Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Florida 2024 (Inc Salaries)

In this article, we'll do a deep dive into the highest-paying jobs available in Florida. It explores the education requirement, earning potential, full job description, and employment opportunity of each job title, so keep reading.

With its all-year good weather and world-renowned beaches, Florida is indeed the sunshine state.

More than that, the state’s high quality of life and thriving economy also contribute to its residents’ sunny disposition.

As if that’s not enough, the wage in Florida is considered higher than the national average, making it one of the best states to live and work in.

But, of course, it doesn’t hurt to find the best-paying jobs available in Florida if you want to experience the best life this state offers.

The good thing is we have exactly what you need in this article. If you're ready to know more about this amazing state, explore some of the highest-paying jobs in Florida below.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Florida 2024 (Inc Salaries)

1. Cardiologist

Cardiologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat heart and vascular diseases, including arrhythmia, high blood pressure, and coronary artery diseases, among many others.

These medical experts are responsible for performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting test results, prescribing necessary medications, and educating patients on lifestyle changes to minimize the risk of heart disease.

While they aren’t licensed to perform surgery, they are trained to perform other complicated heart-related procedures like pacemaker implants and cardiac catheterizations.

Job Requirements

Here are the steps to becoming a cardiologist:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in a science- or health-related field.

• Pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).

• Attend medical school.

• Pass the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

• Complete a four-year Internal Medicine residency program.

• Obtain board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine.

• Finish a 3-year cardiology fellowship program.

Employment Outlook

Florida currently has 1,220 employed cardiologists, making it the 4^th state with the highest employment level for this position.

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for cardiologists in the US will grow by 3%, equivalent to 600 job openings until 2032.

Salary Information

The average annual salary for Heart Doctors in Florida is $451,200. It may also come with additional pay of $144,400, making it the top high-paying job in Florida and 2^nd on the list of the highest-paying jobs in the USA.

Not only that, but it's also one of the highest-paying medical and healthcare jobs in 2024.

2. Anesthesiologist

Anesthetists are medical doctors who deliver anesthesia care and pain management to patients undergoing surgery or other invasive procedures.

Aside from administering anesthesia, they also evaluate, monitor, and supervise patient care before, during, and after surgery.

Critical duties include evaluating and assessing patient health, facilitating pre-surgery preparations, formulating anesthesia plans, and monitoring patient vital signs and recovery.

Job Requirements

The education requirements for this position include an undergraduate degree in biology, natural sciences, and other related fields and a Doctor of Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree.

You must also pass a few examinations, including the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Lastly, you must complete a residency program and earn specialization certifications from the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) or the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).

Employment Outlook

The demand for this position is projected to increase by 3%, equivalent to 1, 000 new job openings until 2032.

Salary Information

Anesthesiologists make an average annual salary of $412,300 along an estimated additional pay of $78,600.

3. Chief Executive Officer

Holding the highest management position in the organization, a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) sets the company goals and objectives and drives the company to success.

His core responsibilities include overseeing all the company operations, developing business strategies, and managing budgets.

Besides that, he also serves as the company's public face, the head of the management officers, and the communication link between the staff and the board of directors.

Job Requirements

The minimum education requirement to becoming a CEO is a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree.

On top of that, you also need to have extensive work experience in your chosen field. Managerial experience is also a must.

Employment Outlook

Considering that Florida is an international business hub, it currently has 17,580 filled positions for this role.

The overall employment for top executives in the US will grow by 3% until 2032. The sector will produce 311,600 job openings in the next few years.

Salary Information

The estimated annual pay for chief executives in Florida is $384,000. They may also get an additional yearly bonus of $212,000 through cash bonuses and profit sharing.

4. Emergency Medicine Physician

Also known as ER doctors, these medical practitioners deliver life-saving care to patients with acute illness or a severe and critical medical issue. Their main goal is to stabilize the patient's vital signs and health condition and determine their next possible step (hospital confinement or a may-go-home order).

In addition to that, they also supervise and oversee the operations, activities, and staff within the Emergency Room department.

Job Requirements

The initial steps to becoming an ER doctor are the same with all types of doctors. It requires a bachelor’s and medical degree, a medical license by passing the USMLE, and a residency program.

