Utah’s “Silicon Slopes” have transformed the state into a burgeoning tech hub, creating an exciting landscape for individuals with a Master’s degree in Machine Learning. This vibrant ecosystem, driven by a strong culture of entrepreneurship and significant venture capital, offers diverse and impactful career opportunities.
Here’s why Utah is an excellent choice for ML Master’s graduates:
Growing Demand and Competitive Salaries:
- Utah’s tech industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected 5% increase in tech jobs for 2024, adding over 5,000 new positions .
- The average annual salary for a Machine Learning Engineer in Utah is approximately $117,228, with top earners reaching over $162,000.
- There is a consistent demand for specialized skills in areas like data analysis, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI.
Diverse Industries and Innovative Companies:
Utah’s tech sector is home to both established corporations and a thriving startup scene, attracting major players like Adobe, Microsoft, and Motorola Solutions.
Opportunities for ML specialists exist across a variety of industries:
- Fintech: Companies like Discover leverage ML for analytics and financial services.
- Aerospace & Defense: The Aerospace Corporation utilizes AI and ML for national security and space exploration.
- Healthtech: Companies such as Dandy (dental industry transformation) and Overjet (dental AI) are innovating with machine learning in healthcare
- Customer Experience & Consulting: ClearSource and QualSights apply AI and ML to optimize customer journeys and gain insights.
- Software & SaaS: ServiceTitan, a leading platform for the trades, heavily incorporates AI and ML.
- New companies like Chief are emerging to help SaaS companies scale with AI-powered insights.
The state’s universities, such as Utah State University and the University of Utah, contribute to a highly educated tech workforce, ensuring a pipeline of talent and research.
Students with a Master’s degree in Machine Learning in Utah will find a dynamic and rapidly expanding job market, offering competitive compensation and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge AI and machine learning applications across diverse and innovative industries.
2025 Best Schools for Masters in Machine Learning Degrees in Utah
Looking for the best schools in Utah for a Master's in Machine Learning? mastersinmachinelearning.org has ranked the top programs to help you decide. Our list highlights schools that stand out for their quality, faculty, and research opportunities. Whether you're starting your career or aiming higher, these programs offer the skills you need. Check out our ranking methodology to see how we picked the best.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT - Public 4-Year - utah.edu
Master's - Computational & Data Science - Professional Science Master's (PSM)
Concentration: Machine Learning - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah offers a Professional Science Master's in Computational & Data Science with a specialized concentration in Machine Learning, tailored for individuals with a robust quantitative foundation. This program uniquely combines theoretical knowledge in algorithm development, machine learning, and statistical inference with hands-on, interdisciplinary projects to prepare students for the evolving demands of the data science field. Designed for flexibility, it allows full-time students to graduate in 2 years, with part-time options extending to 4 years. Admission prerequisites include a GPA above 3.0, along with coursework in calculus, linear algebra, and programming. The 36-credit curriculum not only focuses on technical skills but also incorporates transferable business competencies and culminates in a professional experience project, making graduates highly competitive in the job market. Notably, the program does not require an entrance exam, emphasizing accessibility for qualified candidates.
- Concentration in Machine Learning.
- Full-time completion in 2 years.
- Part-time options available.
- 36 credits required.
- GPA higher than 3.0 needed.
- Strong quantitative background prerequisite.
- Includes professional experience project.
- Blends theory with practical projects.
- Covers algorithm development.
- Focus on statistical inference.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT - Private 4-year - wgu.edu
Master's - Master of Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Concentration: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - Online Learning - Visit Website
Western Governors University offers an innovative Master of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, tailored for professionals aiming to deepen their knowledge in AI and ML. This fully online program emphasizes practical skills in AI algorithms, deep learning, and natural language processing, equipping students to tackle complex problems across various industries. With a unique competency-based learning model, students can advance through courses at their own pace, paying tuition per six-month term. The program stands out for its focus on ethical AI development and does not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants with a bachelor's degree. Graduates are well-prepared for cutting-edge careers in technology sectors.
