Salaries in Sunrise, FL
What every job actually pays โ cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data
Hereโs the thing about Sunrise: you might not expect a city of 96,000 people to be a major tech hub, but software developers here are pulling in a median salary of $131,765. Thatโs nearly $20,000 above the national median for the role, even after you adjust for the local cost of living.
Letโs talk purchasing power. Sunriseโs cost of living sits at 111.8, meaning itโs about 12% pricier than the U.S. average. A one-bedroom apartment will set you back $1,621 a month. That makes the cityโs median household income of $76,722 feel less impressive than it looks on paper. After adjusting for costs, the average salary here effectively drops to about $50,364. Itโs not a bargain, but itโs not a financial black hole either.
The economy leans on a few key pillars. Youโve got the tech money, but healthcare is a huge employer, with registered nurses earning a solid $89,116. Education and skilled trades are also steady bets. The city is home to the massive BB&T Center, which drives jobs in events and hospitality, and itโs a short commute from Fort Lauderdaleโs broader corporate landscape. With an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, the job market is tight.
Hereโs my honest take: wages for most professions arenโt keeping pace with the rising cost of living. The city works best for dual-income households or those in high-demand fields like software development. For everyone else, itโs a balancing act.
The data below breaks down whoโs earning what, and what your paycheck can actually buy in Sunrise.
๐ Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Sunrise
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
๐ Complete Salary Guide โ All 40 Occupations in Sunrise
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (112/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
๐๏ธ Living Costs in Sunrise
๐งฎ Can You Afford to Live in Sunrise?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Sunrise. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
โ Sunrise Salary FAQ
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๐ Editor's Verdict: Is Sunrise Worth It?
Hereโs my honest take: Sunrise isnโt a slam-dunk for everyone, but itโs a smart play if youโre in tech. The average salary ($56,307) doesnโt stretch far with a 111.8 cost-of-living index and $1,621 median rent, so youโll feel the squeeze unless youโre pulling in six figures. Software Developers win big hereโboth in raw pay ($131,765) and after COL adjustments ($117,858). Healthcare and trades can get by, but donโt expect to build wealth fast. If youโre considering the move, lock in a job offer before you commitโand make sure itโs at least 20% above your current salary to offset the higher costs.