Aerospace and Defense

Located adjacent to Hill Air Force Base (Hill AFB), Ogden is a premiere destination for aerospace and defense businesses, and the center of Utah’s aerospace and defense industry. A strong commitment to the industry from state and local leaders, a highly skilled workforce, and a robust education pipeline have fostered a highly dynamic business environment. The Ogden aerospace and defense industry encompasses a range of specialties, from jet engine design and production, avionics and tech and software applications.

As the Air Force continues to invest in and implement advanced software and technology to support their mission and systems, the defense-tech sector has grown in Ogden. Two software initiatives out of Hill AFB are based at the Startup Ogden coworking space: SkiCAMP and EDDGE Advanced Development. These two initiatives perform software development for various programs at Hill AFB, with a focus on user-centered design and DevSecOps. Additionally, the multibillion-dollar Sentinel Program (GBSD), F-35 fighter jet, cyber security applications, and guidance systems out of Hill AFB are creating a large demand for business partners and talent to support these initiatives. 

Aerospace and Defense by the Numbers:

  • 242 Businesses

  • 10,034 Jobs (Private Sector)

  • 5.02 LQ - Aerospace & Defense Industry Employment

  • $101,489 Avg. Annual Wage

  • 8.3% of Total Regional Employment

Industry Sectors

Industry (Private Sector only) Empl. LQ Avg. Ann Wage
Engineering Services 4,461 2.12 $106,327
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing 1,758 58.40 $115,788
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing 1,629 11.88 $150,225
Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing 1,606 10.88 $112,875
Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing 310 1.78 $70,388
Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing 106 6.90 $110,465

Workforce

Occupation Empl. Avg.  Wage
Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other 1,189 $92,800
Computer Occupations, All Other 622 $95,900
General and Operations Managers 608 $113,600
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products 425 $89,500
Mechanical Engineers 478 $102,900
Civil Engineers 760 $92,200
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 438 $110,500
Management Analysts  437 $92,300

Major Employers

Company Employees
Hill Air Force Base 25,000 +
Northrop Grumman 2000 to 2999
BAE 500 to 999
JBT Aerotech 500 to 999
Parker Hannifin 500 to 999
Petersen Inc. 500 to 999
Williams International 500 to 999
Barnes Aerospace 100 to 249

Education & Training

Over 2,500 students complete engineering and manufacturing programs at area colleges each year. These colleges include: 

  • Weber State University
  • Utah State University
  • University of Utah
  • Bridgerland, Davis, and Ogden-Weber technical colleges 
  • Salt Lake Community College

Pathway programs at local high schools like OTECH high, include Advanced Composites, Engineering, and Information Technology. Apprenticeships developed by industry associations receive state funding (e.g., Machine Utah). 

Aerospace and Defense Related Regional Degree Completions

  • Engineering: 2,160

  • Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians: 946

  • Engineering Technologies: 659

  • Precision Production: 473

Industry data sources: JobsEQ Q4 2024; Utah Firm Find