introduction
Nicknamed the “Friendly City,” Bradenton sits on the west coast of the Sunshine State in the heart of Manatee County. A smallish city of nearly 60,000, it boasts breathtaking beaches, limitless outdoor recreation and plenty of arts and culture. With easy access to commercial trade routes via interstates, railroads, airports and seaports, this Gulf Coast gem connects businesses locally and globally.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the leading employment sector in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan area is trade, transportation and utilities (64,500 jobs). Also thriving are education and health services (61,800 jobs), leisure and hospitality (48,800 jobs) and professional and business services (46,700 jobs).
Major employers include the School District of Manatee County and the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, while century-old retailer Bealls is based here. The city is also home to the prestigious IMG sports academy and the main production plant of Tropicana, founded in Bradenton in 1947.
Randstad research has found salaries in the Bradenton area are close to national averages, so we’ve shared figures from the mid range of our data. Here are our picks for the top 12 jobs in Bradenton, Florida.
material handler
A hub of ports on land and sea, Bradenton is a hotspot for material handling jobs. These workers operate trucks and forklifts, move materials from one place to another and facilitate the packaging and shipping of goods. Those working full-time as material handlers can expect to average $15 to $17 per hour.
picker/packer
Working alongside the material handlers are the picker/packers who sort goods, stock and restock shelves and help to complete shipments by processing and loading orders. This role is crucial for keeping the supply chain reliable and getting goods out on time. Wages for picker/packers average $15 to $17 per hour.
forklift operator
Whether you work as a forklift operator at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, SeaPort Manatee or another local business, you’ll be responsible for safely moving materials and staying attentive as you maneuver the forklift in narrow spaces. The job outlook for material moving machine operators is good according to the BLS, with a projected growth of 4 percent nationwide in the 10 years to 2032. Wages for those working full-time in this role vary depending on job specifics, but the average is $18 to $20 per hour.
recruiter
State College of Florida, New College, Ringling College of Art & Design and the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee campus all call the region home. If you have recruiting skills, these educational institutions may be a good fit. Corporate opportunities are also a possibility, with companies like First Watch restaurants and SUNZ Insurance headquartered in the city. Recruiters help fill some of the best jobs in Bradenton, and salaries fall between $55k and $72k.
medical writer
The City of Bradenton is home to HCA Florida Blake Hospital, Manatee Memorial Hospital and Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, while the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation has targeted life sciences as a high-impact sector. This emphasis on healthcare and life sciences paves the way for medical writers, who communicate critical scientific information and can expect to earn anywhere from $98k to $118k for their expertise.
surgical tech
The region’s robust healthcare sector also makes surgical technologist one of the best jobs in Bradenton, Florida. These specialists work in clinics, hospitals, doctors’ offices and other locations where they assist with sterilizing equipment, preparing operating rooms and getting patients ready for their procedures. Of states with the highest employment levels for surgical techs, Florida ranks third. And the field continues to grow, with a 5 percent increase expected between 2022 and 2032. Average salaries range between $47k and $55k.
customer service representative
Bradenton’s wide-ranging industries make it a great landing place for anyone interested in customer interaction. From healthcare and education settings to hotels and tourist shops, customer service representatives answer questions and resolve complaints. Florida is number two on the list of states with the highest employment levels for these professionals and number three for the highest concentration of jobs. Expect to earn between $33k and $42k.
graphic designer
Graphic designers create visual content for businesses in every industry. Medical facilities, schools, hotels, restaurants and other companies on Florida’s Gulf Coast need logos, websites, print marketing materials and more. Nationwide, the BLS projects around 22,800 openings for graphic designers each year between 2022 and 2032. Salaries average $45k to $63k.
marketing manager
Florida is a hotspot for marketing managers as well, coming in fifth among states with the highest employment levels for this role. These individuals lead teams of graphic designers, content writers, social media managers and other creatives in Bradenton’s dynamic commercial landscape. The field is growing, with a steady 6 percent increase projected in the decade to 2032. Marketing managers earn $118k to $164k on average.
operations manager
Businesses that ship goods from Bradenton across the U.S. and beyond need operations managers who keep production running smoothly, manage the company’s resources and supervise all aspects of the process. Average salaries range from $79k to $125k.
financial analyst
Enjoy analyzing the current economic trends and giving guidance for investment decisions? If so, working as a financial analyst could be a good career move. The field is not slowing down anytime soon, as it’s projected to grow a respectable 8 percent between 2022 and 2032. Expect to make $79k to $108k in this role.
accountant
Accountants are the numbers gurus who analyze financial data, prepare tax returns and advise businesses on cash flow, expenditures, budgets and so on. The role spans all industries, employing around 2,800 people in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan area. A staff accountant can generally expect to average between $69k and $89k.
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