After these, you must earn board certifications from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine (AOBEM).

You can further specialize in this field by finishing a subspecialty fellowship program.

Employment Outlook

With 3,470 employed ER physicians, Florida is the second state to have the highest level of employment for this position.

The demand for physicians in the US is expected to rise by 3%, equivalent to 900 new job openings in the next few years.

Salary Information

Emergency medicine physicians make a median wage of $251,400 per year. This position also comes with an estimated additional pay of $45,300.

5. Dentist

Dentists are healthcare experts who specialize in oral health. They diagnose and treat conditions related to the gums, teeth, and other parts of the mouth.

They provide various oral health treatments and services, including root canals, dentures, veneers, crowns and bridges, teeth filling, and restoration.

Moreover, they also educate patients on dental hygiene best practices and conduct oral cancer screenings.

Job Requirements

To become a dentist, here are some of the steps you need to take:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in biology and other related sciences.

• Pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT).

• Finish dental school to earn a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD).

• Pass the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) to get your dental license.

• Complete a residency program based on your chosen specialty.

Employment Outlook

There are 7,050 employed dentists in Florida, making it the 3rh state with the highest employment level for this role.

The US demand for this occupation will grow by 4% in the coming years. This means that the sector will generate about 6,000 new jobs until 2032.

Salary Information

The median wage for dentists in Florida is $227,900. They may also receive a yearly additional pay of $34,500.

6. Nurse Anesthetist

Certified Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are highly trained in administering anesthesia care to patients undergoing surgery or other invasive treatments.

These nurses work in specialized healthcare facilities like the operating room, ambulatory surgical centers, pain management clinics, and dental clinics. They collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and the rest of the Operating Room staff.

Job Requirements

The steps to becoming a nurse anesthetist include:

• Earning a bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

• Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain your state licensure.

• Gaining hospital work experience.

• Obtaining a Doctorate of Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree.

• Getting certified by passing the examination conducted by the National Certification Examination.

Employment Outlook

As per BLS, this industry will have a growth rate of 9%. This means there will be 53, 800 open positions in the next few years.

Salary Information

In Florida, this type of CRNA is paid an annual average salary of $214,500. Depending on the hospital and pay structure, the compensation package may also come with a cash bonus of $24,400.

7. Engineering Manager

As leaders of the company's engineering department, engineering managers deliver the right technology at the right time while providing their staff with a healthy work culture and environment.

Some of their day-to-day tasks include establishing and managing product budgets, developing and researching new designs for products and services, training, hiring, and recruiting staff, and planning strategies to ensure that projects are completed on time.

Job Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering and other related fields is needed for entry-level engineering management positions.

On the other hand, having an advanced degree like a master’s in business administration (MBA) and years of work experience can increase your chances of landing higher-paying roles.

Employment Outlook

With 780 employed professionals in this position, the Palm Bay - Melbourne - Titusville, FL, is one of the metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs for this role.

The employment of architectural and engineering managers in the US is expected to increase by 4%. This means the industry can generate up to 13, 600 job openings until 2032.

Salary Information

An engineering manager earns an average salary of $182,400 and may also include an additional pay of $40,600 per year.

8. Commercial Pilot

Airline pilots are responsible for operating and flying aircraft for different commercial purposes, like transporting passengers, delivering cargo and freight, surveying, etc.

They are employed by charter companies, commercial airlines, and other companies that offer airplane services to the public.

In addition to aircraft operation, they are also in charge of pre-flight preparation, formulating a flight plan, and communicating with passengers and the flight crew.

Job Requirements

The required education and training for airline pilots are as follows:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, transportation, and other related fields,

• Private Pilot license with an instrument rating,

• 250 hours of flight time,

• Commercial Pilot license with an instrument rating,

• and an Airline Transport (ATP) Certificate.

Employment Outlook

With 6,410 filled positions, Florida currently has the highest employment level for commercial pilots.

The demand for flight engineers, airline pilots and copilots is expected to rise by 4%. This means the flight industry will produce around 16,800 openings until 2032.

