IT salaries in Florida
Florida's growing tech sector is creating strong demand for skilled information technology (IT) managers who play a key role in leading teams, overseeing systems and driving digital transformation across industries. From Miami's emerging fintech hub to Orlando's thriving simulation and gaming sector, the Sunshine State offers diverse opportunities for technology leaders. Salaries for IT managers in Florida can vary widely depending on factors such as industry, company size and location, with major metro areas like Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville often offering competitive pay to attract top talent. Understanding the salary landscape in Florida can help aspiring and current IT managers make informed career decisions in this dynamic field.
Quick stats on Florida IT manager salaries
There are about 32,340 computer and information systems managers in Florida according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median hourly wage for this group is $79 and the projected job growth rate is 15.2% through the next decade.
IT managers and other IT professionals may be able to find more opportunities in Florida within the following industries:
- Tourism, hospitality and entertainment: As a global tourism hub, Florida's resorts, theme parks and travel companies depend on IT management for customer experience technologies, booking platforms and digital infrastructure.
- Aerospace and defense: With strong ties to NASA, military bases and private aerospace firms along the Space Coast, IT managers play a key role in supporting advanced research, simulations and security.
- Healthcare and life sciences: Florida's large network of hospitals, healthcare systems and biotech companies rely heavily on IT managers to maintain electronic health records, manage cyber security and support telehealth platforms.
- Government and education: Public agencies, universities and school systems across the state employ IT professionals to manage large networks, databases and digital learning platforms.
Other common IT jobs in Florida include:
- Software developers design, build and maintain applications or systems that meet user and business needs. There are about 82,610 software developers in Florida according to the BLS.
- Computer support specialists provide technical assistance, troubleshooting and support to users and organizations. Florida is home to about 48,780 computer user support specialists.
- Computer systems analysts evaluate and improve computer systems to ensure they operate efficiently and align with business goals. Florida employs about 35,660 computer systems analysts.
- Network and computer systems administrators manage and maintain an organization's networks, servers and IT infrastructure. There are about 22,280 network and computer systems administrators in Florida.
- Computer network architects plan, design and build complex communication networks that support data sharing and connectivity. Florida has about 8,690 computer network architects working in the state.
Top IT employers in Florida
Some of the largest employers of IT professionals in the state, both within the tech sector and beyond, include:
- Jabil, St. Petersburg, FL:
- Headquartered in St. Petersburg, this global leader in electronic manufacturing employs around 138,000 people and drives substantial IT and engineering operations across its global network.
- Lockheed Martin, Central Florida:
- A giant in aerospace, defense and advanced tech with expansive operations supporting IT, cyber security and system engineering in Florida. Lockheed Martin employees over 7,000 people in Orlando alone.
- Kaseya, Miami, FL:
- Kaseya is a Miami-headquartered IT management and security software firm known for its tools in cyber security, networking and system monitoring. Kaseya has a global workforce of over 5,000 employees.
- Citrix, Fort Lauderdale, FL:
- With headquarters in Fort Lauderdale and additional locations in Tampa and Orlando, Citrix employs approximately 9,000 staff in areas like virtualization, cloud services and digital collaboration technology.
- L3Harris Technologies, Melbourne, FL:
- Employing between 40,000-50,000 people, L3Harris is a major defense and aerospace contractor based in Melbourne with a strong IT and engineering workforce, particularly in advanced systems and cyber security.
IT salaries in Florida by job title
Salaries for IT roles in Florida typically fall slightly under the national median, but keep in mind that salaries can vary by individual when taking factors like experience, education and location into account. Plus, Florida doesn't have quite as high a cost of living compared to other states, so Florida IT salaries may still be relatively quite competitive.
| Job title | FL median annual salary | National median annual salary |
| Computer and information systems managers | $164,620 | $171,200 |
| Software developers | $126,550 | $133,080 |
| Computer user support specialists | $58,120 | $60,340 |
| Computer systems analysts | $100,770 | $103,790 |
| Network and computer systems admins | $92,980 | $96,800 |
| Computer network architects | $130,320 | $130,390 |
Median computer and information systems manager salary in Florida
The median annual salary for computer and information systems managers in Florida is $164,620 according to the BLS. Take a look at how salaries vary depending on where you are in Florida. Figures marked "N/A" mean that the wage is equal to or greater than $115.00 per hour or $239,200 per year.
