10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Florida
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- Most of the highest-paying jobs in Florida require a medical degree.
- Consider relocating to Miami to increase your salary potential.
- Florida features a higher cost of living than other southern states.
- Florida's fastest-growing jobs are in the healthcare and IT fields.
A U.S. Census Bureau report from December 2022 reveals that Florida ranks as the fastest-growing state in terms of population. If you're thinking about relocating to the Sunshine State, it's time to consider how the move might impact your career trajectory.
Fortunately, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that many Florida jobs pay more than the $1,100 U.S. median weekly salary. As you review the highest-paying jobs in Florida below, keep in mind that most require extensive education and experience.
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What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Florida?
The highest-paying Florida jobs are in the healthcare, aviation, and business sectors. All salary data in this section comes from a BLS May 2022 report.
1. Cardiologists
Mean Annual Salary (May 2022): $428,810
Cardiologists enjoy the highest-paying jobs in Florida, on average. These physicians diagnose and treat conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. They may specialize in surgery.
Requirements to become a cardiologist include college, medical school, residency, and a fellowship program. The BLS reports that a typical U.S. cardiologist earns nearly $354,000, making Florida an attractive choice for recent medical school graduates.
2. Emergency Medicine Physicians
Mean Annual Salary (May 2022): $346,900
Emergency medicine jobs in Florida include trauma surgeon and emergency room doctor. Trauma surgeons complete upwards of a decade of training after medical school. Their education lets them manage an unpredictable work environment and provide lifesaving interventions on short notice.
Florida emergency medicine physicians earn about $30,000 more annually than the national average, according to the BLS.
3. Orthopedic Surgeons
Mean Annual Salary (May 2022): $320,430
Orthopedic surgeons do much more than fix broken bones. They also treat bone tumors, arthritis, and sports injuries. The field features many specialties, such as musculoskeletal oncology; orthopedic trauma; and hand, foot, and ankle surgery.
A Florida job in orthopedic surgery can help your salary potential, as professionals make about $16,000 more than the national average, according to the BLS report.
4. Radiologists
Mean Annual Salary (May 2022): $304,430
Radiologists interpret patients' X-ray, CT, and MRI images. Job requirements include graduating from an accredited medical school, passing a licensing examination, completing a one-year internship, and completing a four-year residency. A fellowship lets you specialize in abdominal or musculoskeletal radiology.
Radiology jobs in Florida pay about the same as the national average. You may earn more with board certification through the American Board of Radiology.
5. Anesthesiologists
Mean Annual Salary (May 2022): $299,980
Anesthesiologists perform many roles besides giving anesthesia during operations. Their responsibilities also include interviewing patients before surgery, responding to emergencies, and deciding when patients can leave intensive care. You need about 10 years of education and training after college to qualify for this Florida job.
On average, Florida jobs for anesthesiologists pay somewhat less than the U.S. average.
6. Neurologists
Mean Annual Salary (May 2022): $274,750
Neurologists specialize in the nervous system and its disorders. Responsibilities include treating patients with seizures, epilepsy, or Parkinson's disease. You need a medical degree and four years of residency to become a neurologist.
Neurology Florida jobs pay about 3% more than the national average. Certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology may improve your earning potential and career prospects.
7. Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Mean Annual Salary (May 2022): $270,720
Airline and commercial pilots complete many important tasks before flying, such as performing safety checks, analyzing weather airports, and preparing flight plans. They may specialize in carrying passengers or cargo. A pilot's license requires a diploma from a Federal Aviation Administration-approved flight school.
Pilot jobs in Florida feature a median salary of more than double the U.S. average for the profession.
8. General Physicians
Mean Annual Salary (May 2022): $259,970
General physicians can work in many roles, such as primary care. These doctors help patients manage medical conditions and adopt healthier habits. Becoming a primary care physician requires 2-4 years of residency after medical school.
Although general physicians earn less than doctors in other specialties, they make more in Florida than the national average.
9. Chief Executives
Mean Annual Salary (May 2022): $254,660
Chief executives oversee a department or organization. Their day-to-day responsibilities include delegating tasks, analyzing financial reports, and approving contracts. You need at least a bachelor's degree in business administraton and many years of experience to qualify for the highest-paying chief executive jobs in Florida.
Although Florida chief executives earn more than twice the U.S. average, keep in mind that your employer and experience affect your salary significantly in this field.
10. Dentists
Mean Annual Salary (May 2022): $227,310
Dentists promote patients' oral health by filling cavities, fixing damaged teeth, and performing routine cleanings. Other responsibilities include administering anesthesia and referring patients to other medical professionals. You need a bachelor's and DDS degree to become a licensed Florida dentist.
Oral surgeons and orthodontists are the highest-paying dentist jobs in Florida. These careers require extra education and training.
What Is the Cost of Living in Florida?
Florida residents experience about a 10% higher cost of living (COL) compared to people in other southern states, according to The Council for Community and Economic Research. Higher-than-average COL means you can expect more expensive groceries, housing, utilities, and transportation than in neighboring states like Georgia or Alabama.
Prepare for a high COL by earning an in-demand degree from one of Florida's many colleges. The National Council for Education Statistics reports that the average public school cost residents $4,540 in tuition and fees during the 2020-2021 school year. Out-of-state learners paid four times that amount at Florida public institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jobs in Florida
What's a good salary in Florida?
The answer depends on your career and geographic location. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Florida's median household income approached $62,000 in 2021. According to MIT's Living Wage Calculator, a living wage in Florida would be nearly $37,000 a year for a single adult with no dependents.
Expect large metropolitan areas such as Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa to feature jobs paying much more. However, residents in these areas experience a higher COL. Work with your college's career and academic advisors to find the Florida job and city where you can achieve the best quality of life.
What city in Florida has the best-paying jobs?
A 2022 BLS report shows Miami residents earned the state's highest average weekly salary. This higher salary makes up for Miami's high COL. The latest information from Apartments.com reports that the median rent in Miami exceeds $2,000 for a studio.
Avoid higher-than-average COL by researching jobs in other Florida other cities and suburban areas.
What's the most in-demand job in Florida?
An analysis by Florida Insight shows that nurse practitioners top the list of the state's fastest-growing occupations. Other in-demand jobs include information security analyst, physician assistant, and physical therapy assistant.
Fortunately, Florida's low unemployment rate and aging population mean that there's a hot job market with open positions in many areas. Keep in mind that economic conditions may change before you finish your education or job training.
