Are you looking for a lucrative career in the Sunshine State? Do you want to know which jobs pay the most in Florida and what they entail? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Florida is a state with a diverse economy and a large population. It offers many opportunities for professionals in various fields to earn high salaries and enjoy a good quality of life. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual wage for all occupations in Florida was $55,980 in May 2022. However, some jobs pay much more than that, especially in the healthcare, finance, and technology sectors.
In this article, we will explore some of the highest-paying jobs in Florida, based on the BLS data and other reliable sources. We will provide information on job descriptions, qualifications, demand, growth, and salary ranges for each position. We will also mention some of the benefits and challenges associated with these high-paying careers.
Best Highest Paying Jobs in Florida
Below we will list the top highest paying jobs in Florida with their details on the type of jobs, requirements, and most importantly, salaries for each job.
But if you’re in a hurry and just want to see the list of high-paying jobs in Florida, you can skip to this table below with 38 jobs:
| Number | Job Titles | Salary | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Staff Psychiatrist | $235,821 | Salary.com |
| 2 | Associate Medical Director | $282,705 | Salary.com |
| 3 | Physician | $173,028 | Indeed |
| 4 | Clinic Physician Director | $303,185 | Salary.com |
| 5 | Physician Extender | $244,718 | Zippia |
| 6 | Petroleum Engineer | $164,687 | ERIERI |
| 7 | Finance Services Director | $183,769 | Salary.com |
| 8 | Physicist | $173,028 | Indeed |
| 9 | Marketing Manager | $110,737 | Salary.com |
| 10 | Dentist | $231,270 | Indeed |
| 11 | Nurse Anesthetist | $199,527 | Salary.com |
| 12 | Pediatrician | $166,763 | Indeed |
| 13 | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | $256,895 | ZipRecruiter |
| 14 | Chief Executive | $179,283 | PayScale |
| 15 | Architectural and Engineering Manager | $163,310 | BLS |
| 16 | Computer and Information Systems Manager | $133,623 | Salary.com |
| 17 | Judge | $169,037 | Salary.com |
| 18 | Sales Manager | $123,418 | Salary.com |
| 19 | Financial Manager | $123,022 | Salary.com |
| 20 | Air Traffic Controller | $80,213 | Salary.com |
| 21 | Optometrist | $131,549 | Salary.com |
| 22 | Lawyer | $83,333 | ZipRecruiter |
| 23 | Nurse Practitioner | $115,779 | Salary.com |
| 24 | Physician Assistant | $111,234 | Salary.com |
| 25 | Software Developer | $98,977 | Indeed |
| 26 | Aerospace Engineer | $79,109 | ZipRecruiter |
| 27 | Electrical Engineer | $82,182 | ZipRecruiter |
| 28 | Mechanical Engineer | $75,122 | ZipRecruiter |
| 29 | Civil Engineer | $73,456 | ZipRecruiter |
| 30 | Psychologist | $102,068 | ZipRecruiter |
| 31 | Physical Therapist | $93,201 | Salary.com |
| 32 | Occupational Therapist | $92,003 | Salary.com |
| 33 | Speech-Language Pathologist | $85,990 | Salary.com |
| 34 | Social Worker | $105,299 | Indeed |
| 35 | High School Teacher | $61,100 | Salary.com |
| 36 | Middle School Teacher | $61,090 | Salary.com |
| 37 | Elementary School Teacher | $60,425 | Salary.com |
| 38 | Registered Nurse | $64,930 | Salary.com |
1. Finance Services Director
A finance services director oversees the financial operations and services of an organization or a department. They develop and implement financial policies, strategies, and plans, manage budgets and cash flow, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and supervise the financial staff.
They need a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field and several years of experience in finance or management. They also need strong analytical, mathematical, communication, and leadership skills.
The average annual salary for finance services directors in Florida is $183,769 as of July 2023.
2. Staff Psychiatrist
A staff psychiatrist diagnoses and treats mental disorders and illnesses. They work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, prisons, or private practices. They perform assessments, prescribe medications, provide psychotherapy, and coordinate with other mental health professionals and staff. They need a medical degree and a residency program in psychiatry.
They also need a license and board certification to practice in Florida. They need excellent clinical, interpersonal, and communication skills. The average annual salary for staff psychiatrists in Florida is $235,821 as of July 2023.