Salary Information

In Florida, commercial pilots are paid an average wage of $142,000 every year. Not only that, but they may also receive an estimated additional pay of $19,500.

9. Flight Engineer

The primary obligation of flight engineers is to monitor and manage aircraft systems before, during, and after flight to ensure the machine's safe and efficient operation.

Other duties and responsibilities include assisting the crew during emergencies, troubleshooting technical problems, keeping accurate records of all flight details, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards.

Job Requirements

To become a flight engineer, you need the following credentials:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or aviation,

• Commercial pilot’s licenses with an instrument rating,

• Flight Engineer (FE) license from the Federal Aviation Administration,

• and at least 1,500 flying hours.

Employment Outlook

The employment in Florida for flight engineers is around 5, 290, making it the 4^th state with the highest employment level.

The need for this position will grow by 4% in the next few years. This is equivalent to 16,800 new positions until 2032.

Salary Information

The average annual wage for flight engineers in Florida is $139,800 and may include an estimated cash bonus of $10,900.

10. Sales Representative

The main role of sales representatives is to promote and sell products and services on behalf of the company and organization.

They are responsible for strategizing ways to attract new customers and retain existing clients, discussing the features and benefits of products and services, conducting market research, and addressing client complaints.

They interact directly with customers and ensure that they will enjoy a great experience throughout the sales process.

Job Requirements

A high school diploma is enough for most positions, especially for the nontechnical or nonscientific industry.

However, most positions require a college degree, especially in the pharmaceutical, industrial equipment, and medical instrument industries.

A master's degree in business administration is highly recommended for a management role in this sector.

Employment Outlook

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment for this position will have little to no change in the next few years.

Despite the limited growth, the industry will still generate up to 148,000 job openings in the next few years.

Salary Information

Sales reps in Florida make an annual median wage of $136,400.

Since it’s a commission sales position, it may also include an estimated additional pay of $52, 400.

Other high paying Florida jobs include:

• Nurse Practitioners: $127,700

• Computer and Information Systems Managers: $112,500

• Registered Nurses: $92,300

• Truck Drivers: $86,000

• Cardiac Imaging Specialists: $80,200

• Marketing Managers: $80,200

Conclusion

There's no doubt that Florida offers a wide range of employment opportunities. Still, the tight competition can hinder you from building a career in the Sunshine State.

Luckily, there’s an easy way to increase your chances of landing good-paying jobs available in Florida—a business degree.

A BBA or MBA degree can help you develop a diversified skillset and build stronger network connections—two things that can pave the way to a richer and more fulfilling career.

If you want to know more about how these programs can help you, check out Nexford. Our university offers online MBA and BBA programs designed to help professionals thrive in whatever industry and country they are in.

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FAQs

What is the highest-paying job in Florida in 2024?

Cardiologists earn about $451,200 per year and have the highest average annual salary among all occupations on the list. Their salary ranges from $338,000 to $632,000.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which Florida jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

According to the BLS, the demand for Nurse anesthetists will increase by 9%, equivalent to 4, 500 new jobs in the next few years, making it the fastest-growing job in Florida.

What is the best career path in Florida in 2024?

Based on their employment outlook and salary projection, the best industries in Florida for 2024 are medical, healthcare, and business.

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying Florida jobs?

Considering the nature of medical and healthcare jobs, the must-have skills you must develop are communication, time management, stress management, flexibility and patience, teamwork, and attention to detail.

Since most of these also hold leadership roles, it’s also recommended that you develop management and networking skills.

Discover if you have what it takes to land any of these high-paying positions. Download Our Free Report here.

What qualifications are required for high-paying Florida jobs?

The required credentials vary depending on the industry you wish to enter.

For example, you need a medical, master's, or doctoral degree for medical and healthcare jobs. At the same time, an MBA is required for sales positions.

Having relevant work experience and necessary certifications is necessary, regardless of the industry you’re in.

Why is gaining a BBA/MBA degree beneficial to gain a high-paying job in FL?

An online BBA and MBA program can provide you with extensive knowledge in business and management-- which is a must for the high-paying roles in FL.

Not only that, but it also provides you with great networking opportunities vital in helping you go up the career ladder.