Technology/Software Industry? (Tampa, St. Petersburg: headhunter, employment, contractors)

[manwithavan]

What's the employment situation like in the technology/software sector?

I'm a hardcore software engineer fully proficient in a whole raft of programming languages. Loads of experience in low-level hand-held device design (think sat nav, medical instruments, ...) I like to think that I have a good master's degree.

My wife & I are thinking of relocating somewhere warm, and Florida seems so much more convenient for her from a licensing point of view (she's a medical professional)

Does the Tampa area even have a technology industry to speak of? Maybe other areas in FL are better? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Yes I fully realise unemployment is pretty high at the moment...

[Keeper]

There are some jobs but overall it is tough out there. There are several network (telephony) companies that are hiring however most are consultant jobs not full time employment. I would contact a headhunter if you are not adverse to doing consultant work

It is hard to get a job if you live out of the city/state.
I have IT friends with many years of experience who were laid off last April and they are still looking for a job.

[Karamia36]

My husband is a Software Engineer with a major Defense contractor here in the Tampa area, and while in many ways the economy has not hit that industry quite as hard as the private sector here, many of the tech companies are still feeling the pinch. Some may be hiring for very specialized positions, while at the same time decreasing their workforce in general.

If you are looking to get to Tampa, I suggest getting into contact with some of the contractors supporting MacDill AFB. They're located all over the greater Tampa and St. Petersburg areas.

As a sidenote, salaries here, even in software and IT, are not comparable to what you may be making up North or out on the West coast. You could be looking at a five figure paycut.


Unfortunately, your wife will probably have a much easier time finding work in the Health care industry here in Florida than you will in Software. Good luck to you anyhow!