10 Best High Paying Jobs In Florida That You Don’t Want To Miss

It would interest you to know that earnings have taken a new turn in the right direction as a new set of high paying jobs in Florida have been found. Would you believe that certain jobs most of us look past can earn us a lot in the beautiful state of Florida?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics believes that as of May 2022, the annual average wage of all occupations in Florida was $55,980, but over time, with advancement in technology, increase and diversity in research, inventions, and discoveries, and other factors, occupations have surpassed that figure by far. You would want to find out which occupations can rank as high paying jobs in Florida.

In this blog post, you will find out all you need to know and how you can take advantage of the opportunities, earn, and be happy as you secure a spot among the high paying jobs in Florida. Join us on this journey of discovery.

Key Takeaways

• Florida nicknamed the Sunshine State, is home to more than 22 million residents, making it the most populous state in the southeastern region of the United States.
• The very popular Miami Beach is one of the places that can be categorized as having the highest jobs in Florida based on the salary paid.

Florida At A Glance

Florida is known as the Sunshine State with a reputation of being the most populated state in the Southeastern part of the US and the second most populous state in the whole South, behind Texas. The population of Florida is 22,610,726 individuals according to 2023 records with an increasing number of immigrants.

Tourism brings in the most money for the state. Back in the early 1900s, Florida mostly attracted visitors during the winter.

But now, tourism happens all year round. Aside from tourism, trade, banking, insurance, real estate, government, information technology, and transportation are some of the other important service industries in Florida.

With the population and income distribution within the state, it’s safe to say it qualifies to be one of the states that have wonderful jobs, and so we have brought you all you need to know about the high paying jobs in Florida.

10 Best High Paying Jobs In Florida

We would look at the different jobs that are considered as the high paying jobs in Florida and it would interest you to know that they come from the healthcare, business, and aviation sectors. Surprising right?

Here are the 10 different occupations that rank as the high paying jobs in Florida:

• Cardiologists
• Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
• Chief executives
• Anesthesiologists
• Emergency medicine physicians
• Family Medicine Physicians
• Dentists
• Psychiatrists
• Physicists
• Orthopedic Surgeons

Let’s now dig deeper and find out what makes these different jobs the high paying jobs in Florida and what qualifies them to be in such positions.

1. Cardiologists

In Florida, cardiologists have some of the best-paying jobs. They’re known to be doctors who deal with heart and blood vessel problems, and some even perform heart surgeries.

A cardiologist’s main responsibility is to identify and treat heart problems. Exams, test orders, and heart and vascular disorders are all handled by them.

A cardiologist may become an expert in one or more heart and vascular illnesses, such as clinical, sports, cardio-oncological cardiology, or cardiac imaging.

To become a cardiologist, you need to go to college, or medical school, and then do a residency and a fellowship program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average cardiologist in the U.S. makes around $359,420 annually.

If you’re a new doctor, Florida might be a great place to source for high paying jobs to start your career because of the good pay. Cardiologists may find employment at outpatient clinics, hospitals, physician offices, or universities.

2. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Before they take off, airline and commercial pilots have a lot to do. They check the plane to make sure it’s safe, look at the weather, study airports, and plan the flight. Some pilots focus on flying passengers, while others transport cargo.

Getting a pilot’s license and completing training at a flight school approved by the Federal Aviation Administration are necessary steps to becoming a pilot.

Pilots in Florida make a median salary that’s more than twice the average salary for pilots in the whole United States. They earn between $188,400 and $232,600 annually. That means flying planes in Florida can be a pretty lucrative career choice.

When transporting passengers for airlines or freight for delivery services, airline pilots and copilots typically split the flying responsibilities. To ensure that the aircraft is prepared for flight, flight engineers must check and operate the mechanical systems for operation and safety.

They can work for the federal government, in the aviation industry, or transportation-related support roles.

Probably the only career on the list of high paying jobs that involves some kind of excitement, nevertheless, pilots undergo rigorous training programs and they are responsible for the safety of thousands of people every day.

3. Chief executives

Chief executives are in charge of running a whole department or company. They have lots of things to do every day, like giving out tasks to employees, looking at financial reports, and saying yes to contracts.

To get one of the best-paying chief executive jobs as one of the high paying jobs in Florida, you usually need to have a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a ton of experience working in the field.

Even though chief executives in Florida make $187,870 annually, which is more than double the average salary in the United States, remember that how much you earn can still vary depending on who you work for and how much experience you have.

CEOs bear the primary responsibility for the triumph or downfall of entire organizations. Their enormous compensation is a result of both the dangers and the wide range of effects.

