The Largest Employers and Employment Trends in Central Florida
Central Florida, particularly the Orlando metropolitan area, is a dynamic economic region characterized by its diverse industries and robust employment opportunities. The area’s economy is supported by a mix of sectors, from tourism and healthcare to technology and education, making it one of the most versatile job markets in the state. This article provides an in-depth look at the largest employers and employment trends shaping Central Florida.
Key Industries and Employers
Tourism and Hospitality
Orlando is globally renowned for its tourism and hospitality industry, anchored by world-famous attractions like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. These theme parks are not only central to the local economy but also among the largest employers in the region.
Walt Disney World Resort: As the largest single-site employer in the United States, Disney World employs over 70,000 people. This vast workforce includes roles in entertainment, hospitality, food service, and park operations.
Universal Orlando Resort: Another significant employer, Universal employs thousands of people across its theme parks, hotels, and entertainment venues.
SeaWorld Orlando: This marine theme park provides jobs in animal care, education, entertainment, and guest services, contributing significantly to the local job market.
Healthcare
The healthcare sector is a cornerstone of Central Florida’s economy, with several major health systems and hospitals providing extensive employment opportunities.
AdventHealth Orlando: One of the largest healthcare providers in the region, AdventHealth employs thousands of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff.
Orlando Health: This not-for-profit healthcare network operates multiple hospitals and healthcare facilities across Central Florida, employing a large number of medical and support staff.
Nemours Children’s Hospital: Specializing in pediatric care, Nemours is a key employer in the healthcare sector, providing jobs for specialists in various medical fields.
Education
Education is another significant employment sector in Central Florida, with numerous public and private institutions contributing to the local economy.
University of Central Florida (UCF): As one of the largest universities in the nation, UCF employs thousands of faculty, staff, and administrative personnel.
Orange County Public Schools (OCPS): OCPS is one of the largest school districts in the country, employing a vast workforce of teachers, administrators, and support staff.
Valencia College: This community college system provides educational services and employs numerous educators and administrative staff across its campuses.
Technology and Innovation
Central Florida has been growing as a hub for technology and innovation, with several major companies and institutions contributing to this sector.
Lockheed Martin: With a significant presence in Orlando, Lockheed Martin is a major employer in the aerospace and defense industries, providing jobs in engineering, research, and development.
Siemens Energy: Siemens operates in the energy sector, employing a large number of engineers, technicians, and administrative staff in its Orlando facilities.
EA Tiburon: The video game industry also has a foothold in Orlando, with EA Tiburon employing a substantial workforce in game development and related fields.
Employment Trends
Growth and Expansion
Central Florida’s employment landscape has seen consistent growth, driven by the expansion of key industries and the arrival of new businesses. From 2021 to 2022, employment in the Orlando area grew by 1.62%, from 166,000 to 169,000 employees. This growth is reflected across various sectors:
- Healthcare: The aging population and increasing demand for medical services have spurred growth in healthcare jobs, particularly in nursing and specialized medical fields.
- Technology: The tech sector continues to expand, with companies like Lockheed Martin and Siemens increasing their workforce to meet the demands of new projects and innovations.
- Tourism: While the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted tourism, the industry is rebounding, with major theme parks and resorts hiring to accommodate the returning influx of visitors.
High-Paying Industries
The highest-paying industries in Orlando are indicative of the region’s economic diversity:
- Management of Companies & Enterprises: Average annual salary of $78,900.
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Average annual salary of $69,587.
- Finance & Insurance: Average annual salary of $68,996.
These industries attract highly skilled professionals and contribute to the overall economic prosperity of the region.
Occupational Breakdown
The most common job groups in Orlando highlight the diversity of employment opportunities:
- Sales & Related Occupations: 21,287 people.
- Management Occupations: 20,219 people.
- Office & Administrative Support Occupations: 17,964 people.
This variety underscores the availability of roles across different skill levels and industries, providing ample opportunities for job seekers.
Income and Gender Inequality
In Florida, males have an average income that is 1.34 times higher than that of females, with females earning an average of $56,054. The income inequality in Florida, measured by the Gini index, is 0.474, which is lower than the national average. Efforts to address this inequality are ongoing, with various initiatives aimed at closing the gender pay gap and promoting equitable pay practices.
Central Florida’s employment landscape is robust and diverse, supported by major industries such as tourism, healthcare, education, and technology. The region continues to grow, offering a wide range of job opportunities and attracting talent from across the country. With ongoing investments in key sectors and efforts to address income inequality, Central Florida is well-positioned for sustained economic prosperity and job growth in the coming years.
