๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 112 โ€” Near Avg Cost

Salaries in Sunrise, FL

What every job actually pays โ€” cost-of-living adjusted

Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data

Avg. Salary
$56,307
across 40 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$50,364
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Software Developer
$131,765
1BR Rent
$1,621
median monthly

Hereโ€™s 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. Thatโ€™s nearly $20,000 above the national median for the role, even after you adjust for the local cost of living.

Letโ€™s talk purchasing power. Sunriseโ€™s cost of living sits at 111.8, meaning itโ€™s about 12% pricier than the U.S. average. A one-bedroom apartment will set you back $1,621 a month. That makes the cityโ€™s 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. Itโ€™s not a bargain, but itโ€™s not a financial black hole either.

The economy leans on a few key pillars. Youโ€™ve 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 itโ€™s a short commute from Fort Lauderdaleโ€™s broader corporate landscape. With an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, the job market is tight.

Hereโ€™s my honest take: wages for most professions arenโ€™t 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, itโ€™s a balancing act.

The data below breaks down whoโ€™s earning what, and what your paycheck can actually buy in Sunrise.

๐Ÿ† Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Sunrise

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

๐Ÿฅ‡ +4% vs national

Software Developer

$131,765
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $117,858
โฑ Hourly $63.35/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿฅˆ +4% vs national

Accountant

$89,127
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $79,720
โฑ Hourly $42.85/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%
๐Ÿฅ‰ +4% vs national

Registered Nurse

$89,116
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $79,710
โฑ Hourly $42.84/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +6.0%
4๏ธโƒฃ +4% vs national

Elementary School Teacher

$65,923
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $58,965
โฑ Hourly $31.69/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%
5๏ธโƒฃ +4% vs national

Electrician

$63,728
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $57,002
โฑ Hourly $30.64/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%

๐Ÿ“‹ 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.

# Occupation โ†• Raw Salary โ†•
1 Software Developer $131,765
2 Accountant $89,127
3 Registered Nurse $89,116
4 Elementary School Teacher $65,923
5 Electrician $63,728
6 Real Estate Agent $63,656
7 Heavy Truck Driver $54,969
8 Insurance Agent $51,769
9 Graphic Designer $51,769
10 Data Analyst $51,769
11 Plumber $51,769
12 Paralegal $51,769
13 Physical Therapist $51,769
14 Carpenter $51,769
15 Human Resources Specialist $51,769
16 Dental Assistant $51,769
17 Pharmacist $51,769
18 HVAC Technician $51,769
19 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $51,769
20 Firefighter $51,769
21 Construction Manager $51,769
22 Dental Hygienist $51,769
23 Web Developer $51,769
24 Marketing Manager $51,769
25 Nail Technician $51,769
26 Cosmetologist $51,769
27 Medical Assistant $51,769
28 Personal Trainer $51,769
29 Chef/Head Cook $51,769
30 Social Worker $51,769
31 Veterinary Technician $51,769
32 Pharmacy Technician $51,769
33 Financial Analyst $51,769
34 Welder $51,769
35 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $51,769
36 Auto Mechanic $51,769
37 Police Officer $51,769
38 Project Manager $51,769
39 Loan Officer $51,769
40 Security Guard $37,419

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Sunrise

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$1,621/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$2,026/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$405,000
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
3.2%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$76,722
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
36%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
35/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
112
Near Avg Cost

๐Ÿงฎ 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

What is the average salary in Sunrise, FL?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations in Sunrise, FL is $56,307. This is below the city's median household income of $76,722, indicating a wider income distribution.

What jobs pay the most in Sunrise?

โ–ผ
The highest paying role in Sunrise is Software Developer at $131,765. This is more than double the city's average salary of $56,307.

Is Sunrise affordable on a Software Developer salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, a Software Developer earning $131,765 can comfortably afford Sunrise's 1BR rent of $1,621/month. Housing costs would consume only about 15% of gross income, well below the recommended 30% threshold.

How does Sunrise's cost of living affect my paycheck?

โ–ผ
Sunrise's COL Index of 111.8 means goods and services are 11.8% more expensive than the national average. This reduces the purchasing power of your salary compared to other U.S. locations.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Sunrise?

โ–ผ
To live comfortably in Sunrise, a single person needs approximately $65,000-$75,000 annually. This covers the median household income of $76,722 while accounting for the 11.8% higher cost of living.

๐Ÿ“ Editor's Verdict: Is Sunrise Worth It?

Hereโ€™s my honest take: Sunrise isnโ€™t a slam-dunk for everyone, but itโ€™s a smart play if youโ€™re in tech. The average salary ($56,307) doesnโ€™t stretch far with a 111.8 cost-of-living index and $1,621 median rent, so youโ€™ll feel the squeeze unless youโ€™re pulling in six figures. Software Developers win big hereโ€”both in raw pay ($131,765) and after COL adjustments ($117,858). Healthcare and trades can get by, but donโ€™t expect to build wealth fast. If youโ€™re considering the move, lock in a job offer before you commitโ€”and make sure itโ€™s at least 20% above your current salary to offset the higher costs.

Explore Sunrise Further