{"id":4498,"date":"2025-10-15T10:24:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T10:24:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/4498\/"},"modified":"2025-10-15T10:24:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T10:24:10","slug":"florida-job-growth-leaders-include-naples-area-fort-myers-cape-coral-how-many-coming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/4498\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida job growth leaders include Naples area, Fort Myers-Cape Coral. How many coming?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Collier and<\/a> Lee counties are in the midst of a more than half-million job growth spurt<\/a>.<\/p>\n

According to new data, Lee, which<\/a> has the state’s eighth largest population<\/a>, is projected to have added 299,864 workers from 2010 through 2045, putting it seventh in growth<\/a> and resulting in overall employment of 584,489.<\/p>\n

Coller, with Florida’s 19th most populous county, will have grown by 206,430 in the workforce in that time period. That’s good enough for the 10th biggest jump in the Sunshine State and a total of 376,713 by 2045, based on summer research by NUE Urban Concepts, which advises communities like Cape Coral on future planning.<\/p>\n

Here’s what to know on that, the hottest jobs of the future and how a Southwest Florida agency is preparing.<\/p>\n

What is the projected employment for Collier and Lee counties?<\/p>\n

Florida Counties Ranked by Total Additional Employment (2010\u20132045)<\/p>\n

County<\/p>\n

2010 Employment<\/p>\n

2021 Employment<\/p>\n

2045 Employment<\/p>\n

Total Growth (2010\u20132045)<\/p>\n

1. Miami-Dade<\/p>\n

1,414,370<\/p>\n

1,904,048<\/p>\n

2,803,607<\/p>\n

1,389,237<\/p>\n

2. Orange<\/p>\n

822,557<\/p>\n

1,164,463<\/p>\n

1,931,351<\/p>\n

1,108,794<\/p>\n

3. Broward<\/p>\n

976,643<\/p>\n

1,292,622<\/p>\n

1,998,454<\/p>\n

1,021,811<\/p>\n

4. Palm Beach<\/p>\n

733,994<\/p>\n

992,923<\/p>\n

1,610,380<\/p>\n

876,386<\/p>\n

5. Hillsborough<\/p>\n

751,462<\/p>\n

1,010,824<\/p>\n

1,408,625<\/p>\n

657,163<\/p>\n

6. Duval<\/p>\n

565,477<\/p>\n

719,098<\/p>\n

1,038,679<\/p>\n

473,202<\/p>\n

7. Lee<\/p>\n

284,625<\/p>\n

405,241<\/p>\n

584,489<\/p>\n

299,864<\/p>\n

8. Osceola<\/p>\n

101,338<\/p>\n

168,210<\/p>\n

347,717<\/p>\n

246,379<\/p>\n

9. Seminole<\/p>\n

217,211<\/p>\n

295,117<\/p>\n

448,587<\/p>\n

231,376<\/p>\n

10. Collier<\/p>\n

170,283<\/p>\n

239,815<\/p>\n

376,713<\/p>\n

206,430<\/p>\n

How many new workers does Lee County need within five years?<\/p>\n

And the needs are great for Southwest Florida businesses to fill lingering slots to keep up with the growth. That, paired with escalating vacancies this year due to factors such as retirement, employees changing professions and immigrants, legal or not<\/a>, disappearing from the U.S. workforce at historic levels in this Alligator Alcratraz<\/a> age. The latter alone totals 1.2 million January through July, according to federal data analyzed by the Pew Research<\/a> Center.<\/p>\n

\u201cSouthwest Florida depends on skilled workers in trades, healthcare, culinary and early childhood education to sustain our economy,” said John Talmage, director of the Lee County Economic Development Office. “Over the next three to five years, we\u2019ll need 200,000 new workers to fill jobs or replace retirees.”<\/p>\n

\"In<\/p>\n

In the Know: South Fort Myers construction in the end of September 2025 at Gladiolus Drive and Pine Ridge Road of Heights CareerTech Institute. It’s expected to open in August 2026. More than $30.5 million has been raised for the $42 million technical education hub.<\/p>\n

What new SWFL program is emerging to help on the jobs front?<\/p>\n

That’s why programs like the Heights CareerTech Institute, which will be offering post-secondary career and technical education in Southwest Florida, are key, Talmage said.<\/p>\n

“The Heights CareerTech Institute is a critical step in preparing the workforce that will keep our region strong,” he said of the effort led by The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center in Harlem Heights.<\/p>\n

\"In<\/p>\n

In the Know: South Fort Myers construction in the end of September 2025 at Gladiolus Drive and Pine Ridge Road of Heights CareerTech Institute. It’s expected to open in August 2026. More than $30.5 million has been raised for the $42 million technical education hub.<\/p>\n

What $42M effort rising at Gladiolus Drive and Pine Ridge Road?<\/p>\n

Creating a $42 million technical<\/a> education hub, the future home of the institute known as HCTI is evolving at Gladiolus Drive and Pine Ridge Road in south Fort Myers, where walls are rising right now under Owen-Ames-Kimball’s tutelage.<\/p>\n

With more than $30.5 million raised so far, the Heights Foundation inspiration stems from more than 66% of jobs in Florida requiring credentials beyond a diploma.<\/p>\n

