At the start of 2023, Florida tied Alabama for the sixth lowest unemployment rate at 2.6 percent according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Florida’s economy is forecast to grow more than double the national average through 2030 and that growth should mean more jobs.
Employment in healthcare is expected to be the sector with the hottest growth through the end of the decade according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. But which jobs will be the most in-demand over the coming years? Here’s a look at which jobs are expected to have the most postings.
The number of nurse practitioners to increase by almost 50 percent
The fastest-growing job category in Florida through 2030 is that of nurse practitioners which will expand by 49.9 percent. Also known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), between 2022 and 2030 more than 7,200 jobs will be created. But that doesn’t take into account the overall number that will be needed each year to replace those leaving the profession due to retirement or transferring to other professions.
These clinicians function similar to doctors but the two professions should not be confused with one another. Their services will needed at greater amounts due to the aging Baby Boomers as well to replace retiring nurses and those that have left the practice due to burnout.
| Job | Growth rate | Number added by 2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse practitioner | 49.9% | 7,222 |
| Information security analyst | 33.1% | 2,802 |
| Physician assistant | 31.9% | 2,573 |
| Physical therapist | 27.1% | 2,143 |
| Gaming dealer | 26.5% | 1,274 |
| Health specialties teacher, postsecondary | 25.9% | 3,003 |
| Nursing instructor and teacher, postsecondary | 25.0% | 1,158 |
| Veterinary technologists and technicians | 24.8% | 2,730 |
| Veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker | 24.7% | 1,503 |
| Respiratory therapist | 24.2% | 2,179 |
The highest number of jobs that will be created in Florida
According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity the largest number of jobs will be created to work in fast food and as counter workers. More than 31,000 additional jobs will be added by 2030 bringing the total to over 273,600.
| Job | Number added by 2030 | Growth rate |
|---|---|---|
| Fast food and counter worker | 32,161 | 13.3% |
| Restaurant Cook | 28,060 | 23.6% |
| Registered nurse | 23,595 | 12.2% |
| Laborer and freight, stock and material movers | 17,206 | 10.6% |
| General and operation manager | 16,799 | 10.9% |
| Waiter and waitress | 16,539 | 8.3% |
| Software developer and software quality assurance analyst | 14,921 | 16.9% |
| Landscaping and groundskeeping worker | 13,580 | 11.8% |
| General maintenance and repair worker | 13,042 | 11.5% |
| Stocker and order filler | 12,523 | 7.7% |
I'm well-versed in labor market trends, particularly in Florida, with a solid grasp of the Bureau of Labor Statistics' data and the forecasted growth patterns in various sectors. To demonstrate my expertise, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Unemployment Rate: It's a crucial economic indicator reflecting the percentage of unemployed individuals actively seeking employment within the labor force. Florida and Alabama shared a 2.6% rate, showcasing healthy employment conditions.
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Economic Growth Forecasts: Florida's economy is predicted to grow at a rate surpassing the national average until 2030. Robust economic growth often correlates with increased job opportunities across sectors.
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Hottest Job Sectors: The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity identified healthcare as a burgeoning sector. The specific job projections highlight the growing demand for various healthcare roles, like nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and healthcare educators.
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Job Growth Projections: The statistics provide insights into the anticipated growth rates and the number of jobs expected to be added in various professions until 2030. For instance, nurse practitioners are expected to expand by 49.9%, adding over 7,200 jobs due to factors like an aging population and retirements within the profession.
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Diverse Job Categories: The data delineates job categories from healthcare to hospitality, emphasizing not only healthcare expansion but also growth in fast food services, restaurant cookery, software development, and maintenance sectors. This diversity signifies Florida's multifaceted job market.
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Largest Job Creation: While healthcare roles show significant growth, the largest number of job additions is anticipated in fast food and counter worker positions, followed by restaurant cooks, registered nurses, and various managerial and technical roles.
Understanding these concepts offers a comprehensive view of Florida's job market dynamics, showcasing both high-growth sectors like healthcare and substantial job creation in service-related industries. The data underscores the diverse opportunities and sectors contributing to Florida's employment landscape, from healthcare expansion due to demographic shifts to the steady growth in hospitality and technical fields.
