top 12 jobs and growing industries in tampa, florida.

Small enough to be laid-back but big enough to boast a world-class cosmopolitan vibe, Tampa is one of Florida’s top destinations to live and work. Unemployment is low in this buzzing waterfront city — 3 percent compared to the national average of 3.6 percent — and its many industries range from manufacturing to defense and security.

With 19 corporate headquarters plus a host of top names in banking, healthcare and tech, the biggest contributors to employment in Tampa are office and administration, at nearly 15 percent of the total, and sales (10.3 percent). Other top occupations include food (9.3 percent) and finance (8.2 percent) according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Logistics is another key industry thanks to the Tampa Bay area’s three seaports, making up 8 percent of employment.

Here’s a rundown of the top 12 best jobs in Tampa, including remote roles and jobs hiring with little or no experience required. As Randstad research suggests, Tampa salaries are broadly in line with the national average; we've provided salary estimates from the mid range of our data.

The financial and professional services industry, which includes banks, insurance companies and fintech start-ups, is the Tampa Bay area’s fastest-growing sector. Nearly 20 percent of Florida’s workforce in this sector live here, and the need for controllers remains strong. This is one of the highest-paying finance jobs in Tampa, with salaries ranging from $69k to $89k for assistant controllers to between $116k and $162k for those in senior positions.

Another top IT job in Tampa is in the field of data science, as organizations across the public and private sectors work to make sense of the growing volumes of digital data in today’s world. Nationwide growth for this role is huge — 36 percent in the 10 years up to 2031 — with these professionals earning between $89k and $116k per year.

If you’re a problem solver who is able to stay calm in stressful situations, this may be the manufacturing role for you. Production managers keep operations running, playing a pivotal role between management and employees on the factory floor. Some employers hire for this role without formal qualifications but with relevant business experience, while others require a degree. Salaries range from $55k to $70k.

In addition to being a base for leading healthcare employers like Bristol Myers Squibb and Quest Diagnostics, Tampa has ambitious plans to expand its Medical and Research District. This area will be a hub for clinical care and research, generating over $8.3 billion in annual economic impact and supporting nearly 58,000 jobs. In this field, drug safety specialists are essential professionals who conduct medical reviews and support safety management programs, earning $69k to $88k per year.

With three seaports including Port Tampa Bay, Florida’s largest, and two international airports, Tampa has a well-established logistics industry. The city is also on the strategic I-4 corridor, where over 400 distribution centers are pivotal in supplying everything from food to construction materials. These warehouses are always in need of material handlers, a role which may not require formal qualifications or experience. Hourly pay ranges from $15 to $17.

From major interstate links like I-4 and I-75, to telecommunications networks and utilities systems, Tampa’s economy and residents depend on its high-quality infrastructure. Civil engineers play a crucial role in designing and building these structures. Nationwide, this position is projected to grow 7 percent in the 10 years to 2031, with an annual salary of $88k to $109k.