4. Anesthesiologists

Anesthesiologists have an important role in surgeries. They do more than just give anesthesia during surgeries. They ensure patients are asleep during the operation and take care of them throughout the procedure.

They also talk to patients before surgery, answer any questions they have, deal with emergencies, help patients who need pain relief, and decide when patients are well enough to leave critical care.

To work as an anesthesiologist considered one of the high paying jobs in Florida, you need about ten years of education and training after college. Anesthesiologists earn within the range of $268,470 and $363,570 as they play a crucial role in healthcare.

Some anesthesiologists work in private practice, where they help people manage ongoing pain issues like migraines or back pain while most anesthesiologists work in Southern Florida, especially in cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. They usually work in doctors’ offices or hospitals.

See also: 12 Super High Paying Jobs in California: The 4th Will Surprise You

5. Emergency medicine physicians

In Florida, there are high paying jobs in emergency medicine like trauma surgeons and emergency room doctors. Trauma surgeons go through more than ten years of training after finishing medical school.

They learn how to handle unexpected situations and quickly save lives when needed. Emergency medicine doctors work in hospitals or trauma centers, where they help patients who need urgent medical attention.

These two categories of doctors are usually the first doctors to see patients in emergencies, and their job is to make sure the patient is stable and figure out what to do next for treatment. It’s a fast-paced job where they deal with serious injuries and sudden illnesses a lot.

According to the BLS, emergency medicine doctors in Florida make around $30,000 more every year than the average salary across the country with an average of $313,590 annually.

6. Family Medicine Physicians

Family medicine doctors take care of many patients and illnesses. They also do different procedures like colonoscopies (examination of the colon using an instrument known as the colonoscope) and skin treatments.

These doctors learn about a lot of different areas in medicine, like working with kids, delivering babies, mental health, brain health, surgeries, general medicine, and how to help communities stay healthy. Because they learn so much, they can take care of people of all ages, from babies to older adults.

It takes around ten years of schooling and training to become a family medicine doctor. This category of high paying jobs in Florida earns an average of $216,020 annually, which is above the average salary a salary earner in Florida gets.

7. Dentists

A dentist’s responsibilities include monitoring the growth of teeth and jaws, performing procedures on teeth, bones, and soft tissues in the mouth, and interpreting X-rays and other testing. Dentists specialize in oral health.

In addition to creating treatment strategies for their patients, dentists also diagnose oral illnesses. Becoming a dentist requires six to eight years of study.

Once they finish their bachelor’s degree, they’ll have to go to dental school where they’ll teach them all the important skills and knowledge they need to become a dentist, then they’re required to take and pass a Dental Admission Test.

To practice dentistry in Florida, dentists must pass an exam administered by the Florida Department of Health. When compared to other high paying jobs in Florida, the average annual pay for a dentist is $228,744.

8. Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are doctors who focus on helping people with mental health issues and problems with drugs or alcohol.

They have different ways to help their patients, like talking therapy, medication, or a treatment called ECT. They can also give prescriptions for medicines to help with things like ADHD, feeling sad, trauma, worry, obsessive thoughts, or hearing voices.

To become a psychiatrist, you need to finish medical school and then do four more years of training. Some psychiatrists also take a test after their training to become officially recognized as experts in their field.

Psychiatrists in Florida earn up to an average of $195,400 compared to the average earnings of workers in other high paying jobs in Florida

9. Physicists

Contrary to lawyers or doctors, who must attain full qualifications before adopting their titles, anyone engaged in physics research can identify themselves as physicist. Surprisingly, having a PhD is not a requirement to claim the title of physicist! Despite that, the job of a Physicist is still categorized as one of the high paying jobs in Florida.

Physicists have different places where they work, like in research labs, colleges, and the government. They spend a lot of time studying things like matter and energy.

Sometimes they work alone, and other times they work with a group. If they work at a university, they often split their time between teaching students and doing their research.

Physicists typically earn an average annual salary range between of $143,370 and $162,600, with wages starting at $69,450, which is 156% higher than the national average.

10. Orthopedic Surgeons

The treatment of the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of bones, joints, nerves, tendons, and ligaments, is the specialty of orthopedic surgeons.

Sports injuries and shattered bones are among the ailments these physicians handle. In addition, they aid in the management and treatment of long-term conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis.

In total, it takes at least 9 years after college to complete training in orthopedic surgery. Including college, that number rises to at least 13 years of education after high school.

However, many individuals do not attend medical school directly after their undergraduate. So an approximate number of 13–14 years of training are required to become an orthopedic surgeon.

