Are you tired of the same old 9-to-5? Florida's booming economy has created a hotbed of opportunities for those looking to switch things up. Want to know where the real cash is? Let's dive into the fastest-growing jobs in the Sunshine State.* These jobs are on the rise and are expected to continually increase over the next ten years. From tech to healthcare, there's something for everyone. Some of these might surprise you! Keep reading to find out if your dream job is on the list.
Top 10 Fastest Growing Occupations in Florida
1. Nurse Practitioners (NP)
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play an important role in delivering primary healthcare services, diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and performing procedures across various settings like clinics, hospitals, schools, and community health centers. They are essentially the first point of contact you encounter in a healthcare setting and provide you with education, preventive measures, and holistic well-being to ensure patient care. With a median salary of $120,000 annually, NPs typically hold a Master's degree or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and the profession is in high demand due to aging populations, healthcare shortages, and a growing focus on preventative care.
See my feature in 9 Alternative Careers for Nurses
2. Data Scientists
Data scientists help businesses make data-driven decisions, develop new products and services, and improve operational efficiency. As a data scientist, you would use statistical and machine learning techniques to analyze large datasets and extract meaningful insights. In a nutshell, you take data and interpret it into easy-to-understand language so that others can create goals and objectives and identify where they should focus their attention. Data scientists are in high demand across various industries, from technology and finance to healthcare and marketing. The average salary in Florida is about $95,000 annually; with experience, it may not require a degree.
3. Physician Assistants (PAs)
Physician Assistants (PAs collaborate with physicians to deliver medical care, which involves diagnosing and treating illnesses, conducting procedures, and prescribing medications. Similar to a Nurse Practitioner, they are typically employed in clinics in family practice clinics, urgent care facilities, and hospitals. They play a vital role in diagnosing and screening patients who may eventually require care from a medical doctor. They tend to serve in diverse areas, which is particularly beneficial in areas with limited access to services. As a PA, you could earn, on average, $125,000 annually after receiving a Master's degree in Health Sciences for Physician Assistant Studies.
4. Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts protect computer systems and networks from cyberattacks by identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, and responding to incidents. They play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive data, preventing data breaches, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The demand for information security analysts has surged due to increasing cyber threats and the growing reliance on our digital devices and technological advancements. The average salary is $100,000 per year, and to qualify for this job, along with other technological jobs, you may not need a degree. However, a computer science or cybersecurity bachelor's degree can give you a competitive advantage.
5. Machine Feeders and Operators
In the past, machine feeders and operators used to receive the standard minimum wage. Many of these positions are unionized and have
an above-average hourly pay rate. Due to competition and other factors, non-unionized roles are now required to offer a higher hourly wage. Machine operators are responsible for loading materials, operating machinery, and ensuring product quality control in manufacturing facilities. These positions play a crucial role in maintaining production lines and upholding the quality of manufactured goods. Although the job can be physically demanding, it provides stable employment and can provide opportunities for career growth within the manufacturing sector. The average hourly wage in Florida is approximately $19, and a high school diploma may not be necessary to qualify for these positions.
6. Software Developers
You would design, create, and test software applications and systems as a software developer. Software developers play a vital role in developing new technologies, improving existing software, and driving innovation across various industries. Software developers are in high demand due to the increasing reliance on technology and the constant evolution of digital products and services. To start your career as a software developer, you may or may not need a bachelor's degree. Again, this is another job where experience holds a lot of weight. If you obtain a Bachelor's degree and have some experience, you could earn an average salary of $120,000 annually.
7. Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical and health services managers oversee healthcare facilities' daily operations, ensuring policy compliance. They manage tasks like employee physicals, injury diagnosis, and OSHA referrals. They may also be responsible for ensuring that medical records and other files are kept in appropriate order and for managing employees. Health service managers may also be responsible for budget management and staff-patient coordination depending on the size and type of facility they work in. The average salary in Florida is $105,000 annually if you hold a bachelor's degree in business or healthcare administration.
8. Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists. If you've had an injury, you've probably attended numerous physical therapy appointments to help improve your mobility and function through therapeutic exercises and treatments. Physical therapy assistants are in high demand due to the aging population and increased focus on preventative care. You can become a physical therapy assistant after you earn your associate's degree in physical therapy assisting. You could earn, on average, $65,000 annually.
9. Nursing Instructors
Nursing educators train nursing students and equip them for roles in the healthcare sector. They are crucial in guiding the upcoming cohort of healthcare practitioners and maintaining a skilled nursing workforce. As a nursing educator, you may instruct nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and individuals aspiring to join nursing. The rising need for competent nursing professionals underscores the necessity for more nursing educators who can provide guidance, tutoring, and academic support to influence the evolution of healthcare provision. Typically, most academic programs mandate a Master's degree or PhD in nursing education for eligibility. In Florida, the average annual salary for nursing instructors is $81,000.
See my feature in 12 Alternative Careers for Teachers
10. Taxi Drivers
Are you familiar with Uber and Lyft? If not, they are considered a taxi service where drivers transport passengers to their destinations in exchange for a fee. In certain areas, traditional taxi services have encountered difficulties due to the rise of ride-sharing services. Nevertheless, there remains a demand for both taxi and ridesharing services, allowing both to coexist, expand, and be profitable. The average hourly rate for taxi drivers is currently $15 and is expected to increase as demand rises. One advantage of this profession is that it does not require any specific education, making it accessible to many with a valid driver's license.
What's Next?
As you can see, many jobs in the technological and healthcare industry are on the rise. If you are getting ready to join the workforce or thinking about changing careers, it's a good idea to start planning for your future career now. These jobs offer attractive salaries and long-term stability due to ongoing technological progress and the persistent demand for healthcare professionals.
See my feature in What Does It Take to Transition to a New Career?
Source: *Information gathered from Florida Jobs and Florida Commerce, Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research.
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