Tampa added 12,700 private-sector jobs in August from a year earlier, ranking third among Florida’s metropolitan areas for job growth, according to new data from FloridaCommerce. The 0.9% increase accounted for nearly 15% of the state’s total gains.
The most substantial gains came from education and health services, which added 7,600 jobs, followed by manufacturing with 1,300 jobs and information services with 600 jobs. Tampa’s labor force also expanded by 3,755 people, a 0.2% increase, signaling confidence in the region’s economy even as unemployment ticked to 4.4%, compared to 3.8% a year ago.
“Tampa is now recognized as one of the top markets for talent in the United States,” said Craig J. Richard, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. “Lightcast’s 2025 Talent Attraction Scorecard ranks the Tampa metro area number eight among large metros in the country, specifically because of our region’s ability to draw coveted prime-age, high-earning, college-educated workers. We see few signs of this upward trajectory abating as Gen Z discovers the career opportunities and lifestyle that Tampa Bay has to offer.”
That upward trajectory is no accident. Since its founding in 2009, the Tampa Bay EDC has attracted and retained companies in financial and professional services, life sciences, health care and advanced manufacturing. The agency credits those efforts with creating nearly 50,000 direct jobs over the past 16 years.
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Tampa has also gained recognition as a landing spot for foreign businesses. Recent arrivals include Israeli defense technology company Xtend Reality and Scottish firm Systal Technology Solutions, both of which established U.S. headquarters in the city. Nearly 500 foreign-owned companies, representing approximately 40 nations, now operate in the region. They are drawn by the state’s largest port, a top-ranked international airport and a steady pipeline of educated workers.
Together, those assets give the region a competitive edge. With a growing labor force, international connectivity and momentum across key industries, Tampa is positioning itself as one of Florida’s fastest-growing metros and a national contender for business and talent.