The Sunshine State located in the Southeast of America is an amazing state and a perfect work destination. With a bolstering economy and high paying job opportunities, one is sure of a blissful experience. In this article, the World Scholarship Forum has put together a list of the highest paying careers in Florida. These top-paying jobs span all sectors of business.
According to Wikipedia, the five biggest employment sectors in Florida are trade, transportation, and utilities; government; professional and business services; education and health services; and leisure and hospitality.
On the other hand, in terms of output, the five largest sectors are finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing, followed by professional and business services; government and government enterprises; educational services, health care, and social assistance; and retail trade.
So, in our list culled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational employment statistics, we found the 15 jobs with the highest average salaries in Florida.
You can use the table of contents below to navigate to the headings and subheadings in this article.
Table of contents
- All You Need To Know About Florida
- What’s The Economic Situation In Florida?
- Why Should I Work In Florida?
- Is Florida Business Friendly?
- What Is Taxation In Florida Like?
- What Are The Highest Paying Careers In Florida?
- 1. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- 2. Anesthesiologists
- 3. Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- 4. Orthodontists
- 5. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- 6. Family medicine
- 7. Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
- 8. General Internal Medicine Physicians
- 9. Psychiatrists
- 10. Surgeons
- 11. Chief Executives
- 12. Dentists and generals
- 13. Judges, Magistrate Judges, And Magistrates
- 14. Law Teachers, Postsecondary
- 15. Podiatrists
- Conclusion
- FAQs On Highest Paying Careers In Florida In 2024
- References
- Author’s Recommendation
All You Need To Know About Florida
Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. With a population of over 21 million, the Sunshine State is the third-most populous and the 22nd-most extensive state in the United States.
In addition, the state is joined to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the south by the Straits of Florida. The capital of Florida is Tallahassee, and its most populous municipality is Jacksonville.
Florida’s $1.0 trillion economies are the fourth-highest of any U.S. state, making the state an astonishing place to do business with a good number of high-paying careers.
What’s The Economic Situation In Florida?
Florida’s economy ranks among the largest in the world. As of 2018, the gross state product (GSP) is about $1.0 trillion, the fourth-highest economy in the United States.
Florida contributes 5 percent of the United States roughly $21 trillion gross domestic product (GDP).
As of 2018, Florida’s nominal GDP is greater than all but 15 countries. Regarding Purchasing PowerParity, Florida is larger than all but 24 countries.
In the 20th century, tourism, industry, construction, international banking, biomedical and life sciences, healthcare research, simulation training, aerospace and defense, and commercial space travel have added to the state’s economic development.
The five biggest employment sectors in Florida are trade, transportation, and utilities; government; professional and business services; education and health services; and leisure and hospitality.
On the other hand, in terms of output, the five largest sectors are finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing, followed by professional and business services; government and government enterprises; educational services, health care, and social assistance; and retail trade.
Additionally, in 2017, Florida became the United States eighth-largest exporter of trade goods. Florida’s top countries for export are Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Colombia.
With a minimum wage of $5.08 for tipped positions and $8.10 for non-tipped positions, which was higher than the federal rate of $7.25, the state has a high economic outlook.
According to Christine Barney, CEO of RBB Communications, Florida is very multicultural, with a very international character and many opportunities for advancement.
In a nutshell, Florida is an amazing multicultural state with large national and international corporations. Its business prowess spans across Agriculture and fishing, industries, mining, real estate, and tourism.
Read this: 15 Highest Paying Careers In New York (NYC) In 2024
Why Should I Work In Florida?
The beautiful state gives one hundred reasons to work in the Southeastern region of the United States. For emphasis, we’ll list a few key reasons why you should work in Florida.
- It is very multicultural with many opportunities for advancement.
- You’ll enjoy a lavish lifestyle with beautiful beaches, excellent weather, nightlife, interesting people, excitement, growth, and tremendous diversity. It is indeed a great tourist destination.
- The state has many airports and seaports, making global access much easier.
- There are diverse marketing opportunities across all industries, an ambitious workforce, a multicultural consumer base, and easy access to the international marketplace.
Is Florida Business Friendly?
