The highest paying trade jobs in Florida include elevator installers ($90,000–$100,000), electrical power-line installers ($75,000–$85,000), and construction managers with trade backgrounds ($95,000–$110,000). Other high-paying trades include HVAC technicians, plumbers, and aircraft mechanics, each earning $50,000–$70,000 annually based on experience and certifications.
What Are Trade Jobs and Why They Matter in Florida?
Trade jobs are skilled positions that often require hands-on work, technical knowledge, and formal training through apprenticeship programs or trade school. In Florida, these careers are essential to infrastructure, healthcare, and construction development.
Unlike roles that demand a four year college degree, many top-paying trades require only a high school diploma and specialized training through technical schools or community colleges. Workers are trained on the job, often starting with apprenticeship programs that offer real experience while earning.
Florida’s growth in tourism, construction, and renewable energy has boosted demand for skilled workers in multiple trades. From repairing refrigeration systems to installing solar panels, these roles are central to Florida’s economy.
Top 10 Highest Paying Trade Jobs in Florida
Florida offers high wages in several skilled trades. Some require postsecondary education, while others emphasize experience, licensing, or certifications. Below are the best-paid trade jobs in the state:
- Elevator Installers and Repairers
- Electrical Power-Line Installers
- Construction Managers with Trade Backgrounds
- Ultrasonographers
- Industrial Mechanics
- Plumbers and Pipefitters
- HVAC Technicians
- Solar Installers
- Electricians
These jobs pay above the state’s average salary for full-time workers, often with better long-term career path options and financial security than entry-level roles requiring a college degree.
Table: Top Paying Trade Jobs in Florida
| Trade Job | Median Annual Salary in Florida (Approx.) | Description | Key Requirements/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevator/Escalator Installer | $70,000 – $90,000 | Install and repair elevators and escalators; requires specialized training and apprenticeship. | High demand, union jobs, requires certification and physical fitness. |
| Respiratory Therapist | $90,000 – $105,000 | Provide care for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. | Requires an associate degree and state licensure. |
| Ultrasonographer | $95,000 – $110,000 | Perform diagnostic ultrasound imaging procedures. | Requires specialized training and certification. |
| Construction Manager | $80,000 – $95,000 | Oversee construction projects, manage teams, budgets, and timelines. | Experience in construction plus management skills required. |
| Aircraft Mechanic/Technician | $70,000 – $85,000 | Maintain and repair aircraft systems. | FAA certification typically required. |
| Electrician | $50,000 – $65,000 | Install and maintain electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. | Requires apprenticeship and licensing; strong job growth expected. |
| Plumber/Pipefitter | $50,000 – $65,000 | Install and repair piping systems for water, gas, and waste. | Licensing and apprenticeship required; recession-resistant trade. |
| Solar Installer | $55,000 – $70,000 | Install and maintain solar panel systems. | Growing field with increasing demand in Florida’s sunny climate. |
| Industrial Mechanic | $60,000 – $75,000 | Maintain and repair industrial machinery and equipment. | Requires technical training and experience. |
| HVAC Technician | $45,000 – $60,000 | Install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. | Certification and apprenticeship required; strong demand due to Florida climate. |
Trade Jobs in High Demand Across Florida
Several skilled trades are in high demand throughout Florida. Growing cities and increased investment in infrastructure and clean energy have created more job openings for trades that are critical to economic growth.
Top high demand trades in Florida include:
- HVAC Technicians: Due to the hot climate, repair heating and cooling systems is always needed.
- Plumbers: With new buildings and aging plumbing systems, this role is essential.
- Electricians: Needed for both residential and commercial electrical projects.
- Solar Installers: Growth in renewable energy boosts demand across the state.
- Aircraft Mechanics: Florida’s aviation industry is large, especially near Orlando and Miami.
According to labor statistics from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, these jobs consistently show worker shortages. Many companies offer full time positions with good benefits to attract skilled tradespeople.
Education and Training Pathways
Trade jobs require training, but not always a traditional college education. In most cases, a high school diploma is the starting point, followed by enrollment in a trade school, technical school, or apprenticeship program.
Here are ways to prepare:
- Technical schools like Florida Technical College or Valencia College
- Union-based apprenticeship programs in construction, electrical, or HVAC
- Short-term certificates through community colleges
- On the job training through entry-level positions
Some trades, like electricians and plumbers, require licensing exams after completing classroom instruction and field hours. Programs usually take less time to complete than a college degree and cost significantly less.
Salary Ranges by Trade and Region
Wages for skilled trades in Florida vary depending on the city and job site. Workers in South Florida, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale, often earn more due to higher living costs and strong demand for construction and service-based trades.
Examples:
- HVAC Technicians earn closer to $60,000 in Miami but average $45,000 in rural areas
- Electricians can make $70,000+ annually in Tampa with experience and certification
- Plumbers near Orlando typically make $60,000, especially in hospitality or large-scale buildings
Union jobs, like elevator installers, tend to pay more and offer better benefits, though union presence is limited in Florida compared to some northern states.
Pros and Cons of Choosing a Trade Career
Trade jobs offer high pay, stability, and growth—especially in Florida. These roles allow workers to build careers without taking on college debt, and many roles offer immediate employment after training.
Pros:
- Strong job demand across multiple industries
- Competitive wages and benefits
- Shorter training period than college degrees
- Real-world hands on work experience
- Potential to own your own company
Cons:
- Physical work can be intense
- Some jobs involve working outdoors in heat or on high-risk construction sites
- Most require being present at a job site (less remote flexibility)
Still, many find the career rewards well worth it, especially with the chance to earn $60,000–$100,000+ without a college degree.
How to Start a High Paying Trade Career in Florida
Starting a trade career in Florida begins with identifying the right trade and training path. Whether you’re in high school or changing careers, the steps are simple and direct.
Step-by-step:
- Choose a career path based on interests and Florida job demand
- Find a certified training program or trade school in your area
- Complete an apprenticeship or enroll in postsecondary education
- Apply for entry-level jobs or on the job training roles
- Get licensed or certified, depending on the trade
- Build a strong resume with your skills, licenses, and any project experience
- Apply for jobs on local trade boards, company websites, or through union halls
Make sure your resume highlights your technical knowledge, equipment handling, and any hands on learning or safety certifications.
Most Common Questions About Trade Jobs in Florida
How does Florida’s climate impact trade job opportunities and pay?
Florida’s hot, humid weather increases demand for HVAC technicians and solar installers, leading to higher average salaries in these trades compared to cooler states.
Are unionized trade jobs more common in Florida, and do they pay better?
Unions exist in Florida but are less common than in other states. Where present—like for elevator installers—pay and benefits tend to be better.
How important is bilingualism in Florida’s trade job market?
Being bilingual, especially in Spanish and English, can significantly improve your job chances in Florida’s diverse workforce and help with customer communication on job sites.
Do trade jobs in Florida offer opportunities for remote or flexible work?
Most skilled trades require on-site work. However, roles like construction managers may offer partial remote work for planning or review tasks.
How does tourism-driven construction affect trade job stability in Florida?
Tourism fuels construction and renovations in Florida, creating consistent demand for construction workers, electricians, and plumbers—especially in hotels and resorts.
What are the fastest-growing trade jobs in Florida over the next 5 years?
According to state labor statistics, HVAC technicians, solar panel installers, and industrial mechanics are expected to grow quickly due to energy demand and infrastructure investment.
