What this means Our calculation
10 of 39 trades here pay more than the typical U.S. metro; the best-paid is elevator installers at $108,170. Prices run 14% above the U.S. average, so a paycheck here is worth less than the same dollars elsewhere. For the wider job market, unemployment is lower than most metros (3.3%) and the population is growing faster than most (+4.2% since 2020).
Highest-paying trades in Miami Government data
All 39 trades
Vs. U.S. compares with the typical metro for that trade. Jobs are employment estimates, not open positions. Click a column to sort.
| Trade | Median pay | Vs. U.S. | Real pay | Jobs | U.S. rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elevator Installer | $108,170 | -0% | $94,757 | 1,050 | #28 |
| Electrical Lineworker | $96,240 | -1% | $84,306 | 1,370 | #135 |
| Construction Supervisor | $77,530 | +0% | $67,916 | 16,720 | #186 |
| Building Inspector | $76,610 | +14% | $67,111 | 4,380 | #85 |
| Telecom Line Installer | $64,120 | -3% | $56,169 | 1,280 | #131 |
| Telecom Equipment Installer | $62,230 | -0% | $54,514 | 3,810 | #161 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $61,620 | -4% | $53,979 | 3,760 | #279 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $61,340 | +2% | $53,734 | 4,240 | #156 |
| Machinist | $60,700 | +6% | $53,173 | 2,170 | #79 |
| Ironworker | $60,270 | -6% | $52,797 | 890 | #94 |
| Electrician | $58,630 | -6% | $51,360 | 12,990 | #278 |
| HVAC Technician | $58,040 | -3% | $50,843 | 9,140 | #246 |
| Plumber | $57,760 | -6% | $50,598 | 5,930 | #272 |
| Appliance Repair Technician | $57,030 | +13% | $49,958 | 880 | #43 |
| Brickmason | $56,500 | -10% | $49,494 | 530 | #110 |
| Rigger | $55,550 | -8% | $48,662 | 160 | #47 |
| Welder | $54,590 | +4% | $47,821 | 3,510 | #152 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $51,800 | -13% | $45,377 | 5,850 | #250 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $51,700 | -16% | $45,289 | 1,780 | #193 |
| Auto Body Repairer | $51,680 | +0% | $45,272 | 2,430 | #182 |
| Carpenter | $51,570 | -8% | $45,175 | 10,100 | #230 |
| Drywall Installer | $50,170 | -7% | $43,949 | 1,300 | #100 |
| Auto Mechanic | $49,550 | +1% | $43,406 | 11,970 | #174 |
| Plasterer | $49,290 | -16% | $43,178 | 200 | #46 |
| Concrete Finisher | $48,860 | -15% | $42,801 | 3,820 | #233 |
| Rebar Worker | $48,570 | -15% | $42,547 | 300 | #20 |
| Painter | $48,490 | +2% | $42,477 | 6,210 | #156 |
| Insulation Installer | $48,470 | +0% | $42,460 | 650 | #49 |
| Solar Installer | $48,290 | -17% | $42,302 | 510 | #34 |
| Tile Setter | $48,290 | -4% | $42,302 | 950 | #73 |
| Roofer | $48,030 | -4% | $42,074 | 5,290 | #177 |
| Septic & Sewer Technician | $47,560 | -7% | $41,663 | 280 | #104 |
| Paving Equipment Operator | $46,810 | -6% | $41,006 | 570 | #111 |
| Maintenance Technician | $46,290 | -4% | $40,550 | 31,890 | #269 |
| Hazmat Removal Worker | $45,760 | -5% | $40,086 | 220 | #98 |
| Construction Laborer | $45,520 | -3% | $39,876 | 18,280 | #233 |
| Pest Control Technician | $44,890 | +1% | $39,324 | 2,480 | #105 |
| Glazier | $44,430 | -20% | $38,921 | 2,330 | #147 |
| Landscaper | $37,430 | -0% | $32,789 | 21,170 | #201 |
Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (metro-level). Real pay: BEA price parities, 2024. How we calculate
Living costs & homes Government data
Homes in Miami
The Miami area has about 2,714,779 homes. 44% were built before 1980 (typical metro 45%), so its housing is about as old as most; 11% were built in 2010 or later. 61% of households own their home, and the median home value is $510,600.
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table DP04).
Job market & growth Government data
Unemployment
3.3% in 2025 (typical metro 4.1%), all workers.
BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 2021–2025.
Population
The Miami area's population grew 4.2% from 2020 to 2025 (6,133,159 → 6,391,072), ranking #117 of 387 metros for growth (typical metro +2.5%). People moving in (net +222,240) account for most of the change.
Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year, 2020–2025.
New homes permitted
New-home permits in Miami are down 7% from 2021 to 2025 (25,313 → 23,453). Permits signal construction activity, not open jobs.
Census Building Permits Survey, 2021–2025.
Getting to work
The average commute in the Miami area is 30 minutes each way, longer than the typical metro (24 min). 22% of commuters spend 45 minutes or more. 68% drive alone, 3% take transit and 14% work from home (all workers, not just trades).
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table S0801).
Licensing in Florida Official source
The main state licensing office in Florida is the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Construction and electrical contractor boards. It can point you to the right license for skilled trades.
Official Florida licensing site ↗
Requirements for skilled trades vary by state and sometimes by city; always confirm with the official agency.
Nearby metros
Compare any trade in two cities with city vs. city, or see every metro in Florida.