\"In<\/p>\n

In the Know: South Fort Myers construction in the end of September 2025 at Gladiolus Drive and Pine Ridge Road of Heights CareerTech Institute. It’s expected to open in August 2026. More than $30.5 million has been raised for the $42 million technical education hub.<\/p>\n

What has been termed today as the ‘toolbelt generation?’<\/p>\n

Since not all high school graduates are college bound, HCTI’s goal is to provide a pathway from classrooms to careers by preparing what\u2019s been termed as the \u201ctoolbelt generation\u201d \u2014 students training in hands-on fields like construction, automotive, marine, culinary and healthcare.<\/p>\n

In economically challenged Harlem Heights, the heavily immigrant neighborhood served by the foundation and Heights Center, family income is about 40% below the Lee County average, and the child poverty rate is more than twice as high.<\/p>\n

\"In<\/p>\n

In the Know: South Fort Myers construction in the end of September 2025 at Gladiolus Drive and Pine Ridge Road of Heights CareerTech Institute. It’s expected to open in August 2026. More than $30.5 million has been raised for the $42 million technical education hub.<\/p>\n

What happened to Harlem Heights in Southwest Florida?<\/p>\n

Originally a community of farmworkers, residents were left with fewer job opportunities as agricultural work faded, as my colleague Mickenzie Hannon has reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With a nearly 70% Hispanic population based on Census stats, young people there often lack access to affordable career training, making it hard to move beyond low-wage jobs, according to the foundation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A rendering of the Heights CareerTech Institute’s exterior showcases the modern, two-story facility set to open in Harlem Heights.<\/p>\n

When does the Heights CareerTech Institute open in SW Florida?<\/p>\n

Still, the industry credentialed skills from HCTI will serve not only Harlem Heights adults, but all of Southwest Florida, helping to fill critical worker shortages.<\/p>\n

Doors are expected to open in August 2026, and at full capacity, about 500 students per year will train at HCTI.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A project location poster shows the future site of the Heights CareerTech Institute at the corner of Gladiolus Drive and Pine Ridge Road in Harlem Heights.<\/p>\n

$2.9 million expansion for 60-year-old Southwest Florida firm<\/p>\n

Future opportunities could come at places like Crowther Roofing & Sheet Metal, which last week through LQ Commercial expanded its Fort Myers campus with a 30,000-square-foot industrial acquisition totaling $2.9 million. The 1.24-acre site with its two buildings at 2574 Rockfill Road is near the 60-year-old company’s five existing Crowther destinations, including a mechanical services building, electrical division, residential and commercial service departments, and its family-run main office.<\/p>\n

Beyond jobs like roofing, such companies have general and operations managers, which will be the occupation for those with a bachelor’s degree that’s projected to have the most annual openings through at least 2034, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics September 2025 findings.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The roof of High Point Place in downtown Fort Myers is being replaced after it was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017. The tallest of five buildings stand at 32 stories high and are the tallest buildings between Miami and Tampa. The roof on all the buildings are being replaced by Crowther Roofing. <\/p>\n

What job requiring bachelor’s degree will have most openings?<\/p>\n

The agency shed a little bit of light on where the future national needs are by determining occupations expected to have the most openings in the next decade and assigned to the education level that\u2019s typically required for workers to enter.<\/p>\n

Occupation (bachelor’s degree)<\/p>\n

Occupational openings, projected 2024\u201334 annual average<\/p>\n

Median annual wage, 2024<\/p>\n

Typical work experience in a related occupation<\/p>\n

308,700<\/p>\n

$102,950<\/p>\n

5 years or more<\/p>\n

189,100<\/p>\n

93,600<\/p>\n

None<\/p>\n

124,200<\/p>\n

81,680<\/p>\n

None<\/p>\n

115,200<\/p>\n

133,080<\/p>\n

None<\/p>\n

108,200<\/p>\n

81,270<\/p>\n

None<\/p>\n

106,700<\/p>\n

136,550<\/p>\n

Less than 5 years<\/p>\n

98,100<\/p>\n

101,190<\/p>\n

Less than 5 years<\/p>\n

91,000<\/p>\n

62,340<\/p>\n

None<\/p>\n

87,200<\/p>\n

76,950<\/p>\n

None<\/p>\n

81,800<\/p>\n

72,910<\/p>\n

None<\/p>\n

\"Patrice<\/p>\n

Patrice Holloway, right, of Bogue Chitto, Miss., uses her side mirror while running through a series of maneuvers in a tractor-trailer during training at Roadmaster Drivers School in Jackson, Miss., Friday, June 4, 2021. Holloway was in school to be a dental hygienist when she decided to make a career change. “I watched my daddy (be a truck driver), “Holloway said. “He’s excited. He’s all for it!”<\/p>\n

