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Economic Vitality

Economic Vitality measures the quantity and quality of jobs within a region, the relative incomes that its residents earn, the wealth they attain, and economic opportunities for its entrepreneurs.

Best Practices & Deeper Dives

How to Read the Tiles How to Read the Tiles

Wages

Average Wages provide an indication of the buying power of the residents of a region. A common refrain during conversations about Tampa Bay's relative economic performance is the perceived difficulty of comparing the market to others, due to the mix of industries in the region. Analysis of the average wage of "service" sector workers enables Tampa Bay leaders to better understand, in context, worker earnings in this major component of the economy.

Average Wage
Average Wage Service Sector

2025 Takeaways

Average wages for Tampa Bay climbed by 4.22% to $63,412, outpacing national growth but still trailing the U.S. average by around $9,000. The region’s rank holds steady at 18th place.

Service sector wages increased 2.33% to $36,583, slightly ahead of the national average, allowing Tampa Bay to maintain its ranking in 11th place.

INCREASING VALUES

Increases to average wages may indicate the presence of high-paying, and/or highly-skilled fields such as advanced manufacturing and professional services.

DECREASING VALUES

Lower average wages may indicate a prevalence of retail, tourism, service, and other low-paying jobs.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

  • Job Industries
  • Job Availability
  • Talent Pipeline
  • Education and Degree Production
  • Skills-Based Hiring Practices