The Sunshine State creates a business environment that allows businesses to thrive. Florida understands the involvements in business and stands ready to welcome you with the talented workforce, top-ranked infrastructure, global connectivity, and quality of life your company needs.
Here are a few reasons why Florida is said to be business-friendly.
Favorable Business Climate
The state’s favorable business tax structure, government policies, and competitive costs make planning for future growth easy.
Over the years, Florida consistently ranks among the best states for business, thanks to its pro-business state tax policies, dynamic cost of doing business, and organized regulatory environment. The state is proud of its welcoming business climate and competitive advantages.
Infrastructure
The sunshine state has one of the world’s most extensive multi-modal transportation systems, featuring international airports, deepwater shipping ports, extensive highway and rail networks, and multiple hubs that allow for high-speed data transmission from around the U.S. to Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
Trade
Florida houses most headquarters of companies from around the U.S. and all over the world, a vibrant international banking center and a diplomatic hub with a Substantial Consular Corp.
Also, most international firms situate their facilities, such as warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing in Florida to take advantage of its easy access to global markets.
Workforce
With a talented and diverse 9.5 million workforce, the state exceeds the expectations of even the most demanding employers. Not surprisingly, Florida’s talent pipeline ranks among the best in the nation.
That is to say, the excellent skills of the Florida workforce are impeccable. This is said to be a result of the state’s excellent educational institutions and unique workforce training programs.
Quality of Life
Asides from work-life, the state is home to tourists. It is known for its great weather, recreation, and culture. Furthermore, the cost of living in the state is highly affordable.
What Is Taxation In Florida Like?
Florida doesn’t have a personal income tax, an estate tax, or an inheritance tax, although it does impose sales and property taxes.
The Florida Property Tax
The Florida constitution reserves all revenue from property taxes for local governments—the state itself doesn’t use any of this money. Property taxes are based on the “just value” or market value of properties as assessed by a local appraiser on Jan. 1 of each year.
Increases in value are limited to 3% of Florida’s previous year’s assessment or the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Property taxes are based on local governments’ millage-rate assets, with 10 mills equal to 1%. The millage rate is multiplied by the property’s value to resolve the dollar amount of property tax.
State Corporate Taxes
The Sunshine State imposes a 5.5% corporate income tax.
Florida State Sales Tax Rates
Florida charges a sales tax of 6%. Food, prescription drugs, and non-prescription drugs are free from taxation.
Counties can charge their own additional sales taxes, bringing the tax rate up to 9.5% in some areas. Of Florida’s 67 counties, 55 charges an extra sales tax.
You can check this: 15 Highest Paying Careers in North Carolina (NC) in 2024
What Are The Highest Paying Careers In Florida?
With the plethora of advantages attached to the sunshine state, working there will be a dream come through.
Here’s a quick look at the top 15 highest-paying jobs in Florida according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Anesthesiologists
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Orthodontists
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- Family Medicine Physicians
- Judges, Magistrate Judges, And Magistrates
- Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
- General Internal Medicine Physicians
- Psychiatrists
- Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
- Chief Executives
- Dentists and generals
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary
- Podiatrists
1. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons focus on handling problems related to the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and jaws (the upper jaw is referred to as the maxilla).
While they sometimes work in a hospital, their practices are often located in comfortable office settings.
In Florida, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons earn $205,080 at entry level and $282,650 on average.
2. Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiology is the medical specialty concerned with the total perioperative care of patients before, during, and after surgery. It includes anesthesia, intensive care, critical emergency, and pain medicine.
At an entry-level, an Anesthesiologist in Florida earns $82,070 and $268,470 on average.
3. Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Obstetrics and Gynecology is a medical specialty that includes the two subspecialties of obstetrics which specialize in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period and gynecology which covers the health of the female reproductive system – vagina, uterus, ovaries, and breasts.
In Florida, Obstetricians and Gynecologists at entry level earn $128,530. The average salary is $249,380.
4. Orthodontists
An Orthodontist is a dentist who works with several parts of the body. Focus areas include the mouth, jaw, teeth, gums, and nerves. Orthodontists work in a more specialized section of the field.
Their priority is the straightening of teeth. As a specialty of dentistry, an Orthodontist deals with the diagnosing, preventing, and correcting of malpositioned teeth and jaws.
