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Professional Engineering Makes a Significant Contribution to Florida

Florida’s Economy Benefits from EngineeringFlorida engieering benefits economy

When you think of Florida, the first thing that probably comes to mind is its beaches. While these are a huge contributor to the economy of the state and draw in a lot of tourists, this isn’t the only industry that keeps the state afloat. Like many other places throughout the U.S., Florida also relies on agriculture and other services to keep the state running. People flock to this state to soak up the sun for a short amount of time and then leave, but it also has a huge population of individuals and families who call this place home.

Thus, the state is always looking for skilled and educated people to keep the various industries moving forward. While getting a degree in any field could land you a good job in the Sunshine State, getting a degree in engineering might be a lucrative option. Like many places, Florida has seen its share of technological advancements, and having people who know how to operate in this advanced world are always welcome.

The Value of Engineering to Florida’s Economy

Tourism is by far the largest source of income for the state of Florida, and it’s not hard to see why. With beautiful weather year-round and a lot of beaches to visit, as well as offering access to the Florida Keys and in close proximity to the Bahamas (and other tropical islands), this is the place you want to go to get away from it all.

Even within the state, there are many things to do, including visiting Disney World, Epcot Center and the other theme parks in the area. In addition, it is also home to the Everglades, which bring in more than $1 million annually for the state. These wetlands are home to many species of animals that can’t be found anywhere else, and their preservation makes the state of Florida a unique and amazing place to see.

In addition to the tourist activities, Florida also has other industries that contribute to the state’s economy. These include the following:

  • Agriculture
  • International trade
  • Aerospace and aviation
  • Life sciences
  • Financial services

Having the skills to work in these industries ensures that you will have a career for life. Deciding to get a degree in engineering can be beneficial and allow you to succeed in any of these industries or within specific engineering fields, including environmental engineering or civil engineering. To ensure Florida remains an asset to the economy of the U.S. and contributes products to the world, it needs to advance technologically, and a degree in engineering can help with that endeavor.

Watch this video from CGI Windows & Doors highlighting their impact resistant window and door manufacturing facility that is built on the technical expertise provided by Florida engineers.

Annual State Revenue/GDP

In 2018, Florida’s GDP was $1 trillion. It is the third-largest state in the U.S., and it has the fourth-largest economy. If Florida was its own country, it would rank 17th in GDP in the world. Disney World employs approximately 70,000 employees, and this is the most people employed by a single employer within the nation.

In addition to Disney World, tourism in the state of Florida attracted more than 116 million visitors in 2017, and cruise lines have brought 11.5 million passengers to the state’s shores, where passengers and crews spend more than $1 billion. People visiting the Florida Everglades contributed $104.5 million to the economy in 2014.

When it comes to agriculture, this industry employs more than 2 million people and adds more than $104 billion to Florida’s economy every year. Some of the top commodities that come out of Florida include oranges, tomatoes, dairy products, sugarcane and nursery products.

The Number of Engineering Jobs in FloridaFlorida type of engineering jobs

In 2018, there were 106,320 architecture and engineering jobs in the state of Florida. These were broken down into the following fields:

There are many other engineering positions within the state of Florida, and they are needed and hired for many industries to keep the economy booming and growing.

Engineer Salaries in Florida

The annual mean wage for engineers in Florida is $75,360. Compared to the national average of $87,370, this below what other places are paying. One thing to keep in mind is that how much you get paid as an engineer depends on several factors, including your experience level, what company you are working for, where you live and the cost of living in that area. The mean annual wages for the specific fields are as follows:

  • Civil engineers – $89,480
  • Environmental engineers – $80,540
  • Industrial engineers – $77,410
  • Mechanical engineers – $87,770
  • Electrical engineers – $94,250

Type of Engineering Work in Florida

Throughout the state of Florida, if you’re looking for an engineering position, you are sure to find one. Where you go will depend on the type of work you want to do. For example, if you are looking for civil engineering positions, you might consider working in Miami, as this city is constantly growing and expanding. If your passion lies in environmental engineering, then working in or around the Everglades might be just what you’re looking for. Some of the most current in-demand jobs in the state include:

  • Structural engineer
  • Manufacturing engineer
  • Process design engineer
  • Staff engineer
  • Engineering manager
  • Engineering technician

Florida Engineering Colleges and UniversitiesFlorida State University Engineering Program

Being an engineer in the state of Florida gives you the chance to help the state’s economy, and you’ll get to live in a place that has amazing weather and is close to beaches. Before finding your dream career, you’ll need to make sure you have the right skills and education. Here are some of the top engineering colleges and universities in Florida:

  • University of Miami
  • University of Florida, Gainesville (ranked #36 as a best college for engineering in the U.S.)
  • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
  • Florida Institute of Technology
  • University of Central Florida

Tourism is Florida’s largest revenue producer, but it requires more than tourists to make the industry work. Being the home to Disney World and other parks, having people with the skills and ability to create and maintain attractions is essential. There are many other industries that also require skilled professionals, and getting a degree in engineering and moving to Florida is a good way to find an in-demand job and live in a temperate climate.

Are You a Florida Professional Engineer

Florida professional engineers are required to renew their licenses every two years. PDH-Pro has an article that lists all of the engineering license renewal requirements for Florida. Our list includes links to the renewal forms, due dates, licensing fees, and much more.