How to Start a Permanent Lighting Business in Utah
Everything you need to know about launching a permanent outdoor lighting installation business in Utah — from licensing to your first customer.
The Utah Market Opportunity
Utah is a permanent lighting powerhouse — several major brands (Jellyfish, Trimlight dealers) have strong roots here. The Wasatch Front suburbs have massive homes with extensive rooflines, cold winters that make seasonal installation brutal, and a culture that values home aesthetics. The market is competitive but the demand is enormous, especially in the south valley (Draper, Lehi, Highland) and north (Layton, Kaysville).
37
Target Cities
2,061,513
Combined Population
$20–40
Price Per Foot
Licensing & Requirements in Utah
Utah requires an electrical contractor license (S202) through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) for most electrical work. Low-voltage work requires a separate license (E100). General contractors need an S200 license. Local business licenses and building permits are required in all municipalities.
General Requirements for All States
- General liability insurance ($1M minimum recommended)
- Workers' compensation insurance (if you have employees)
- Business entity registration (LLC recommended)
- EIN from the IRS for tax purposes
- Local business license(s) for your operating area
Best Cities to Start In
These Utah cities have the strongest demand for permanent outdoor lighting based on population, income levels, and housing characteristics.
Salt Lake City
Pop. 199,723
Provo
Pop. 115,162
Ogden
Pop. 87,321
Lehi
Pop. 75,907
Draper
Pop. 51,017
St. George
Pop. 95,342
Layton
Pop. 80,790
West Jordan
Pop. 116,961
Orem
Pop. 97,499
Sandy
Pop. 96,904
South Jordan
Pop. 77,487
West Valley City
Pop. 140,230
Herriman
Pop. 55,144
Eagle Mountain
Pop. 43,623
Riverton
Pop. 45,285
Saratoga Springs
Pop. 37,696
Spanish Fork
Pop. 42,602
Springville
Pop. 34,506
Logan
Pop. 52,778
Tooele
Pop. 40,879
Murray
Pop. 50,637
Bountiful
Pop. 44,907
Kaysville
Pop. 32,229
Pleasant Grove
Pop. 38,793
Cottonwood Heights
Pop. 34,165
Holladay
Pop. 31,965
Cedar City
Pop. 35,313
American Fork
Pop. 33,800
Highland
Pop. 19,012
Mapleton
Pop. 12,069
Vineyard
Pop. 12,697
Syracuse
Pop. 32,747
Payson
Pop. 21,135
Farmington
Pop. 25,354
Centerville
Pop. 18,559
North Ogden
Pop. 20,621
Stansbury Park
Pop. 10,654
Equipment & Tools Needed
Essential Equipment
- 1 Extension ladders (24ft and 32ft minimum)
- 2 Cordless drill with rivet gun attachment
- 3 Wire strippers, crimpers, and low-voltage connectors
- 4 Work truck or van with ladder rack
- 5 Safety harness and fall protection gear
Business Tools
- 1 Brightly Measure — Measure rooflines from photos, generate professional quotes in minutes
- 2 CRM for lead tracking and follow-up
- 3 Accounting software (QuickBooks, Wave)
- 4 Google Business Profile for local SEO
- 5 Scheduling tool for job management
Ready to Quote Like a Pro?
Brightly Measure is the field sales tool built for permanent lighting installers. Measure rooflines from photos, generate professional quotes, and close deals — all from your phone.