3. Associate Medical Director
An associate medical director assists the medical director in overseeing the clinical operations and quality of care of an organization or department. They develop and implement clinical policies, procedures, and standards, manage clinical staff and resources, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and provide clinical leadership and guidance.
They need a medical degree and several years of experience in clinical practice and management. They also need a license and board certification to practice in Florida. They need excellent clinical, administrative, and communication skills.
The average annual salary for associate medical directors in Florida is $282,705 as of July 2023.
4. Physician
A physician diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries of patients. They work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, or other health care facilities. They perform physical examinations, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, perform procedures, and provide health education and counseling.
They need a medical degree and a residency program in their chosen specialty. They also need a license and board certification to practice in Florida. They need excellent clinical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
The average annual salary for physicians in Florida is $173,028 as of August 2023.
5. Clinic Physician Director
A clinic physician director leads and manages the clinical operations and services of a clinic or a group of clinics. They set and implement clinical goals, standards, and policies, oversee clinical staff and resources, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and provide clinical leadership and guidance.
They need a medical degree and several years of experience in clinical practice and management. They also need a license and board certification to practice in Florida. They need excellent clinical, administrative, and communication skills.
The average annual salary for clinic physician directors in Florida is $303,185 as of July 2023, which makes it the highest-paying job in Florida on the list.
6. Physician Extender
A physician extender works under the supervision of a physician to provide medical care to patients. They include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and certified registered nurse anesthetists.
They perform tasks such as taking medical histories, conducting physical examinations, ordering and interpreting tests, diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries, prescribing medications, and providing health education and counseling. They need a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in their respective field.
They also need a license and board certification to practice in Florida. They need excellent clinical, interpersonal, and communication skills. The average annual salary for physician extenders in Florida is $244,718 as of June 2023.
7. Petroleum Engineer
A petroleum engineer designs, develops, and optimizes the extraction and production of oil and gas resources. They use engineering principles and methods to evaluate oil and gas reservoirs, design and implement drilling and production systems, monitor and improve the operations, and ensure environmental and safety compliance.
They need a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related field. They also need strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Some petroleum engineers may also obtain a license from the Florida Board of Professional Engineers or other professional organizations.
The average annual salary for petroleum engineers in Florida is $164,687 as of August 2023.
8. Marketing Manager
A marketing manager plans and oversees the marketing activities of an organization or a product. They develop marketing strategies, conduct market research, analyze consumer behavior, create marketing campaigns, manage budgets, measure results, and coordinate with other departments and external partners.
They need a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field and several years of experience in marketing or sales. They also need strong communication, creativity, leadership, and analytical skills.
The average annual salary for marketing managers in Florida is $110,737 as of July 2023.
9. Physicist
A physicist studies the nature and behavior of matter and energy. They conduct experiments, observations, and theoretical analyses to explore phenomena such as gravity, light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, nuclear reactions, and more. They also develop new technologies, methods, and applications based on their findings.
They need a bachelor’s degree in physics or a related field for entry-level positions. However, most physicists have a master’s degree or a doctoral degree for advanced research or teaching positions.
A physicist must have excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills. The average annual salary for physicists in Florida is $103,579 as of July 2023.
10. Dentist
A dentist specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. They perform procedures such as cleaning, filling, extracting, and implanting teeth, as well as correcting bite and alignment issues. They also educate patients on oral hygiene and preventive care.
They need a bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree in dental medicine or dental surgery. They also need a license and board certification to practice in Florida. They need excellent manual, interpersonal, and communication skills.
The average annual salary for dentists in Florida is $231,270 as of August 2023.
11. Nurse Anesthetist
A nurse anesthetist is a registered nurse who specializes in administering anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or other medical procedures. They work under the supervision of an anesthesiologist or a physician. They assess the patients’ medical history and condition, prepare and administer the anesthesia plan, monitor the vital signs of the patients during and after the procedure, and provide post-anesthesia care.
They need a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a license as a registered nurse. They also need at least one year of experience in acute care nursing and complete a master’s degree or a doctoral degree program in nurse anesthesia.
They also need a certification from the NBCRNA. The average annual salary for nurse anesthetists in Florida is $199,527 as of July 2023.
