trade, transportation and utilities
- Healthcare services
- Government
- Educational services
- Computer services
- Manufacturing
- Construction
Noteworthy information about Salt Lake City, Utah: Estimated median household income in 2007: $43,000. Cost of living index in 2008: 93.1 (U.S. average: 100). Adult population which has achieved a bachelor's degree or better: 34%.
Salt Lake City businesses are provided assistance by associations such as:
- Salt Lake City Area Chamber of Commerce
- Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development
- Utah Manufacturers Association
- Economic Development Corporation Utah
- Utah Small Business Development Center
The Salt Lake Tribune provides details about the local business community.