Hot jobs for those with some post-secondary but not bachelor’s<\/p>\n

Occupation<\/p>\n

Occupational openings, projected 2024\u201334 annual average<\/p>\n

Median annual wage, 2024<\/p>\n

Typical education needed for entry<\/p>\n

237,600<\/p>\n

$57,440<\/p>\n

Postsecondary nondegree award<\/p>\n

204,100<\/p>\n

39,530<\/p>\n

Postsecondary nondegree award<\/p>\n

170,400<\/p>\n

35,240<\/p>\n

Some college, no degree<\/p>\n

170,000<\/p>\n

49,210<\/p>\n

Some college, no degree<\/p>\n

112,300<\/p>\n

44,200<\/p>\n

Postsecondary nondegree award<\/p>\n

75,800<\/p>\n

35,250<\/p>\n

Postsecondary nondegree award<\/p>\n

70,000<\/p>\n

49,670<\/p>\n

Postsecondary nondegree award<\/p>\n

65,500<\/p>\n

37,120<\/p>\n

Associate’s degree<\/p>\n

54,400<\/p>\n

62,340<\/p>\n

Postsecondary nondegree award<\/p>\n

52,900<\/p>\n

47,300<\/p>\n

Postsecondary nondegree award<\/p>\n

\"Shadreka<\/p>\n

Shadreka McIntosh, owner of Sozo Wellness Pharmacy, works on a prescription on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022, in Fort Myers.<\/p>\n

What jobs will be most needed for those with graduate degrees?<\/p>\n

Occupation<\/p>\n

Occupational openings, projected 2024\u201334 annual average<\/p>\n

Median annual wage, 2024<\/p>\n

Typical education needed for entry<\/p>\n

48,300<\/p>\n

$59,190<\/p>\n

Master’s degree<\/p>\n

31,500<\/p>\n

151,160<\/p>\n

Doctoral or professional degree<\/p>\n

31,000<\/p>\n

65,140<\/p>\n

Master’s degree<\/p>\n

29,500<\/p>\n

129,210<\/p>\n

Master’s degree<\/p>\n

27,400<\/p>\n

105,620<\/p>\n

Doctoral or professional degree<\/p>\n

21,900<\/p>\n

74,720<\/p>\n

Master’s degree<\/p>\n

20,800<\/p>\n

104,070<\/p>\n

Master’s degree<\/p>\n

18,400<\/p>\n

68,090<\/p>\n

Master’s degree<\/p>\n

15,100<\/p>\n

103,960<\/p>\n

Master’s degree<\/p>\n

14,200<\/p>\n

137,480<\/p>\n

Doctoral or professional degree<\/p>\n

In the Know: Buying SWFL golf club where crocodiles roam. Shalimar returns. Monster purchase<\/a><\/p>\n

What are top jobs for those who just have a high school diploma?<\/p>\n

Occupation<\/p>\n

Occupational openings, projected 2024\u201334 annual average<\/p>\n

Median annual wage, 2024<\/p>\n

765,800<\/p>\n

$34,900<\/p>\n

341,700<\/p>\n

42,830<\/p>\n

282,400<\/p>\n

43,630<\/p>\n

202,800<\/p>\n

46,290<\/p>\n

183,900<\/p>\n

42,010<\/p>\n

161,000<\/p>\n

38,370<\/p>\n

160,200<\/p>\n

32,050<\/p>\n

159,800<\/p>\n

48,620<\/p>\n

156,300<\/p>\n

42,210<\/p>\n

144,500<\/p>\n

66,140<\/p>\n

Costly decision: Cape Coral puts in new mobility fees but well short of what is needed<\/a><\/p>\n

What are top occupations for those with no formal education?<\/p>\n

Occupation (no formal education)<\/p>\n

Occupational openings, projected 2024\u201334 annual average<\/p>\n

Median annual wage, 2024<\/p>\n

904,300<\/p>\n

$30,480<\/p>\n

555,800<\/p>\n

34,580<\/p>\n

542,600<\/p>\n

31,190<\/p>\n

472,300<\/p>\n

37,090<\/p>\n

456,700<\/p>\n

33,760<\/p>\n

384,300<\/p>\n

38,940<\/p>\n

351,300<\/p>\n

35,930<\/p>\n

250,700<\/p>\n

36,830<\/p>\n

193,500<\/p>\n

34,660<\/p>\n

158,200<\/p>\n

38,090<\/p>\n

Writing In the Know for the USA TODAY Network,\u00a0C<\/a>olumnist Phil Fernandez<\/a>\u00a0(pfernandez@gannett.com) grew up in Southwest Florida and has led\u00a0Pulitzer Prize<\/a>-winning efforts. Sign up for our free\u00a0Breaking Ground<\/a>\u00a0growth and development newsletter. Subscribe to our\u00a0News-Press<\/a>\u00a0and Naples Daily\u00a0News apps<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Half-million more jobs for Lee and Collier counties. What’s expected?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Collier and Lee counties are in the midst of a more than half-million job growth spurt. According to…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4499,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[209,211,210,28,5000,5003,5002,356,5001,1521],"class_list":["post-4498","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cape-coral","tag-cape-coral","tag-cape-coral-headlines","tag-cape-coral-news","tag-florida","tag-harlem-heights","tag-heights-foundation","tag-lee-counties","tag-lee-county","tag-skilled-workers","tag-southwest-florida"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4498","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4498"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4498\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4499"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4498"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4498"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4498"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}