Where Expertise Meets Opportunity
Indian River County has evolved into a key business center for professional, scientific, and technical enterprises. The region's educated workforce and pro-business environment create a supportive ecosystem for knowledge-based industries, including engineering, environmental consulting, computer systems design, and scientific research.
Companies building, expanding, or relocating here discover significant operational benefits including low overhead costs, access to highly skilled professionals, and Florida's pro-business tax environment. The county's oceanfront location is especially advantageous to firms specializing in coastal engineering and marine research, providing direct access to the natural laboratories and client base they need.
Professionally Focused Educational Infrastructure
A third of Indian River County’s population aged 25 and up hold a college or advanced degree. The combination of a well educated workforce and below-average wages creates a favorable recruitment market for employers in the professional and technical industries.
Three major educational institutions anchor the region's talent development system, providing a range of training and research opportunities.
Indian River State College delivers practical training through its degree programs in emerging technologies, environmental sciences, and engineering disciplines. Students graduate with valuable hands-on experience. Degree and certification programs include:
- Biotechnology
- Computer and information science
- Computer sciences
- Engineering
- Environmental science
- Marine science
Florida Institute of Technology brings advanced engineering expertise to the region, producing graduates in specialized fields including ocean engineering, software development, and sustainability sciences. Their programs align closely with the technical demands of modern professional services firms, and their bachelor degree offerings include:
- Civil engineering
- Computer engineering
- Environmental science
- Mechanical engineering
- Ocean engineering
- Oceanography
- Software engineering
- Sustainability studies
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University is where over 200 scientists, engineers, students, and staff advance ocean science through their research. The facility creates opportunities for public-private partnerships, collaborative research projects, and access to specialized expertise that can enhance private sector capabilities. The institute’s training, undergraduate, and graduate areas of study include:
- Aquaculture
- Marine science and oceanography
- Marine biology
- Biomedical research
- Integrative biology
- Ocean engineering
Home to a Driven Workforce
The local talent market presents compelling economics for employers in professional and technical fields. Residents are highly skilled and educated, yet professional salaries in Indian River County typically fall below national averages. This creates a cost advantage for companies without compromising quality. The combination of lower operational expenses and reduced labor costs allows companies to invest savings into research, development, and expansion initiatives that drive long-term growth.
| Indian River County |
|---|
Professional, scientific, and technical firms
Strong base of knowledge-sector employers
Mean hourly wage
Competitive wage level for talent attraction
Beyond Business: A Place to Thrive
Indian River County's coastal lifestyle, cultural amenities, and recreational opportunities help businesses recruit top talent in competitive knowledge industries. Beaches, water activities, golfing, nature attractions, and art and theatre events allow professionals to pursue relaxing and invigorating off-hour activities.
Established Professional Companies
| Company | Industry | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| Kimley-Horn & Assoc. | Environmental Engineering Services |
100-199 |
| Carter Associates | Civil Engineering, Surveying & Mapping Services |
25-49 |
| Communications International | Computer Systems Design Services |
25-49 |
| Syngenta Agricultural Research Center | Crop Protection Research |
25-49 |
| LevCo Technologies | IT, Cybersecurity Services | 1-24 |
| Coastal Tech G.E.C., Inc. | Coastal Engineering Services | 1-24 |
| Coastal Waterways Design & Engineering | Coastal Engineering Services | 1-24 |
| Granite Environmental | Pollution Prevention Services | 1-24 |
| Technology Partners | Computer Systems Design Services | 1-24 |
| MBV Engineering | Environmental Engineering Services |
1-24 |
| Treasure Coast Engineering, Inc. |
Electrical Design Engineering | 1-24 |