News Summary
According to WalletHub’s annual study, Orlando has been ranked as the 10th best city for job seekers in the U.S. The city outpaces other Florida locations like Miami, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee in job opportunities. Orlando showcased the highest number of private-sector job openings in the state, with significant growth across major industries, especially in manufacturing and tech. Despite competition among job seekers, Orlando remains an attractive destination for job seekers and graduates, bolstered by investments in smart city innovations and high-tech sectors.
Florida – Orlando has been ranked as the 10th best city for job seekers in the United States for 2025, according to WalletHub’s annual study. This ranking positions Orlando as the top city in Florida for job opportunities, significantly outpacing Miami, which is ranked 48th, as well as Jacksonville and Tallahassee, which hold the 92nd and 124th positions respectively.
The WalletHub study analyzed a total of 182 cities across two key dimensions: “Job Market” and “Socio-economics.” Orlando notably came in fifth for the “job opportunities” category, an improvement of four spots from the previous year’s rankings.
As of January 2025, Florida’s labor force has reached 11.1 million, reflecting ongoing strength in the state’s economy. The Central Florida Employment Council’s recent career fair attracted hundreds of job seekers, a clear demonstration of demand in the job market. Employment growth has been widespread across major industries in Florida, particularly in manufacturing, which has seen an impressive 430,800 jobs.
The Orlando metro area alone recorded the highest number of private-sector job openings in Florida, with over 393,000 jobs posted online in the last year. Key sectors driving this growth include leisure and hospitality, which added more than 7,500 jobs, followed by financial activities with an increase of 3,000 jobs, and professional and business services that welcomed 2,400 jobs.
Overall, Florida added 113,600 jobs in the past year, equating to a growth rate of 1.3%, surpassing the national average growth rate of 1.2%. Furthermore, Florida’s unemployment rate has continuously remained below the national average for 51 consecutive months, a trend that began in November 2020.
Despite these positive trends, many job seekers in Orlando report facing significant competition. For example, some candidates noted the challenge of submitting dozens of applications shortly after job postings are listed. Nevertheless, the city’s favorable job market conditions position it as a desirable destination for recent graduates and incoming job seekers alike.
In 2024, Orlando ranked as the second-best city for recent graduates, boasting one of the lowest unemployment rates and the second-highest number of entry-level job openings per capita in the nation. Job seekers in Orlando also benefit from significant income growth potential, with a median household income projected to grow by around 8.2% annually.
Additionally, a recent LinkedIn study highlighted “Artificial Intelligence Engineer” as the fastest-growing job title for new graduates in the Orlando region, indicating a shift towards high-tech industry roles. The city is actively investing in this trend, as evidenced by the Florida Simulation Summit, which showcased regional advancements in artificial intelligence and simulation technology.
Orlando is redefining itself as a leader in smart city innovation, moving away from its traditional image centered on tourism and hospitality. In this pursuit, Orange County has invested approximately $1.5 million in startup businesses to promote growth within high-tech sectors, aimed at enhancing long-term economic stability and job creation in the region.
As Orlando and Florida continue to show promise as key players in the job market, the region is paving the way for future workforce opportunities and continued economic development.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WFTV: Orlando Ranks Top 10 Best Places for Jobs
- Click Orlando: Job Seekers Face Challenges
- Florida Today: Best City for Jobs in Florida
- Click Orlando: Central Florida’s Job Market Diversifies
- Patch: Best Cities to Find Jobs in Florida
- Wikipedia: Economy of Florida