An Orthodontist earns $147,200 for a start and $242,130 on average.
5. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Airline pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers fly, navigate and fix airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft.
In Florida, they earn $101,790 at entry level and $226,930 on average.
6. Family medicine
Family medicine is the medical specialty that grants continuing, comprehensive health care for the individual and family. It is a specialty in breadth that combines the biological, clinical, and behavioral sciences.
The scope of family medicine cuts across all ages, genders, organ systems, and disease entities.
In Florida, Family Medicine practitioners earn $102,360 at the entry-level and $217,870 as an average salary.
7. Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
A Physician is a person qualified to practice medicine, especially one who specializes in the diagnosis and medical treatment as distinct from surgery.
On the other hand, Ophthalmology is a division of medicine and surgery that deals with diagnosing and treating eye disorders. An ophthalmologist is a specialist in ophthalmology.
Physicians at entry level in Florida earn $62,120 and $212,780 as an average salary.
Also, read this: 21 High-Paying Medical Jobs With Little Schooling
8. General Internal Medicine Physicians
Internal medicine physicians are specialists who employ scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and tender care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness.
In Florida, General Internal Medicine Physicians earn $66,020 at the entry-level and $204,690 on average.
9. Psychiatrists
A Psychiatrist is a physician specializing in Psychiatry, the branch of medicine dedicated to diagnosing, preventing, studying, and treating mental disorders.
A Florida-based Psychiatrist earns $47,960 at entry-level and $203,830 as an average salary.
10. Surgeons
Surgeons are physicians who operate in the event of illness, injury, or disease and can perform any number of different surgical procedures on the body. There are various types of surgeons.
Surgeons in Florida with the exception of ophthalmologists earn $37,060 at entry-level and $189,260 as an average salary.
11. Chief Executives
A chief executive officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking executive in a company, whose primary duties include making major corporate decisions, leading the overall operations and resources of a company, acting as the main point of communication between the board of directors and corporate operations and being the public face of the company. The board and its shareholders duly elect a CEO.
CEOs in Florida are really on the good side of things. At the entry level, they earn an average salary of $50,030 and $181,000.
12. Dentists and generals
Dentistry is the branch of the healing arts and sciences dedicated to maintaining oral health. It is a vibrant health profession, offering opportunities to become a successful, highly respected member of the community.
General dentists administer to all patients, adults and children in different treatment facilities and settings. General dentists are graduates of dental school and hold a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree.
Dentists and generals in Florida earn $89,640 at entry-level and $173,630 as an average salary.
13. Judges, Magistrate Judges, And Magistrates
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. They sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines.
The judges, magistrate judges, and magistrate in Florida earn $130,460 at the entry-level and $171,450 on average.
14. Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Law Teachers, Postsecondary are those who teach courses in law. It further includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
La teachers and Postsecondary teachers at entry level earn $46,660 and $144,740 as an average salary.
15. Podiatrists
A Podiatrist is also known as a podiatric physician or foot and ankle surgeon. He/she is a medical professional devoted to treating disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity.
In the United States, Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) are doctors who practice on the lower extremities, primarily on feet and ankles.
A Podiatrist in Florida earns $54,490 at the entry level and $141,640 on average.
Also, check this: 15 Highest Paying Jobs With A Sociology Degree In 2024
Conclusion
In summary, the Sunshine State is a very conducive work location for various reasons. Interestingly, the minimum wage in Florida which is $5.08 for tipped positions and $8.10 for non-tipped positions, stands ahead of the federal rate of $7.25.
Therefore, the economic input and output in the state are on the high side. This, in turn, transcends high-income earnings and an improved standard of living.
FAQs On Highest Paying Careers In Florida In 2024
In Florida, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are the highest-paid workers. They earn $205,080 at entry-level and $282,650 on average.
The sunshine state creates a business environment that allows businesses to thrive. Florida understands the involvements in business and stands ready to welcome you with the talented workforce, top-ranked infrastructure, global connectivity and quality of life your company needs.
The Judges, Magistrate Judges and Magistrates in Florida earn $130,460 at entry-level and $171,450 on average.