Manufacturing growth could shape housing demand
Florida’s 427,800 manufacturing jobs are concentrated in several major metro areas and pay an average of more than $86,000 annually. Tracking that workforce can help Realtors identify housing demand and better serve buyers working in the industry.
Pay attention to the makers.
Manufacturing employment has expanded in Florida and can look a lot different today then in decades past. As headline industries such as aerospace and healthcare continue to expand, they are often supporting local manufacturing companies right here.
Florida’s employment mix has certainly been changing and expanding over the last several decades to include industries not typically associated with citrus and tourism. These have included healthcare, education and, more recently, technology and professional and business services.
More jobs can mean more people looking for homes in the communities where manufacturers are growing. Knowing where these companies are hiring can help Realtors® understand what's happening in their local markets and explain it to customers.
High level overview: Manufacturing employment in Florida
Interest in trades is gaining momentum as younger people look to “tool-belt” professions, and it appears employers are there to welcome them. In addition to construction-type jobs, those in the manufacturing sector have increased in Florida, offering more employment opportunities to those coming up. Seasonally adjusted manufacturing employment in Florida in July 2026 was at 430,400, a year-over-year net increase of 4,200 jobs (or +1.0% in percentage terms).
Florida manufacturing employment grew significantly from 2010, fell precipitously during the first year of Covid, then grew until 2023. It has only been at a steady level since then. Over the same time period, this sector has seen a net increase of 120,000 jobs.
What is important to note about these jobs is their income. Manufacturing jobs are ranked 4th in 2025 with average annual wages by industry at $86,439, which is 18% higher than the average annual wage for all industries ($72,732).
While there has been a lot of focus on wealth migration to Florida from other states and a diversifying economy that extends into professions that require a four-year degree, effort is also being made to educate, train and promote the valuable work of those in vocations and trades. Thankfully, companies in Florida are meeting the moment by offering jobs in these professions for the increasing number of people completing these programs.
Implications for Realtors
Know your area: The manufacturing industry is concentrated in the southeast, central, and northeast parts of Florida. Specifically, Miami-Dade County ranks the highest in manufacturing employment contributing approximately 45,600 jobs. Orange County ranks second followed by Brevard County contributing roughly 36,800 and 35,000, respectively. Pinellas, Broward, and Hillsborough counties contributed over 30,000 jobs each. Miami-Dade County alone makes up 10.7% of total manufacturing employment in Florida.
Expand your network: Reach out to your economic development professional and ask if your area has a particularly high concentration of manufacturing employment, and if it's expanding. For example, a recent announcement of the expansion of a manufacturing facility in Sanford highlights the overall growth in manufacturing employment in Seminole County. Tim Giuliani, president and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, told Orlando Business Journal the availability of workers in the region has been a key asset for companies looking to expand or relocate. The region's workforce pipeline is also supported by its large student population. The OEP tracks nearly 500,000 students within 100 miles of Orlando, providing a sizable pool of potential workers for companies looking to grow their operations.
Know your buyers: Employment in manufacturing may look different in terms of how these buyers qualify for loans. Some may be younger and with shorter credit histories, others may be independent contractors or otherwise have an alternate method of proving income. Still, the income levels reported by this industry are able to support a mortgage on a median priced home so they are worth considering for targeted outreach. Learn more about what these buyers want in your area, whether it's extra space for vehicles, proximity to employers or other specific needs.
Understand what they're making: Manufacturing can be a lot of different things, ranging from tiny components for medical procedures or seats for rockets. Florida's economy is diverse and many leading industries support manufacturing with companies making things for these larger industries right here. If you know some of the major employers in your area, find out what smaller companies are in their supply chain – you could find a pocket of well-payed employees that may have been overlooked.
Jennifer Warner is an economist and Director of Economic Development
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