What this means Our calculation
3 of 31 trades here pay more than the typical U.S. metro; the best-paid is construction supervisors at $76,280. Prices run 0% above the U.S. average, so a paycheck here is worth about the same than the same dollars elsewhere. For the wider job market, unemployment is about the same as most metros (4.2%) and the population is growing faster than most (+9.1% since 2020).
Highest-paying trades in Palm Bay Government data
All 31 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor | $76,280 | -1% | $76,276 | 1,920 | #221 |
| Electrical Lineworker | $69,960 | -28% | $69,957 | 160 | #246 |
| Building Inspector | $64,390 | -4% | $64,387 | 450 | #204 |
| Telecom Line Installer | $62,430 | -6% | $62,427 | 250 | #149 |
| Telecom Equipment Installer | $62,170 | -0% | $62,167 | 380 | #165 |
| Plumber | $59,780 | -3% | $59,777 | 940 | #231 |
| Brickmason | $58,610 | -7% | $58,607 | 30 | #99 |
| Electrician | $58,450 | -6% | $58,447 | 1,220 | #282 |
| Machinist | $57,410 | +1% | $57,407 | 560 | #175 |
| HVAC Technician | $57,240 | -4% | $57,237 | 1,130 | #258 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $56,990 | -6% | $56,987 | 250 | #296 |
| Rigger | $56,770 | -6% | $56,767 | 60 | #44 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $51,180 | -17% | $51,177 | 290 | #197 |
| Welder | $49,930 | -5% | $49,928 | 600 | #249 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $49,140 | -18% | $49,138 | 620 | #293 |
| Painter | $49,100 | +3% | $49,098 | 460 | #140 |
| Drywall Installer | $48,810 | -9% | $48,808 | 80 | #114 |
| Roofer | $47,770 | -5% | $47,768 | 540 | #185 |
| Carpenter | $47,770 | -15% | $47,768 | 680 | #324 |
| Auto Mechanic | $47,670 | -2% | $47,668 | 1,460 | #256 |
| Concrete Finisher | $47,410 | -17% | $47,408 | 370 | #263 |
| Tile Setter | $47,320 | -6% | $47,318 | 140 | #81 |
| Auto Body Repairer | $46,860 | -9% | $46,858 | 250 | #317 |
| Septic & Sewer Technician | $45,740 | -10% | $45,738 | 40 | #121 |
| Pest Control Technician | $45,450 | +2% | $45,448 | 340 | #81 |
| Maintenance Technician | $45,400 | -6% | $45,398 | 2,600 | #301 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $45,280 | -29% | $45,278 | 490 | #381 |
| Construction Laborer | $44,720 | -5% | $44,718 | 1,870 | #251 |
| Glazier | $41,600 | -25% | $41,598 | 130 | #151 |
| Hazmat Removal Worker | $38,450 | -20% | $38,448 | 70 | #127 |
| Landscaper | $36,570 | -3% | $36,568 | 1,870 | #259 |
Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (metro-level). Real pay: BEA price parities, 2024. How we calculate
Living costs & homes Government data
Homes in Palm Bay
The Palm Bay area has about 310,112 homes. 30% were built before 1980 (typical metro 45%), so its housing is newer than most; 15% were built in 2010 or later. 77% of households own their home, and the median home value is $372,900.
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table DP04).
Job market & growth Government data
Unemployment
4.2% in 2025 (typical metro 4.1%), all workers.
BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 2021–2025.
Population
The Palm Bay area's population grew 9.1% from 2020 to 2025 (608,765 → 663,982), ranking #45 of 387 metros for growth (typical metro +2.5%). People moving in (net +71,641) account for more than all of the change.
Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year, 2020–2025.
New homes permitted
New-home permits in Palm Bay are down 11% from 2021 to 2025 (5,174 → 4,624). Permits signal construction activity, not open jobs.
Census Building Permits Survey, 2021–2025.
Getting to work
The average commute in the Palm Bay area is 26 minutes each way, longer than the typical metro (24 min). 15% of commuters spend 45 minutes or more. 74% drive alone, 0% take transit and 13% 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.