- Online program
- Focus on AI and ML
- Flexible pacing
- Tuition per term
- Ethical AI practices
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Prepares for tech roles
- Includes NLP training
- Deep learning focus
- Admission with bachelor's
Schools by City
Find schools by city in the table below. Each entry shows the city and state, key programs, and a link to learn more. This makes it easy to compare options and find the right fit for your education needs. Explore the variety of programs available across different locations.
Salt Lake City, UT
University of Utah
- Master's - Computational & Data Science - Professional Science Master's (PSM)
Concentration: Machine Learning - Campus Based - Website
- Concentration in Machine Learning.
- Full-time completion in 2 years.
- Part-time options available.
- 36 credits required.
- GPA higher than 3.0 needed.
- Strong quantitative background prerequisite.
- Includes professional experience project.
- Blends theory with practical projects.
Western Governors University
- Master's - Master of Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Concentration: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - Online Learning - Website
- Online program
- Focus on AI and ML
- Flexible pacing
- Tuition per term
- Ethical AI practices
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Prepares for tech roles
- Includes NLP training
Local Job Market Analysis
What Are the Jobs Like for Machine Learning Grads in Utah?
Utah’s emerging tech hub offers diverse machine learning opportunities across industries from healthcare to enterprise software. Here’s what leading Utah employers are seeking and what they’re willing to pay for top ML talent.
Core Programming and Technical Skills
Python Dominance with Multi-Language Requirements
Python remains the universal requirement across all Utah ML positions. Adobe (Lehi) requires expertise in Java or Python for their ML Engineer 4 role paying $142,700-$257,600, focusing on NLP and LLM fine-tuning for digital experiences. Humana (Salt Lake City) demands 7+ years of Python experience with data manipulation libraries for their Lead ML Engineer position at $142,300-$195,700, emphasizing healthcare AI applications.
BambooHR (Draper) uniquely requires functional languages like Clojure alongside Python for their Senior AI/ML Engineer role, building conversational agents and HR intelligence platforms. iFIT (Logan) combines TypeScript and Python skills for fitness/health domain applications, offering $80K-$120K for production ML systems.
Deep Learning Frameworks and Specializations
LVT (American Fork) offers $130,099-$195,148 for Staff ML Engineers with 5+ years of computer vision experience, requiring expertise in PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Keras for security and monitoring applications. Facebook (Salt Lake City) pays $70.67/hour to $208,000/year for Software Engineers specializing in recommendation systems and large-scale social data problems.
Strider Technologies (South Jordan) focuses on LLM applications for strategic intelligence, seeking engineers with experience in DSPy, embedding APIs, and prompt optimization. Climate X emphasizes NLP models for climate risk assessment, requiring fine-tuning capabilities for domain-specific datasets.
Industry-Specific Applications
Healthcare and Life Sciences
Humana leads Utah’s healthcare ML market with two positions: a Lead role ($142,300-$195,700) focusing on generative AI and RAG systems, and a Senior Cognitive AI Engineer position emphasizing statistical forecasting and healthcare data analysis. Both require experience with LLMs, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and CI/CD pipelines for production deployment.
The healthcare roles emphasize HIPAA compliance, requiring dedicated workspace free from interruptions to protect member information, and occasional travel for training despite remote work options.
Enterprise Software and HR Technology
BambooHR (Draper) seeks Senior AI/ML Engineers to build “people intelligence platforms” that transform HR through AI integration. The role requires expertise with LLMs, prompt engineering, vector databases, and AWS cloud services, emphasizing conversational interfaces and intelligent decision-making tools.
Adobe (Lehi) offers the highest salaries ($142,700-$257,600) for ML Engineer 4 positions developing “elite digital experiences” with focus on traditional ML algorithms, NLP practices, and hands-on LLM fine-tuning experience.
Fitness and Wellness Technology
iFIT (Logan) provides a unique opportunity in the fitness/health domain, offering $80K-$120K for engineers building recommendation systems and generative AI models for personalized fitness platforms. The role emphasizes full ML lifecycle ownership from data preparation to production deployment using AWS and Terraform.
