In this article, we will take a look at the 20 fastest-growing jobs in Florida.
Florida’s Economy: Trends and Opportunities in the Job Market
Florida, the third most populated state in the US, is famous for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and popular attractions like Walt Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center. However, its economy is much more than just tourism. Florida is one of the largest economies in the United States.
In June 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis shared that Florida’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 21.9% from the first quarter of 2019 to the first quarter of 2024. This growth is nearly double the national average of 11.1% for the same period. Florida’s economy remains strong, with an annual GDP close to $1.3 trillion. The state is also leading the nation in new business formations, having seen over 3 million new businesses established since 2019 and more than 266,000 in just the first half of 2024.
In addition to this, on July 1, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis announced funding for workforce development and infrastructure projects through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the Defense Infrastructure Grant. The recipients include Pensacola State College, the city of DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa County, and Jackson County, with funds aimed at enhancing the aviation, aerospace, military, and defense sectors while also improving access to housing for workers. These investments are designed to create high-paying job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in Escambia, Walton, Santa Rosa, and Jackson counties.
READ ALSO: 20 States with the Largest Homeless Populations Per Capita and 30 Fastest Growing Jobs In America.
In October 2024, Florida had 463,000 job openings, a rise from 405,000 in September, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state had a ratio of 0.8 unemployed individuals for every job opening, which is lower than the national average of 0.9. During the same month, Florida experienced 294,000 new hires and 309,000 separations, with 196,000 of those separations being voluntary quits and 102,000 resulting from layoffs or discharges.
The unemployment rate in the United States in October 2024 was 4.1%, while Florida reported a lower rate of 3.3%. This indicates that Florida’s job market is performing better than the national average. These figures indicate a healthy job market in Florida. The lower unemployment rate in Florida reflects strong job growth and highlights the state’s potential as a strong destination for job seekers compared to other states.
With this context, let’s take a look at the 20 fastest-growing jobs in Florida.
Photo by Shridhar Gupta on Unsplash
Methodology
To compile our list of the 20 fastest-growing jobs in Florida, we consulted the “Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research, Occupation and Employment Projections 2024-2032” by the Florida Department of Commerce. We used the latest data available in their dataset, which provided us with employment figures as of 2024 and projected employment levels for 2032. We narrowed down our selection to rank the 20 fastest-growing jobs in Florida based on the projected percentage growth rate for each job. The 20 fastest-growing jobs in Florida were then ranked in ascending order.
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20 Fastest Growing Jobs in Florida
20. Motorcycle Mechanics
Number of Jobs in 2024: 1,149
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 1,287
Projected Growth Rate: 12%
Motorcycle mechanics are responsible for diagnosing, adjusting, repairing, and overhauling motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, and similar motorized vehicles. This occupation is among the fastest-growing jobs in Florida, with a projected growth rate of 12% from 2024 to 2032.
19. Orthotists and Prosthetists
Number of Jobs in 2024: 573
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 647
Projected Growth Rate: 12.9%
Orthotists and prosthetists typically work in healthcare facilities and laboratories. They design, measure, fit, and adjust orthopedic braces and prosthetic devices, such as artificial limbs or facial parts, for patients with disabilities. In Florida, this field is projected to grow by 12.9% from 2024 to 2032.
18. Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Number of Jobs in 2024: 1,637
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 1,851
Projected Growth Rate: 13.1%
Machine feeders and offbearers are responsible for loading materials into machines or removing materials from them. The machines may be automatic or operated by other workers. In the US state of Florida, this job is expected to grow by 13.1% from 2024 to 2032.
17. Physical Therapist Aides
Number of Jobs in 2024: 1,074
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 1,216
Projected Growth Rate: 13.2%
Most physical therapist aides work in the offices of physical therapists or in hospitals. They perform specific tasks under the close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, which may include preparing patients and setting up the treatment area. In Florida, the overall employment of physical therapist aides is expected to grow by 13.2% from 2024 to 2032.
