Ensuring employers have access to qualified workers today, and a pipeline of talent for tomorrow
Focus Areas: Workforce
Workforce efforts focus on the implementation of a regional, industry-led response to the talent deficit in Tampa Bay.
The Tampa Bay Partnership convenes Tampa Bay businesses to more clearly and collectively understand regional talent needs, while giving educational institutions, workforce development organizations and job seekers a better understanding of the skills and credentials that will lead to productive careers.
Data Highlights
78.54%
of adults in Tampa Bay ages 25-64 participate in our labor force.
(Source: 2025 Regional Competitiveness Report)
$63,412
is the average annual wage in the Tampa Bay region, about a $2,500 increase from last year’s report. We continue to rank 18th out of 20 comparison communities in this indicator.
(Source: 2025 Regional Competitiveness Report)
3.47%
The unemployment rate in Tampa Bay is 3.47%. This is below the national average, and Tampa Bay ranks 14th out of our 20 comparison communities.
(Source: 2025 Regional Competitiveness Report)
21.73%
The share of jobs in Tampa Bay connected to advanced industries. The region improved from 15.44% in the 2024 report.
(Source: 2025 Regional Competitiveness Report)
5th
Tampa Bay ranks 5th out of 20 comparison communities in New Business Start Rate (13.59%).
(Source: 2025 Regional Competitiveness Report)
About Workforce
34 members from 25 organizations
The Workforce Subcommittee is a subsection of the Talent Working Group which identifies and addresses key vulnerabilities in Tampa Bay’s talent pipeline and makes recommendations to strengthen and expand the hiring pool for Tampa Bay employers. They also increase collaboration and regional perspective in education and workforce governance.
Thomas Mantz
President & CEO, Feeding Tampa Bay
Key Highlights
The Tampa Bay Partnership advocated for a consolidated regional workforce board in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
Tampa Bay Works was launched following efforts by the Partnership to secure a $300,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase to research and develop an actionable regional workforce strategy.
The Partnership established two employer collaboratives (in healthcare and manufacturing), representing 30 companies and 75,000 employees in Tampa Bay.
We became the first community in Florida to implement the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s employer-led, demand-driven Talent Pipeline Management® (TPM) model.
With additional funding from JPMorgan Chase, the Partnership researched occupations impacted by COVID-19 and the skill sets transferable to new careers
UpSkill Tampa Bay’s pilot program promoted skills-based hiring in Tampa Bay.
Related Research
Workforce Investment Board Best Practices Review
Tampa Bay Works | An Employer-Led Regional Workforce Initiative
UpSkill Tampa Bay
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