Today’s top industries are at home here.
Having cemented our standing as a world-class tourist destination, we’ve spent the last decade growing far beyond our theme park roots. Today, Orlando has emerged a global contender in the dynamic and exciting industries that are shaping the world we live in. Fueled by our talent, infrastructure and commitment to economic development, businesses representing these industries are throughout our region.
Focus Areas
- Modeling, Simulation & Training (MS&T)
- Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MR&O)
- Optics & Photonics
- Serious Games
- Air Service Development
Strong and Specialized Work Force
Nearly 20,000 individuals are employed by aviation and aerospace companies, earning an average annual wage between $50,000-$70,000.
The Home of the Leaders
Aviation and aerospace businesses have access to a vast network of talent, resources and support services with industry leaders including Boeing, Embraer, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Pratt & Whitney and so many more operating in or near Orlando.
Significant Cost Savings
With lower operating costs and salaries than other major U.S. cities, doing business in Orlando results in significant savings for businesses in the aviation, aerospace and defense industries.
Focus Areas
- Biotech/Bio informatics
- Clinical trials
- Diagnostic testing
- Healthcare
- Medical devices
- Medical simulation
- Specialty pharma and pharmaceuticals
- Sports innovation and performance
Highly Trained and Specialized Talent Pool
Orlando is home to a growing pool of professionals who possess the specialized training and skills demanded by the health and life sciences industries. With average salaries nearing the $60,000 mark, this career path continues to attract up-and-coming talent.
Leading The Way
From the emergence of Lake Nona Medical City Orlando is leading the way in life sciences development.
Significant Cost Savings
With lower operating costs and salaries than other major U.S. cities, doing business in Orlando results in significant savings for businesses in the life sciences industries.
Focus Areas
- Automotive systems
- Boats
- Computers
- Defense
- Food
- Infrastructure materials
- Instruments and control
- Laser equipment
- Medical imaging
- Metal fabrication and parts
- Microelectronics
- Photonics
- Power plant systems
- Smart sensors
- Wireless communications
Economic Drivers
Manufacturers are drawn to Orlando for several reasons including efficient air service, low cost of doing business, growing work force, and high quality of life. Manufacturing companies located here include Correct Craft, Frito Lay, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, Siemens and more.
- Florida companies saved $141 million after the state eliminated the manufacturing and equipment sales tax
- $51,800 average manufacturing worker’s salary
- $1.00 invested in manufacturing creates $1.43 of activity in other sectors
- Manufacturing accounts for 85 to 90% of Florida’s exports
Advancing Manufacturing Technology
Central Florida is home to the world’s first industry-led consortium for manufacturing of smart sensors. The International Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research (ICAMR) will provide a one-stop-shop for state-of-the-art integration of semiconductor based processes, equipment, materials and circuits for multi-applicable, next-generation products, especially smart sensors and photonics devices.
Robust Manufacturing Workforce
The amount of manufacturing activity in Orlando has created a skilled workforce with experience in a diversity of production settings. Ongoing educational incentives are also helping to grow the labor pool for local manufacturers. It is also important to note that Florida has the nation’s 2nd lowest unionization rate for private sector manufacturing.
Focus Areas
- Modeling, Simulation & Training (MS&T)
- Explosives and Weapons Manufacturing
- Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- System & Instrument Manufacturing
- Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
- Ship Building and Repairing
Strong and Specialized Work Force
Nearly 6,000 individuals are employed by companies specializing in Defense and Homeland Security, earning average salaries between $40,000 to over $100,000.
Powerful Research and Industry Resources
Industry leaders thrive in Orlando because of the powerful support network that includes partnerships with key research institutions like the University of Central Florida.
Significant Cost Savings
With lower operating costs and salaries than other major U.S. cities, doing business in Orlando results in significant savings for businesses in the aviation, aerospace and defense industries.
Focus Areas
- Game Development
- Website & Mobile App Development
- Software Development
- Modeling, Simulation & Training
- Optics & Photonics
- Smart Sensors
- Emerging Technologies
Highly Trained, Highly Rewarded Talent
More than 16,000 individuals are working in the Information Technology industry, and with an impressive average salary of more than $70,000, these careers will continue to attract the region’s best and brightest.
Strong Partners and State-of-the-Art Facilities
Powered by a top R&D university, specialized research labs/centers, and one of the top technology incubation systems and research parks in the country, Orlando IT businesses have access to the most powerful tools and resources in the industry.
Significant Cost Savings
With lower operating costs and salaries than other major U.S. cities, doing business in Orlando results in significant savings for IT businesses.
Focus Areas
- Contact centers
- Financial services
- IT services
- Management consulting
- Professional services
- Shared services
Highly Educated Business Talent
The University of Central Florida alone will deliver almost 2,800 new business graduates into the marketplace this year. All other area colleges will add to that total with another 4,700+ qualified individuals who are ready to get to work.
A Location for Profitability & Growth
Orlando continues to emerge as a leading hub of innovation and opportunity for the financial and professional services. Growth is accelerating here as existing employers expand their operations and newly relocated businesses find a desirable new home in our marketplace.
Significant Cost Savings
Not only is Florida a right-to-work state and with no personal income tax, Orlando also offers a business-friendly environment and an affordable cost of living. This allows for cost savings in terms of annual wage expectations, real estate costs and more.
Focus Areas
- Auto parts
- Consumer electronics
- Consumer food products
- Defense logistics
- Healthcare products
- Refrigerated goods
- Restaurant equipment
Experienced & Proficient Workforce
The broader wholesale trade, transportation and logistics industry employs more than half a million Floridians, representing the 5th largest labor force of its kind in the United States. Here in Orlando, we specialize in talent pools familiar with supply chain management, equipment pooling, inventory control, defense logistics and more.
Centrally Located for Success
Our international airport and regional airports, proximity to deepwater ports, and access to railways and space ports combine to create a unique environment for highly successful logistics and distribution operations.
Significant Cost Savings
Doing business in Orlando can add value to your logistics and distribution operation in a number of ways – from a multilingual workforce to foreign trade zones. A competitive cost environment and favorable tax structure further support your goals for growth and profitability.
Focus Areas
- Batteries and fuel cells
- Biofuels and enzymes
- Building controls and automation
- Desalination
- Green architecture
- Hydrogen technologies
- LEDS and OLEDs
- Nanomaterials
- Reverse osmosis
- Solar technologies
- Water and bio-remediation
- Wind power
Innovative, Forward-Thinking Talent
The University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness reports that Orlando has the potential to become the nation’s next “cleantech hub” with green jobs that will fuel the region’s economy. We are committed to expanding our green workforce with dedicated training and academic programs at all skill levels – from environmental engineering to cleantech production management to solar installation and beyond.
Naturally Suited to Cleantech Opportunities
Orlando’s sunny climate, fertile land and easy access to the Atlantic coast offers companies plentiful natural resources for testing, manufacturing and deploying cleantech innovations.
Significant Cost Savings
Orlando has several established technology clusters across a number of advanced industries, and cleantech is no exception. We are able to provide a cost-friendly climate for entrepreneurs and small businesses, as well as for major employers like Siemens. Competitive incentives and unique opportunities for partnership and collaboration are available here.