16. Marriage and Family Therapists
Number of Jobs in 2024: 3,911
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 4,434
Projected Growth Rate: 13.4%
Marriage and family therapists diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, including cognitive, affective, and behavioral issues, within the context of couples and other relationships. They use psychotherapeutic techniques to provide services to individuals, couples, and families facing these challenges. Marriage and family therapists work in various settings such as offices and mental health centers. In Florida, this is one of the fastest-growing professions, with employment projected to increase by 13.4% from 2024 to 2032.
15. Software Developers
Number of Jobs in 2024: 79,709
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 90,374
Projected Growth Rate: 13.4%
A software developer is a professional who designs and creates computer programs. This career ranks among the top 15 fastest-growing jobs in Florida, with an expected growth rate of 13.4% from 2024 to 2032.
14. Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
Number of Jobs in 2024: 1,256
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 1,425
Projected Growth Rate: 13.5%
Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders in the wood industry are responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining wood sawing machines. This occupation ranks among the fastest-growing careers in Florida, with an anticipated growth rate of 13.5% from 2024 to 2032.
13. Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Number of Jobs in 2024: 1,297
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 1,480
Projected Growth Rate: 14.1%
Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except for sawing, is a rapidly growing occupation. These professionals set up, operate, and tend to various woodworking machines, including drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, and wood-nailing machines. In Florida, employment in this field is projected to increase by 14.1% from 2024 to 2032.
12. Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders
Number of Jobs in 2024: 113
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 129
Projected Growth Rate: 14.2%
Textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders are responsible for operating machines that bleach, shrink, wash, dye, or finish textiles and synthetic or glass fibers. This profession ranks among the top 12 fastest-growing jobs in Florida, with employment in this field expected to increase by 14.2% from 2024 to 2032.
11. Veterinarians
Number of Jobs in 2024: 5,757
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 6,623
Projected Growth Rate: 15%
Most veterinarians work in private clinics and hospitals, while others may travel to farms or work in places like laboratories, classrooms, or zoos. Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals, and their roles can include conducting research, inspecting livestock, or caring for pets and companion animals. In Florida, the employment of veterinarians is expected to grow by 15% from 2024 to 2032.
10. Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Number of Jobs in 2024: 12,163
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 13,996
Projected Growth Rate: 15.1%
Software quality assurance analysts and testers are professionals who develop and run tests on software to find problems and their causes. They also test system changes to prepare for implementation. By identifying potential issues, bugs, and usability concerns, they help ensure the software meets quality standards. In Florida, the employment of software quality assurance analysts and testers is expected to grow by 15.1% from 2024 to 2032. This profession ranks among the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in Florida.
9. Survey Researchers
Number of Jobs in 2024: 394
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 455
Projected Growth Rate: 15.5%
Most survey researchers work for research firms, polling organizations, nonprofits, corporations, colleges and universities, and government agencies. Survey researchers design and conduct surveys, analyze the data, and may also interpret the results to determine what the data means. They may also supervise survey teams. In Florida, the employment of survey researchers is projected to grow by 15.5% from 2024 to 2032.
8. Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
Number of Jobs in 2024: 268
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 311
Projected Growth Rate: 16%
Ambulance drivers and attendants, except for emergency medical technicians, drive ambulances and help transport sick, injured, or recovering individuals. They also assist in lifting patients. This occupation is among the fastest-growing jobs in Florida, with an expected growth rate of 16% from 2024 to 2032.
7. Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Number of Jobs in 2024: 4,084
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 4,753
Projected Growth Rate: 16.4%
Clinical and counseling psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders in individuals using observation, interviews, and psychological tests. They work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private practices. In Florida, the overall employment of clinical and counseling psychologists is projected to grow by 16.4% from 2024 to 2032.
6. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Number of Jobs in 2024: 10,845
Projected Number of Jobs in 2032: 12,627
Projected Growth Rate: 16.4%
Veterinary technologists and technicians conduct medical tests to help diagnose injuries and illnesses in animals. They perform laboratory tests, prepare vaccines and serums to prevent diseases and handle tasks such as taking blood samples and preparing tissue samples. Additionally, they may clean and sterilize instruments and maintain equipment. These professionals work in various environments, including private clinics, laboratories, and animal hospitals. As one of the fastest-growing careers in Florida, the employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to increase by 16.4% from 2024 to 2032.