10%$99,430
25%$128,280
50%$164,620Median
75%$204,460
90%N/A
Median Hourly Wage$79
Job growth15.2%
Total Employment32,340
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $166,470 | $102,390 | $236,130 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $165,910 | $101,180 | N/A |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $165,560 | $100,590 | $231,130 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $163,890 | $99,310 | $220,800 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $163,630 | $101,100 | $221,090 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $162,600 | $100,040 | N/A |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $160,560 | $92,080 | N/A |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $159,660 | $87,370 | $238,420 |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL | $158,350 | $97,830 | N/A |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $157,940 | $99,750 | $220,360 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Florida vs. national IT salaries and employment
Consider the top-paying metropolitan areas in the country for IT managers and how they compare to Florida salaries:
Next, take a look at the metro areas which employ the most IT managers in the country:
Cost of living in Florida
Florida's cost of living varies widely depending on location, making it an important factor for IT professionals considering career opportunities in the state. While many areas, particularly smaller cities and inland regions, remain relatively affordable compared to national averages, major hubs in South Florida like Miami and Fort Lauderdale tend to have higher housing, transportation and everyday living costs. Florida's lack of a state income tax can help offset some expenses, but rising housing prices in popular metro areas should be kept in mind. In addition, skyrocketing insurances costs due to Florida's propensity for natural disasters can pose additional expenses for homeowners in particular.
Florida's cost of living index according to World Population Review sits at 102.8, meaning Florida has a cost of living which is just 2.8% higher than the national median. South Florida, which includes areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, is the most expensive area in the state. The cost of living tends to drop the further north you go, with areas in North Florida—such as Pensacola, Jacksonville and Tallahassee—being the most affordable.
Check out the cost of living for some of Florida's most populous cities according to data from RentCafe:
| Florida city | Cost of living % compared to national average |
|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 7% lower |
| Tampa | 2% lower |
| Miami | 21% higher |
| Orlando | 4% lower |
| Cape Coral | 5% higher |
Resources for IT professionals in Florida
Professional associations and industry groups offer important resources and support for individuals building their careers in technology. By joining, members can take advantage of exclusive networking opportunities, mentorship connections and access to expert knowledge shared through publications and online communities. Below are some organizations that IT professionals in Florida may find particularly useful.
Florida Technology Council (FTC): Based in Tallahassee, this association represents the state's technology sector and provides advocacy, networking and policy insight for IT leaders.
South Florida Tech Hub: A nonprofit membership association with a mission to strengthen the technology landscape in South Florida and Treasure Coast.
Florida Venture Forum: A statewide organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and growing companies through education, networking and access to funding—especially relevant for IT professionals involved with startups.
Florida Local Government Information Systems Association (FLGISA): Serving CIOs, IT managers and tech decision-makers in local government across Florida, FLGISA offers professional development, twice-yearly conferences, certification programs and an advocacy platform for public-sector IT leaders.
Explore IT salary guides for select states
- Arizona
- California
- Florida
- New Jersey
- Texas
- Washington
Closing thoughts
Pursuing a career in Florida's dynamic IT industry offers strong salary potential and diverse opportunities, but education plays a critical role in unlocking that success. Most entry-level IT roles require at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as computer science, information technology or information systems, while more advanced or specialized positions may call for a master's degree or certifications in areas like cyber security, data science or cloud computing. Higher education not only provides the technical skills needed to thrive but also helps IT professionals stand out in a competitive job market, positioning them for leadership roles and long-term career growth in Florida's expanding tech landscape.
This IT salary guide for Florida aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Written and reported by:
Cyber Security Education Staff