Salaries in Pembroke Pines, FL

You’d think a city of 171,000 people just west of Fort Lauderdale would be a sleepy suburb, but Pembroke Pines has a surprisingly tight labor market. The unemployment rate is a razor-thin 3.2%, and nearly 41% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. It’s not just families and retirees; there’s a real, competitive job scene here.

But let’s talk about your wallet. The cost of living sits at 111.8—about 12% above the national average. That $86,135 median household income sounds solid, but it doesn’t stretch as far as you’d hope. A one-bedroom apartment will set you back $1,621 a month. So, while you’re earning more than the U.S. average on paper, your purchasing power takes a hit. It’s not a bargain, but for some, it’s a reasonable trade-off for South Florida weather and good schools.

So, who actually thrives here? The tech and finance sectors are quietly booming, anchored by regional offices for companies like Ultimate Software (now part of UKG) and a strong local accounting scene. You’ll also find a lot of healthcare and education jobs, thanks to the city’s family-friendly reputation and institutions like Memorial Hospital West. It’s a classic case of a city that’s grown up—no longer just a bedroom community, but a place with its own economic engine.

Here’s my honest take: wages aren’t exploding, but they’re stable. The city’s top-paying jobs, like software developers, see their salaries cut down to earth by that COL index. Still, for skilled professionals in tech, healthcare, or even skilled trades like electricians, Pembroke Pines can work. It’s a tough sell for minimum-wage earners, though. The data below breaks down what you can actually expect to take home, adjusted for the real cost of living here.