12. Pediatrician
A pediatrician provides health care to children from birth to adolescence. They diagnose and treat various diseases and conditions that affect the physical, mental, and emotional development of children.
They also perform routine check-ups, immunizations, screenings, and counseling. They work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, or private practices. They need a medical degree and a residency program in pediatrics.
They also need a license and board certification to practice in Florida. They need excellent clinical, interpersonal, and communication skills. The average annual salary for pediatricians in Florida is $166,763 as of August 2023.
13. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs surgery on the mouth, jaws, face, and neck. They treat conditions such as impacted teeth, jaw deformities, facial injuries, oral cancers, cleft lip and palate, and sleep apnea. They also perform cosmetic procedures such as dental implants, facial reconstruction, and botox injections.
They need a bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree in dental medicine or dental surgery. They also need a residency program or a fellowship program in oral and maxillofacial surgery. They also need a license and board certification to practice in Florida.
They need excellent manual, interpersonal, and communication skills. The average annual salary for oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Florida is $256,895 as of August 2023.
14. Chief Executive
A chief executive leads and manages the overall operations and direction of an organization or a department. They set and implement the vision, mission, goals, and strategies of the organization or the department, oversee the financial and human resources, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and represent the organization or the department to external stakeholders.
They need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience in management or leadership positions. They also need strong communication, leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
The average annual salary for chief executives in Florida is $179,283 as of July 2023.
15. Architectural and Engineering Manager
An architectural and engineering manager oversees the architectural and engineering activities of an organization or a project. They plan, coordinate, direct, and evaluate the design, development, testing, and implementation of various architectural and engineering products and systems.
They also manage the budget, schedule, staff, and resources of the architectural and engineering projects. They need a bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering or a related field and several years of experience in architecture or engineering or management. They also need strong technical, analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
Some architectural and engineering managers may also obtain a license from the Florida Board of Professional Engineers or other professional organizations. The average annual salary for architectural and engineering managers in Florida was $163,310 in May 2022.
16. Computer and Information Systems Manager
A computer and information systems manager oversees the computer-related activities of an organization. They plan, implement, maintain, and enhance the computer systems, networks, software, hardware, and security of the organization.
They also manage the IT staff, vendors, and projects, and provide technical guidance and support to other departments and users. They need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field and several years of experience in IT or management.
They also need strong technical, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. The average annual salary for computer and information systems managers in Florida is $133,623 as of July 2023.
17. Air Traffic Controller
An air traffic controller monitors and directs the movement of aircraft in the air and on the ground. They use equipment and systems to communicate with pilots, ground crew, and other controllers, and provide them with information and instructions on flight paths, weather conditions, runway availability, and potential hazards.
They also coordinate with other agencies such as the military, customs, and emergency services. They need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete an air traffic control training program from the FAA or the DOD. They also need to pass a physical examination, a background check, a drug test, and a written test to qualify for an air traffic control specialist certificate.
They need excellent physical, mental, and technical skills. The average annual salary for air traffic controllers in Florida is $80,213 as of July 2023.
18. Judge
A judge presides over legal proceedings in courts of law. They interpret and apply the law, ensure fair trials, rule on motions and objections, instruct juries, issue verdicts and sentences, and resolve disputes. They also conduct hearings, issue warrants, review evidence, and oversee court staff.
They need a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctor degree from an accredited law school. They also need several years of experience as a lawyer or a magistrate. They also need to be appointed or elected to their position and obtain a license to practice law in Florida.
They need excellent legal, analytical, communication, and decision-making skills. The average annual salary for judges in Florida is $169,037 as of July 2023.
19. Pharmacist
A pharmacist dispenses prescription drugs and provides information and advice on their safe and effective use. They also monitor the health and progress of the patients, manage drug inventory and records, and collaborate with other healthcare providers. They need a bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree in pharmacy.
They also need to obtain a license and board certification to practice in Florida. They need excellent knowledge, communication, and organizational skills. The average annual salary for pharmacists in Florida was $141,649 as of July 2023.
20. Podiatrist
A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They perform procedures such as surgery, wound care, orthotics, and injections. They also educate patients on foot health and preventive care. They need a bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree in podiatric medicine.