As of January 26, 2024, Orthopedic Doctors as one of the high paying jobs in Florida typically earn an average salary of $274,038, with salaries ranging between $239,285 and $317,500.

12 Highest Paying Cities for Highest Jobs in Florida

Aside from the fact that there are jobs that rank as the high paying jobs in Florida, there are still different cities within Florida that assist in raising the rankings. Below are 12 cities in Florida that pay the most for high paying jobs in Florida:

• Bonita Springs
• Tallahassee
• West Palm Beach
• Winter Haven
• Gainesville
• Miami Beach
• St. Petersburg
• Sarasota
• Tampa
• Jupiter
• Orlando
• Jacksonville

1. Bonita Springs

Some very popular and large companies in Bonita Springs have helped make it one of the cities in Florida with high paying jobs, with an average wage of $68,218 which is higher than the average for Florida as a whole. These companies are:

• Integrated Living Communities, Inc. (ILC): ILC offers services of assistance to an elderly target market on a private scale.
• Source Interlink Companies: This company is well known in the media industry. It also carries out jobs in the publishing, sales, and distribution of books and magazines.
• Brooks Integrated Marketing: This marketing company is good at finding out exactly who their clients should be trying to sell to, and they also help manage customer information.
• Herc Rentals: Herc is a company that rents out equipment for different needs, like construction, factories, government work, and building things like roads and bridges.
• WCI Communities: WCI is a company that designs houses and condos with cool architecture and fancy styles.

2. Tallahassee

Tallahassee is not left behind but has contributed to the growth in Florida and made an impact by contributing to improving the state of Florida with an average wage of $67,842 and its largest employers contributing to this are:

• City of Tallahassee: In this city, you can find job opportunities in government, public service, police and fire departments, parks, and recreation.
• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV): It ensures safety on the roads, handles driver’s licenses, and provides other car-related services.
• Florida A&M University: It’s also known as Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and it’s a public school with multiple smaller campuses and almost 10,000 students.
• Tallahassee Memorial Health Care: It is a community health care and hospital system that is privately owned and operates as a non-profit organization.
• Williams Communications: It is a company that makes communication products for law enforcement, utilities, transportation, and other industries.

3. West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a great place to kickstart your career because of its high paying jobs, with an average wage of $67,215, which is higher than what most workers earn in Florida.

There have been companies present in that city that contributed to the increase in the wages and they are NextEra Energy, Palm Beach County School District, Tenet Healthcare, and Florida Atlantic University among others.

Their employment sectors are growing rapidly because of services provided by professionals who offer expertise in various fields such as technology, research, consulting, preparing and serving food, and providing medical treatment, preventive care, and wellness services to individuals to help them maintain or improve their health.

The major employers of labor in West Palm Beach are:

• Affiliate Managers Group: It is a worldwide company that manages assets by investing in small, specialized investment firms.
• Element Solutions: This is a company that supplies industrial organic chemicals to industries that deal in electronics, graphic arts, metalworking, and other advanced technology sectors.
• The Fanjul Group: A big company that deals with sugar and real estate in both the United States and the Dominican Republic.
• Ocwen Financial: It is a major company that provides mortgage services, even though it’s not a bank. They have 1.3 million customers.
• The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is the biggest police force in Palm Beach County.

4. Winter Haven

Winter Haven offers a whooping average sum of $66,997 as wages as against the average wage of $55,980 in all Florida. This has qualified it to be categorized as one of the states to offer high paying jobs in Florida.

There are companies that have contributed to the increase in average annual wage, and they are:

• Polk State College: A school with many campuses that educates more than 20,000 students. It also runs three charter high schools.
• SouthState Bank: A financial company that offers a wide range of services for both individuals and businesses, including banking services for personal and commercial needs.
• Clark/Nikdel/Powell, Inc. (CNP): A marketing agency that has won awards for its work. They specialize in building brands, digital marketing, creating websites, and improving search engine rankings.
• Palm Garden of Winter Haven: A company that offers nursing care and rehab services for both short-term and long-term needs.
• Carpenter Contractors of America, Inc.: A company that started as a small family-run business and has grown into a large organization that provides a wide range of services for carpentry contractors, suppliers of materials, and manufacturers of housing components.

5. Gainesville

The city of Gainesville pays an average wage of $66,989 which is higher than the $55,980 stipulated by BLS as the average wage workers receive in Florida. The biggest employers in Gainesville are mainly public schools and colleges. They are:

• Santa Fe College: A public college that provides associate and bachelor’s degrees at its main campus in Gainesville and other smaller campuses.
• The University of Florida: A public research university that ranks in the top 5 among public universities and 28th among all national universities.
• CPAmerica: An organization for accountants that gives advice, training, and resources to CPA firms.
• Alachua County Public Schools: This school district, which covers 64 schools and education centers in Alachua County, North Central Florida, serves around 30,000 students.
• Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI): It is a company that specializes in general contracting, design-build, and construction management services.

