Florida Gulf Coast University’s Regional Economic Research Institute revealed Southwest Florida’s top 100 employers, with private nonprofit health care system Lee Health leading the way, followed by the School District of Lee County and Lakeland-based grocery chain Publix.
The RERI research team updated the list March 16. County governments and schools, health care companies — including Naples-based Arthrex — nonprofit Naples Comprehensive Health and retailer Walmart rounded out the top 10.
The top 100 represents about 161,000 employees in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties, or 25% of the five-county area’s workforce of nearly 632,700.
As a high-level snapshot of Southwest Florida’s employment landscape, researchers said the list has limitations, including potential inaccuracies in underlying data and records updated between 2024 and 2026.
Population growth from families and retirees has increased demand for nurses, teachers, trade workers and other service-oriented professionals. Health care has shown the strongest employment growth both nationally and in Southwest Florida.
“[Health care] is really the only industry where we’ve seen that over the past 12 to 15 months,” RERI Research Economist John Shannon said. “Everything else has been flat or declining.”
Lee Health reported 16,506 employees, making it the region’s largest employer, well ahead of Lee schools (12,264) and Publix (10,445).
Lee Health reported operating revenue growth of 40% since 2021 and continues to advance expansion plans, including a new Fort Myers campus expected to open in 2028.
“I’m really proud of how well managed we are and the fact that we’ve managed the growth in a thoughtful, responsible way,” said Chief People Officer Mike Wukitsch.
Lee Health reports an average hourly wage of $48.38 and had nearly 900 open positions at press time. Nurses are the system’s largest and most in-demand employee group.
The system also employs medical assistants, customer service representatives, therapists, technicians, pharmacists, physicians, finance analysts and coders.
Staffing challenges include industry competition and Lee County housing costs, though housing pressures have begun to ease in a softening real estate market.
Education and Workforce
The district reported about 6,000 teachers, 4,570 support staff, 570 bus drivers and 400 administrators.
The district has addressed staffing challenges through recruitment partnerships, career development pathways, digital and artificial intelligence-driven recruitment strategies and leadership programs. It also raised minimum starting teacher salaries to $54,500.
“Ultimately, our goal is to build a workforce that is stable, supported and future ready,” said Chief of Human Resources Shanna Johnston.
The district has filled 99% of its teacher and instructional roles despite a nationwide teacher shortage. However, cost of living and competition from higher-wage remote jobs remain challenges.
Harns Marsh Middle School teachers said they were drawn to the profession to help others and make a positive impact during a critical stage in students’ lives.
“I specifically wanted to teach middle school because I believe that is the most important time to reach students and make a difference,” said Noah Rollins, the school’s math department head and Army veteran.
Melanie Napoles, a language arts teacher, said she was inspired in college while assisting special needs students, which led her to change her major and pursue teaching.
Joseph Humble, who spent 22 years as a chiropractor, now serves as athletic director and teaches health and culinary classes, emphasizing the purpose of helping students discover their potential.
Other Employers and Expansion
FGCU RERI’s list includes companies with more than 400 employees.
Fort Myers-based B&I Contractors reports a South Florida workforce of more than 1,400 employees and 170 open positions. The company recently announced a $28 million expansion of its headquarters.
B&I offers an employee ownership program that allows workers to share in the company’s growth.
“As Southwest Florida continues to expand, there’s increasing demand for new health care facilities, schools and large-scale commercial developments,” said Recruiting Manager Blake Angove.
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida reported more than 1,070 employees and plans to open three retail stores in 2026.
“Employment challenges are typified by securing sufficient employee levels in a rising wage environment while managing increasing local costs,” said COO Doug Stewart.
By Evan Williams — March 25, 2026
