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 Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (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:

  • 223 Businesses

  • 20,752 Jobs (Private Sector)

  • 4.53 LQ - Aerospace & Defense Industry Employment

  • $86,436 Avg. Annual Wage

  • 7.3% of Total Regional Employment

Industry Sectors

Industry (Private Sector only) Empl. LQ Avg. Ann Wage
Engineering Services 3,309 1.68 $88,720
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing 1,880 81.37 $92,844
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing 1,383 11.57 $138,392
Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing 680 4.18 $77,627
Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing 316 1.53 $71,677
Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing 81 6.34 $107,781

Workforce

Occupation Empl. LQ Avg.  Wage
Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other 1,430 1.47 $79,900
Computer Occupations, All Other 774 2.26 $80,200
General and Operations Managers 591 1.69 $87,600
Personal Service Managers, All Other; Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling; and Managers, All Other 495 1.13 $95,400
Mechanical Engineers 432 1.64 $94,900
Electrical Engineers 389 1.14 $89,500
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 352 0.71 $100,000
Logisticians 349 2.10 $79,800

Major Employers

Company Employees
Hill Air Force Base 25,000 +
Barnes Aerospace 100 to 249
Borsight 50 to 99
JBT Aerotech 250 to 499
Northrop Grumman 250 to 499
Parker Hannifin Control Systems 500 to 999
Petersen Inc. 250 to 499
PCC Structurals 250 to 499

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 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: 1,402

  • Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians: 482

  • Engineering Technologies: 441

  • Precision Production: 209

Industry data sources: JobsEQ Q2 2020; Utah Firm Find