They also need to complete a residency program and obtain a license and board certification to practice in Florida. They need excellent manual, interpersonal, and communication skills. The average annual salary for podiatrists in Florida is $212,464 as of July 2023.
21. Lawyer
A lawyer represents and advises clients on legal matters. They research and interpret laws, regulations, and precedents, draft and review legal documents, negotiate settlements and contracts, advocate for their clients in court or arbitration, and provide legal counsel and guidance. They need a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctor degree from an accredited law school.
They also need to pass the bar exam and obtain a license to practice law in Florida. They need excellent verbal, written, analytical, and persuasive skills. The average annual salary for lawyers in Florida is $83,333 as of August 2023.
22. Optometrist
An optometrist examines and treats the eyes and vision of patients. They perform tests such as visual acuity, refraction, eye pressure, and eye health. They prescribe glasses, contact lenses, medications, or other treatments for various eye conditions. They also educate patients on eye care and prevention. They need a bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree in optometry.
They also need to obtain a license and board certification to practice in Florida. They need excellent manual, interpersonal, and communication skills. The average annual salary for optometrists in Florida is $131,549 as of July 2023.
23. Sales Manager
A sales manager oversees the sales activities and performance of an organization or a product. They set and implement sales goals, strategies, and policies, manage sales staff and resources, ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty, and coordinate with other departments and external partners.
They need a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field and several years of experience in sales or management. They also need strong communication, leadership, negotiation, and analytical skills. The average annual salary for sales managers in Florida is $123,418 as of July 2023.
24. Financial Manager
A financial manager oversees the financial activities of an organization or a department. They prepare financial reports, statements, and forecasts, analyze financial data and performance, develop financial strategies and plans, manage budgets and cash flow, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and supervise the financial staff.
They need a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field and several years of experience in finance or accounting. They also need strong analytical, mathematical, communication, and leadership skills.
The average annual salary for financial managers in Florida was $123,022 as of July 2023.
How to Find and Land a High Paying Job in Florida
Finding and landing a high-paying job in Florida can be a challenging and rewarding process. You need to have the right skills, qualifications, and experience for the job you want, as well as a strong resume, cover letter, and interview skills. You also need to know where to look for the best job opportunities and how to stand out from the competition.
Here are some tips on how to find and land a high-paying job in Florida:
- Do your research: Before you start applying for jobs, you should research the market and the industry you are interested in. Find out what are the highest paying jobs in Florida, what are the requirements and expectations for each job, what are the salary ranges and benefits, and what are the trends and challenges in the field. You can use various sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, or other online platforms to find this information.
- Update your resume and cover letter: Your resume and cover letter are your first impression to potential employers, so you should make sure they are tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills, achievements, and education that match the job description and requirements. Use keywords and phrases that show your value and fit for the role. Avoid spelling, grammar, or formatting errors that can undermine your professionalism.
- Network and connect: Networking is one of the most effective ways to find and land a high-paying job in Florida. You can use your existing contacts or make new ones through online platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter, or through attending events, workshops, or seminars related to your field. Networking can help you learn more about the industry, discover hidden job market, get referrals, or receive feedback and advice.
- Prepare for the interview: Once you get invited for an interview, you should prepare yourself to impress the interviewer and showcase your skills and personality. You should research the company and the role, practice common interview questions and answers, dress appropriately, arrive on time, be confident and courteous, ask relevant questions, and follow up with a thank-you note.
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If you need more help with finding and landing a high paying job in Florida, you can contact JobScope. We are a job agency that can provide you with a complete package to boost your chances of success. We can help you with everything from resume writing and editing, cover letter writing and editing, job search assistance, and interview coaching.
We have a team of professional and experienced experts who can create or improve your resume and cover letter, find the best job opportunities for you, and prepare you for your interview.
If you are interested in working with JobScope, you can visit our contact page or call us directly at +1 (727) 742-9760. We look forward to assisting you with your career goals.
Conclusion
Florida is not only a state with beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and diverse culture, but also a state with many opportunities for high paying jobs in different fields and sectors. Whether you are interested in health care, engineering, law, management, or science, you can find a job that matches your skills, interests, and goals in Florida. However, most of these jobs require a high level of education, experience, and certification, so you will need to invest in your education and training to qualify for these highest paying jobs in Florida we have mentioned in this article.
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