6. Miami Beach

Miami Beach has also played a significant role in Florida’s growth and development. With an average wage of $64,194, it has made a positive impact on the state. Some of the biggest employers in Miami Beach contributing to this are:

• Estefan Enterprises: A company that works in multimedia entertainment. They write songs, produce records, manage talent, and make television shows and movies.
• EDITION Hotels, such as the Miami Beach EDITION: These are small luxury hotels located right on the beach. They come with fancy amenities like a spa, movie theater, nightclub, and pools. If you’re into luxury travel, working at one of these hotels could offer you some great career opportunities.
• Miami Beach Medical Group: It offers team-based healthcare services focused on preventing health issues for patients.
• Fountainebleau Miami Beach: It is a high-end hotel located on the famous Miami Beach shoreline. With 1,500 rooms, it’s a great place for people working in the hospitality industry.
• Integrated Home Care Services (IHCS): It is a top home care company that offers medical services in the comfort of your own home.

7. St. Petersburg

Several well-known and big companies in St. Petersburg have contributed to its reputation as a city with high paying jobs, with an average wage of $64,087, surpassing the state’s average. These companies include:

• Nepal Telecom: It’s also known as Nepal Doorsanchar Company Ltd., is a telecommunications service provider owned by the government.
• Raymond James: It is a company that offers financial services, including banking, investing, and advising.
• First Advantage: Also known as FADV Holdings, it offers background check services to employers and landlords.
• Jabil: A company that offers manufacturing and supply chain solutions for defense organizations and military supply chains.
• Home Shopping Network (HSN) is a TV channel where you can buy thousands of products without leaving your home.

8. Sarasota

Sarasota stands out as a city that provides substantial earning opportunities, with an average wage of $64,003 for its residents. This figure surpasses the statewide average wage of $55,980 for Florida as a whole.

As a result, Sarasota has gained recognition for offering high paying jobs within the state. This indicates a strong economy and thriving job market in the Sarasota area. Residents of Sarasota can enjoy the benefits of these higher wages, which can contribute to a higher standard of living and increased economic stability for individuals and families in the region. Sarasota’s largest employers

• Sun Hydraulics offers hydraulic systems and testing services for machinery and equipment.
• Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) is a company that specializes in making and selling paper and film products used for packaging in both industrial and retail settings.
• Dental Care Alliance: A network of dental professionals, including dentists, specialists, hygienists, receptionists, and office staff, who collaborate to improve the dental field.
• Roper Technologies: It is a company that runs businesses specializing in creating software and engineering products for various global markets.
• Roper Technologies is a company that runs businesses specializing in creating software and engineering products for various global markets.

9. Tampa

With the position of 3rd largest city in Florida and a population of 3 million people, Tampa has the qualification to rank as one of the highest paying cities for high paying jobs in Florida as it pays its workers an average of $60,366 as compared to the average pay of $55,980 that is earned in Florida.

There are different sectors that aid Tampa in contributing to the improved earnings and they are:

• State of Florida: This includes various government agencies and departments at the state level, providing a wide range of job opportunities.
• United States Air Force: This branch of the military operates in the area and offers employment opportunities in defense-related fields.
• Baycare Health: Baycare Health is a prominent healthcare provider in the region, offering jobs in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities.
• Publix Super Markets: Publix is a popular grocery store chain in the area, providing employment opportunities in retail, distribution, and corporate positions.
• Hillsborough County School District: This school district is one of the largest employers in the region, offering jobs in education, administration, and support services.

Fastest Growing Employment Sectors:

• Professional and Scientific Services: This sector includes fields such as engineering, architecture, consulting, and research, which are experiencing rapid growth due to technological advancements and increased demand for specialized expertise.
• Healthcare: The healthcare sector is growing rapidly due to an aging population, advancements in medical technology, and increased access to healthcare services. This sector includes jobs in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home healthcare services.
• Administrative Services: Administrative services encompass a wide range of support functions such as office management, human resources, accounting, and customer service. With the expansion of businesses and organizations in the region, there is an increased demand for administrative support staff to manage day-to-day operations.

