Jobs & Economy

This page provides links to employers, job boards, and workforce resources for informational purposes only. It is not financial advice, career counseling, or an endorsement of any specific employer or service. Job availability, hiring practices, wages, and economic data change frequently. Verify all information directly with the employer or official source before making career or financial decisions.

The North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota Metropolitan Statistical Area is home to about 910,000 people as of 2023, covering both Sarasota and Manatee counties. In 2023, the metro area generated roughly $45 billion in economic output. Healthcare and retail still form a strong base, even as some sectors cool.

The local economy is built on healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, tourism and hospitality, professional services and finance, construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. Manatee County has a particularly heavy concentration in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and maritime activity.

Across the metro, low unemployment has been replaced by a cooling labor market. At the same time, the cost of living has risen, and many businesses have shifted toward slower hiring. This guide focuses on long-term patterns rather than short-term fluctuations.

Manatee County has a notably diverse economic base. Its largest employers span education, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, logistics, and the public sector. The Port of Manatee in Palmetto is another major economic engine, supporting logistics, warehousing, maritime, and related jobs.

• Healthcare: the anchor of both counties, with steady demand for nurses, medical assistants, therapists, administrators, home health workers, and support staff.
• Tourism and hospitality: beaches, cultural attractions, restaurants, and seasonal visitors drive demand for cooks, servers, front-of-house staff, hotel workers, and event support.
• Education: public school districts are two of the region's largest employers, while private institutions like IMG Academy, Out-of-Door Academy, and Cardinal Mooney add additional jobs.
• Manufacturing and agriculture: Manatee County has strong activity in juice processing, emergency vehicle manufacturing, hydraulic systems, tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, and commercial fishing.
• Construction and real estate: permitting has cooled from peak levels, but laborers, equipment operators, inspectors, skilled trades, and real estate support roles remain important.

The wage picture is complicated because wage data and cost-of-living indices do not always tell the same story. Sarasota County's average annual wage is roughly $65,111, slightly below the Florida average of about $69,494. Per capita personal income is much higher, around $85,157, suggesting that part of the population derives income from investments, real estate, or retirement rather than wages.

Entry-level roles in Sarasota average roughly $30,500 per year, or about $14.70 per hour. Experienced sales roles can approach $101,000, and some business administration roles can reach around $111,000.

The cost of living is higher than many parts of the Midwest or South, driven largely by housing costs, insurance, and transportation. Wages in service and retail sectors may not stretch as far as they do in lower-cost areas.

The job market has entered a cooling phase after a hot post-COVID run. Sarasota County's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was about 4.8% in May 2026, up from 2.8% in March 2023. Manatee County's unemployment rate was also around 4.8% in December 2025, not seasonally adjusted.

Florida economists have described the labor market as slow-moving, with limited job creation in some sectors. Financial and information sectors have been softer, while healthcare, construction, and utilities are expected to add jobs over the next several years.

• Healthcare: registered nurses, medical receptionists, care managers, and medical assistants.
• Trades and construction: laborers, equipment operators, construction inspectors, fiberglass laminators, and fabricators.
• Retail and customer service: customer service representatives, sales associates, and store managers.
• Business administration: administrative assistants and operations associates.
• Food and hospitality: cooks, servers, hosts, and front-of-house staff.
• Many openings in administration, sales, and customer service do not require a college degree. Healthcare and trade roles often require certifications or licenses.

CareerSource Suncoast is the local workforce development board serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. They offer no-cost services to job seekers, including job placement assistance, resume preparation, interview coaching, computer access, career assessment, workshops, training referrals, and skills support.

Local job fairs happen throughout the year. Recent Sarasota/Bradenton job fairs have included employers such as Sarasota County, the Bradenton School District, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and Publix. Track upcoming fairs through CareerSource Suncoast, FloridaJobLink.com, and local news outlets.

• Sarasota Herald-Tribune: classifieds and local employment sections.
• Business Observer: local business news and hiring trends.
• Bradenton Herald: classifieds and employer profiles.
• State College of Florida: career development services in Bradenton and Venice.
• New College of Florida: career services for students and alumni.
• Ringling College of Art and Design: strong creative-industry placement.
• University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee: full career center with job listings.
• Keiser University Sarasota Campus: career placement assistance.