Lakeland, Florida Job Outlook

With the exception of Orlando, Central Florida communities don't have the added bonus of tourism as an industry. But residents of Lakeland have many other options for employment. Transportation and service provisions make up much of the available job market. Major employers in these sectors include the Saddle Creek Logistics Services, Sykes and GC Services.

The area also has opportunities for those in the education and health care sectors. The Lakeland area is home to Florida Polytechnic University and Polk State College, and the Lakeland Regional Medical Center employs a large number of residents.

One of the South's largest supermarket chains, Publix, is the biggest employer in Lakeland, and is based there. Other large employers include Amazon and Geico.

The average annual income in Lakeland is significantly lower than the national average, and the unemployment rate is slightly higher.