10. Jupiter

In Jupiter, some companies have a big impact on the local economy by offering high paying jobs with opportunities with an average pay of $59,797 for residents. Let’s take a look at some of the major employers in Jupiter, Florida:

• Holtec International: It is an energy technology company based in Jupiter. They’re recognized for their advancements in clean energy production, focusing on nuclear and solar power.
• The Assurance Group: It has created a platform and system to help sales agents in their careers. They are growing quickly and expanding their market reach.
• Power Systems Mfg., LLC: It is a part of the Ansaldo Energia Group, and it mainly offers engineering services for the aerospace and defense industries.
• G4S Secure Solutions International Inc.: It is located in Jupiter and provides security guard services for businesses
• MVL Group, Inc. offers market research, online research, and data collection services. They bring together data collection and marketing research companies to provide customized marketing research solutions.

11. Orlando

The wonderful city of Orlando has the credentials to be considered one of the top cities for high paying jobs in Florida, with an average wage of $56,808 for its workers, exceeding the state average of $55,980.

There are various industries that play a significant role in helping Orlando contribute to higher wages, including:

• Walt Disney World Resort: One of the largest theme park resorts in the world, offering employment opportunities in entertainment, hospitality, and tourism.
• AdventHealth: A leading healthcare provider in the region, offering jobs in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices.
• Universal Orlando: A major entertainment complex featuring theme parks, hotels, and attractions, employing hospitality, entertainment, and customer service.
• Orlando Health: Another prominent healthcare provider offering a wide range of medical services and job opportunities in healthcare administration, nursing, and support services.
• Orlando International Airport: The primary airport serving Orlando and the surrounding areas, offering jobs in aviation, transportation, and customer service.

The fastest growing employment sectors that currently exist and boost the economy of Orlando in Florida are:

• Professional and Scientific Services: This sector includes industries such as engineering, architecture, research, and consulting, which are experiencing growth due to technological advancements and increased demand for specialized expertise.
• Food Service: With the thriving tourism industry in Orlando, the food service sector is growing rapidly to meet the needs of visitors and residents, offering jobs in restaurants, catering, and food delivery services.
• Administrative Services: Administrative services encompass a variety of support functions such as office management, human resources, and customer service, which are in demand as businesses and organizations expand in the region.

These top employers and rapidly growing sectors contribute significantly to the economy of Orlando, providing ample job opportunities for residents.

12. Jacksonville

Jacksonville, the thriving city in Florida, boasts a commendable average wage of $56,396 for its workforce, surpassing the state’s average of $55,980. This solidifies Jacksonville’s position as one of the top cities for high paying jobs in the state.

Industries contributing to Jacksonville’s robust job market and higher wages include:

• United States Navy: As a major military presence in the area, the United States Navy offers a wide range of job opportunities in various fields, including engineering, logistics, and administration.
• Amazon: As one of the world’s largest e-commerce and technology companies, Amazon employs warehousing, distribution, customer service, and technology development.
• Baptist Health: Baptist Health is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering jobs in hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities.
• Bank of America: As one of the largest banks in the United States, Bank of America provides employment opportunities in banking, finance, and customer service.

The fastest growing employment sectors for high paying jobs in Jacksonville that contribute to the improving GDP and economy of the state are:

• Professional and Scientific Services: This sector encompasses fields such as engineering, architecture, consulting, and research, which are experiencing rapid growth due to technological advancements and increased demand for specialized expertise.
• Health Care: With an aging population and advancements in medical technology, the healthcare sector is growing rapidly, offering jobs in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home healthcare services.
• Food Service: The food service industry is experiencing growth due to the expanding hospitality and tourism sectors, providing employment opportunities in restaurants, catering, and food delivery services.

These top employers and growing sectors contribute significantly to the economy of the area, providing ample job opportunities for residents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Florida offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking high-paying careers. From the bustling tech hubs of Miami to the thriving healthcare sector in Orlando, the Sunshine State is brimming with lucrative prospects for the high paying jobs in Florida.

Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced world of finance, the innovative landscape of technology, or the rewarding field of healthcare, Florida has something to offer for everyone.

So, whether you’re a recent graduate eager to embark on your professional journey or a seasoned professional looking for a change, consider exploring the top 10 high paying jobs in Florida, checking out the cities where the pay is highest, and taking the first step towards a prosperous future in the Sunshine State.

With its diverse industries, vibrant culture, and endless possibilities, Florida truly stands as a beacon of opportunity for those seeking success and fulfillment in their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

• africa.businessinsider.com – The 30 highest-paying jobs in Florida
• www.bestcolleges.com – 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Florida
• www.britannica.com – Florida
• www.baselane.com – The Cities of Florida with the Highest Job Opportunities
• www.ramseysolutions.com – Top 10 Cities With the Highest Average Salaries in Florida