Florida Salaries 2025
No state income tax with rapidly growing job market
Median Household Income
Florida Salary Overview 2025
Florida has transformed from a retirement destination into a dynamic economic powerhouse, attracting workers, businesses, and investment at unprecedented rates. The state's median household income of approximately $63,000 sits below the national median of $74,580, but the absence of state income tax and moderate cost of living (outside South Florida) provide competitive purchasing power.
The Sunshine State's economy spans tourism and hospitality (still the backbone), growing finance and fintech in Miami, aerospace on the Space Coast, healthcare statewide, and an emerging tech sector in Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. Remote workers have flooded Florida since 2020, often maintaining higher salaries from New York or California while enjoying tax savings and lower housing costs.
2025 continues Florida's growth trajectory, though housing costs have risen sharply—particularly in Miami and Tampa. The state added more residents than any other in recent years (1,000+ daily net migration at peak), driving both opportunity and affordability challenges. For national context, see salary trends 2025.
Florida Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Median Household | COL Index | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale | $62,000 | 125 | Finance, trade, tourism |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg | $62,000 | 100 | Finance, healthcare, tech |
| Orlando-Kissimmee | $60,000 | 98 | Tourism, tech, aerospace |
| Jacksonville | $65,000 | 95 | Finance, logistics, healthcare |
| Space Coast (Brevard) | $62,000 | 100 | Aerospace, defense, tech |
Miami-Fort Lauderdale
Median Household: $62,000
South Florida's financial hub has attracted hedge funds, private equity firms, and fintech companies relocating from New York. Citadel's headquarters move brought visibility; numerous other firms followed. Finance professionals earn $100,000–$300,000+ in Miami, with top hedge fund roles exceeding $500,000. Housing costs have surged—Miami now rivals some California metros.
Tampa-St. Petersburg
Median Household: $62,000
Tampa has emerged as Florida's most balanced metro for career and cost of living. Major financial services presence (Raymond James, USAA operations), growing tech sector, and strong healthcare (Moffitt Cancer Center). Tech salaries: $90,000–$150,000+. Finance: $70,000–$200,000+.
Space Coast
Median Household: $62,000
SpaceX, Blue Origin, and traditional aerospace employers have revitalized Florida's Space Coast. Aerospace engineers earn $90,000–$150,000+. Beach lifestyle at lower costs than South Florida with high-paying technical work.
Florida Salaries by Industry
| Industry | Average Salary | Top Metros |
|---|---|---|
| Finance/Banking | $75,000–$150,000 | Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville |
| Technology | $85,000–$150,000 | Miami, Tampa, Orlando |
| Aerospace/Defense | $80,000–$140,000 | Space Coast, Orlando |
| Healthcare | $60,000–$120,000 | Statewide |
| Tourism/Hospitality | $35,000–$65,000 | Orlando, Miami |
| Real Estate | $50,000–$150,000 | Miami, Tampa |
Finance Migration
Miami's transformation into a financial center represents Florida's biggest salary upgrade. Citadel, Point72, and numerous hedge funds established Florida operations. Investment professionals earn $150,000–$500,000+, comparable to New York—but with zero state income tax. See our highest paying jobs guide.
Technology Growth
Florida tech has matured significantly. Software engineers earn $90,000–$150,000+, with senior roles reaching $140,000–$200,000. Miami's startup scene attracts venture capital; Tampa offers corporate tech stability. See our software engineer salary guide.
Florida Tax Advantage
| Annual Income | CA State Tax | NY State Tax | FL State Tax | Savings vs CA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $5,700 | $5,000 | $0 | $5,700 |
| $150,000 | $10,400 | $9,000 | $0 | $10,400 |
| $200,000 | $15,500 | $13,000 | $0 | $15,500 |
| $500,000 | $45,000 | $43,000 | $0 | $45,000 |
Florida has no state income tax—workers keep their entire paycheck beyond federal taxes. For a $150,000 earner relocating from California or New York, Florida provides $9,000–$10,000+ annual state tax savings.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Expense | Miami | Tampa | Orlando | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment | $2,500 | $1,800 | $1,700 | $1,500 |
| Median Home | $580,000 | $400,000 | $380,000 | $320,000 |
Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville offer Florida lifestyle at significantly lower costs than Miami. Tampa particularly balances career opportunities with affordability.
Highest Paying Jobs in Florida 2025
| Occupation | FL Average | Top Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon | $320,000 | Miami, Tampa |
| Anesthesiologist | $300,000 | Statewide |
| Hedge Fund Manager | $250,000+ | Miami |
| Aerospace Engineer (Sr) | $130,000 | Space Coast |
| Software Engineer (Sr) | $140,000 | Miami, Tampa |
| Pharmacist | $120,000 | Statewide |
Florida Minimum Wage 2025
Florida Minimum Wage: $13.00/hour (2025), rising to $15.00 by 2026
Florida voters approved a path to $15.00/hour minimum wage. Market wages in urban areas already exceed minimums for most positions due to competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida worth moving to for tax savings?
For high earners ($150,000+), tax savings alone often justify the move—$10,000–$50,000+ annual savings. Remote workers maintaining out-of-state salaries get the best of both worlds.
What salary do I need to live comfortably?
Miami: $90,000+ single, $150,000+ family. Tampa/Orlando: $65,000–$75,000 single, $110,000+ family. Jacksonville: $55,000–$65,000 single, $95,000+ family.
What about hurricanes and insurance?
Legitimate concerns. Homeowners insurance has become expensive—$5,000–$15,000+ annually for some coastal properties. This should factor into relocation calculations alongside tax savings.