Security and Defense Applications
LVT (American Fork) offers compelling compensation ($130,099-$195,148) for Staff ML Engineers working on security and monitoring systems. The role requires 5+ years of computer vision experience and 10+ years of programming experience, focusing on IoT device integration and real-time analytics for physical security applications.
Strider Technologies (South Jordan) focuses on strategic intelligence applications, requiring experience with LLMs for document processing and NLP tasks, emphasizing data-heavy roles and problem-solving abilities.
Compensation Ranges and Career Levels
Entry to Mid-Level Positions
- iFIT: $80K-$120K (3+ years experience required)
- DataAnnotation: $40/hour for AI training roles (flexible, remote)
- BILL: Internship positions for PhD/Master’s candidates
Senior Level Positions
- Humana Lead ML Engineer: $142,300-$195,700
- Adobe ML Engineer 4: $142,700-$257,600
- LVT Staff ML Engineer: $130,099-$195,148
- BambooHR Senior AI/ML Engineer: Competitive (undisclosed)
Executive and Leadership Roles
- Rocket Lawyer VP of AI: $240,000-$350,000 (Utah: $240,000-$277,200)
Specialized Contract Opportunities
- DataAnnotation AI Trainer: From $40/hour (flexible schedule, remote)
Advanced Degree Requirements and Preferences
PhD Strongly Preferred
Adobe explicitly states “Ph.D. preferred” for their ML Engineer 4 position, particularly valuing experience publishing in top-tier conferences. Rocket Lawyer requires MS or PhD in Computer Science or Machine Learning for their VP of AI role, emphasizing 10+ years of experience launching LLM-driven products.
Master’s Degree Requirements
Humana requires either a Bachelor’s with 5+ years experience OR Master’s with 5+ years for their Lead position. LVT mandates BS, MS, or PhD in AI, ML, Computer Science, Math, or Physics, with strong preference for advanced degrees in computer vision applications.
BILL (Draper) requires PhD or Master’s candidates graduating between December 2025 and July 2026 for their internship program, focusing on TensorFlow, PyTorch, and data wrangling skills.
Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities
Research and Academia Integration
Adobe values publication experience in top-tier conferences, while LVT encourages patents, published papers, and conference participation. Strider Technologies emphasizes research into new LLM use cases and staying current with latest developments.
Product and Business Strategy
Rocket Lawyer offers a unique VP-level role combining AI leadership with product strategy, requiring strategic thinking and business acumen including KPI definition and pricing models. The role emphasizes building user-centric, scalable AI solutions for legal technology.
Engineering and Infrastructure
BambooHR seeks candidates who can “create strong technical designs with higher-order logic and clean data structures,” emphasizing the intersection of software engineering and AI. iFIT requires infrastructure-as-code experience with Terraform and CI/CD pipelines.
Domain Expertise Integration
Climate X values knowledge of financial services or real estate from a climate risk perspective, while Humana prefers healthcare or managed care experience. LVT benefits from candidates with embedded systems experience for signal processing and machine learning applications.
Emerging Technology Focus
Large Language Models and Generative AI
Most Utah employers emphasize LLM experience. Humana requires experience with LLMs in application development, while BambooHR demands expertise in prompt engineering and agent building. Strider Technologies focuses on LLM optimization and fine-tuning for specific use cases.
MLOps and Production Systems
Humana requires 3+ years of CI/CD experience with ML models, while iFIT emphasizes ML monitoring and observability practices. Adobe values familiarity with software development lifecycle including deployment and maintenance of web and mobile applications.
Utah’s ML job market demonstrates strong demand for advanced technical skills combined with domain expertise, offering competitive compensation packages ranging from $80K for specialized roles to over $350K for executive positions. The emphasis on production-ready systems, cross-functional collaboration, and advanced degree requirements makes Utah an attractive destination for ML professionals seeking both technical challenges and competitive compensation.