Drive south on I-95 into Florida, and you’ll hit the heart of Jacksonville about 30 minutes past the state line. The sprawling city welcomes travelers from all over the U.S., some just passing through and some looking for a new start in the Sunshine State.
Jacksonville’s location on Florida’s north shore makes it ideal for adventurers who like to work hard and play hard. It’s got sun, sand and a world of opportunity. The population is projected to increase by over 50 percent between 2022 and 2060, with employment expected to rocket by nearly 90 percent during the same period. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), major industries include sales (69,300 roles), office and administration (106,720) and professional services sectors such as business and financial operations (55,890).
Take a look at our top 12 jobs in Jacksonville, Florida, including positions hiring with no experience required. Randstad research has found salaries in Jacksonville are 4.1 percent above the national average, so we’ve provided salary estimates from the mid range of our data.
1. sales associate
Sales occupations make up 9.6 percent of employment in Jacksonville, with nearly a third of those jobs in the retail industry. Demand for these customer-service experts promises to remain steady — the BLS expects 600,000 retail sales positions to open across the U.S. each year in the decade to 2031. The average hourly pay rate for sales associates in Jacksonville is just over $15.
about this job2. operations manager
The state of Florida counts around 180,000 operations managers among its workforce. Prized for their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, these organized leaders benefit every industry in Jacksonville — healthcare, manufacturing, construction, retail and more. Salaries for an operations manager range from $79k to $125k.
about this job3. warehouse worker
Jacksonville is home to JAXPORT, Florida’s largest container port, so it’s no surprise that warehouses form an important component of the city’s marketplace. Opportunities for warehouse workers abound, and are among the best jobs hiring with no experience required. Material movers can learn on the job and often receive forklift and other training through their employer. The typical hourly pay rate for warehouse workers is between $15 and $17.
about this job4. office administrator
From banks to schools, medical facilities to beachfront resorts, office administrators keep things running smoothly. They make up the largest portion (nearly 15 percent) of Jacksonville’s workforce, filling roles such as office assistants, information clerks and receptionists. Salaries for office administration jobs vary widely depending on the specific industry, role, education and experience. If you’re a receptionist, you can expect to make between $29k and $33k, while executive assistants can earn $55k to $70k.
about this job5. accountant
This dynamic city attracts tourists and investors alike, providing ample opportunities for accountants. In fact, Florida ranks as the fourth-highest employer of accountants and auditors in the U.S. While Jacksonville’s accountants are keeping the records straight, they stand to earn nearly $38 per hour for an annual salary of $79k, which is just below the national average of $87k.
about this job6. financial analyst
If you really love numbers and want to dive deeper into data and trends, a financial analyst role could be a good fit. As with accountants, financial analysts do well in Florida, which comes in at number four on the list of states with high employment levels in this occupation. Metropolitan areas like Jacksonville provide some of the best job possibilities, with salaries averaging $88k in the city.
about this job7. controller
As businesses continue to choose Jacksonville for their headquarters, the need for controllers remains strong. Nationwide, the occupation is expected to grow 17 percent in the decade up to 2031, with projections for more than 70,000 annual job openings. The salary for controllers ranges from around $116k to $162k.
about this job8. data entry clerk
Data entry clerks are in high demand in a variety of Jacksonville industries, from import-export companies keeping up with their inventory to the burgeoning healthcare scene. These positions are another great example of jobs hiring with no experience required. They provide training that can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, with typical earnings between $32k and $37k.
about this job9. software engineer
Jacksonville offers a robust landscape for those trained and experienced in computer programming. Whether you’re looking to land a job in a digital design company or a corporate HQ, software engineer positions aren’t going away anytime soon. Software development is one of the fastest growing occupations in the U.S., with a projected growth of 25 percent in the 10 years up to 2031. Salaries range from an average of $67k for entry-level software engineers to $167k for those with more experience.
about this job10. manufacturing engineer
Manufacturing engineers use their skills to design and operate the many production facilities that call this port city home. With growth projected at 10 percent between 2021 and 2031, the occupation has solidified its place as one of the top jobs in Jacksonville. Professionals in manufacturing engineer roles can earn between $86k and $99k annually.
about this job11. machine operator
The numerous manufacturing facilities in Jacksonville also provide significant opportunities for operators needed to run computer numerical control (CNC) machines, drilling and boring machines, rolling machines and so on. These manufacturing jobs hiring with no experience needed typically offer on-the-job training, and the demand for material moving machine operators is expected to increase 7 percent in the 10 years to 2031. Hourly pay averages $16 to $20.
about this job12. construction worker
What growing city doesn’t need construction workers? Jacksonville is no different. Construction equipment operators, laborers and helpers, electricians and more comprise the broad range of jobs in the city’s building industry. While general laborers sit lowest on the pay scale at a mean pay rate of $18 per hour in Jacksonville, construction managers average $51 per hour. The overall growth outlook is strong, with demand projected to increase 4 percent in the decade leading up to 2031.
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