The Sunshine State has much more to offer beyond just the sun and the sand. Florida is home to an incredible amount of cultural and biodiversity. It has also long been a fair-weather haven for many retirees and a favorite travel destination for many Americans. However, more and more people are making a permanent move to Florida every year. In fact, two-thirds of its current population was born in other states. In addition to the beautiful beaches and low cost of living, they don’t charge a state income tax. So, that means you keep more of your hard-earned money each paycheck. If you are looking to move, here is the current list of the best paying jobs in Florida.
The 10 Best Paying Jobs in Florida
The Bureau of Labor Statistics gathers and publishes data on national salaries every year. With so much data, it can be difficult to find the information you are looking for. However, sites like Zippia break it down and make it easily accessible to the average reader. Other websites like Salary.com compile information from several different reporting agencies to find the median salary of careers across the United States. According to these sites, here are the best paying jobs in Florida.
Chief Executives
Chief Executives have a big job which is why they make the big bucks. Not only do they have the final say in decisions about operations, budgets, and resources, but they are also the face of the company. They represent their corporation when communicating with the board of directors and the general public. The weight of the responsibility varies depending on the size of the corporation, as does the salary. While larger corporations pay their CEOs upwards of $1 million, the average salary is $738,558.
Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Any career in the medical field is likely to come with a comfortable paycheck. Yet, some specialties pay much better than others. Due to the extensive training and their expertise in surgical methods to treat illnesses, surgeons are one of the best paying jobs in Florida. They perform both invasive and non-invasive procedures to treat a wide array of conditions. A surgeon will assist you with any illness, condition, or injury which requires a physical correction. There’s no doubt that surgeons who work near the larger cities and resort areas will earn higher salaries. But, on average surgeons take home $384,819 per year.
Obstetricians and Gynecologists
No matter which state you live in, obstetricians and gynecologists are consistently topping the list of best paying jobs. These specialists focus on women’s healthcare. However, obstetricians are more involved with pregnancy and childbirth while gynecologists treat a broader range of conditions dealing with reproductive health concerns. If you are interested in specializing in this field, you can expect an average salary of $279,801 annually.
Psychiatrists
Another medical specialty that comes with a hefty salary is psychiatry. Physicians who study and treat mental health conditions provide several support services. In addition to diagnosing and treating mental disorders, they also offer counseling and support to those who are coping with or hoping to prevent them. Although salaries vary depending on educational background and experience, psychiatrists in Florida have a median salary of $223,202.
General Internal Medicine Physicians
General internal medicine physicians, or internists, play an important role in the medical field. They offer nonsurgical treatment options for all conditions, diseases, and injuries to the internal organs. These physicians have an intimate familiarity with all systems of the human body after years of study and hands-on practice. While many move into private practice to earn more money, internists earn an average of $214,662.
Physicians, All Others; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
This is a broad category that incorporates specialists across several disciplines. To give you some idea of what this category covers, some types of physicians included here are emergency physicians, cardiologists, neurologists, oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, and ophthalmologists. With so many disciplines in a single category, the median salary may not accurately represent each specialty accurately. If you want more information on a specific discipline, you should research salaries in the field you are most interested in. But, generally speaking, physicians earn an average of $202,870 in the Sunshine State.
Family Medicine Physicians
Family medicine physicians see patients from every demographic and treat illnesses that affect the general population across all age groups. They often treat entire families and individual patients throughout their life. These physicians are well-equipped to deal with common illnesses as well as provide referrals to other specialists when necessary. Physicians who go into family practice earn approximately $201,295 per year in Florida.
Dentists, General
Other physicians make plenty of jokes about dentists, yet they remain one of the best paying jobs in Florida. All joking aside, oral health is no laughing matter. Dentists are crucial in helping patients maintain good hygiene and detecting any issues affecting their oral health. Although they may not make as much as other physicians, dentists still net approximately $162,954 per year.
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
The justice system is a key component to maintaining law and order as well as public safety. Judges must exercise patience and fairness in addition to having expert legal knowledge. To reach this position, every judge, magistrate judge, and magistrate has to be an active member of the bar association. Even though Supreme Court justices earn higher salaries than judges in the lower courts, it is still a highly respectable and highly paid position. Based on the most recent statistics, judges in Florida make an average of $162,015.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Flight crews have the important responsibility of ensuring the safety of their passengers and cargo. They are a vital part of our country’s transportation and economy. Although they follow predetermined routes and schedules, pilots, copilots, and flight engineers must receive specialized training and hold a license to perform their jobs. And, they are well-compensated for their positions, especially in Florida. Positions in these fields are one of the top-paid, non-medical careers earning an average of $133,801 annually.
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Read More
- What is The Minimum Wage for Florida?
- How to Retire Well by Moving to Another State
- This is Why People Are Really Leaving Their Jobs

Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.
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