Overview Salaries

Salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Fort Walton Beach, FL?

The average salary in Fort Walton Beach, FL is $54,149 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Fort Walton Beach, FL, showing an average salary of $54,149 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Fort Walton Beach, FL, showing an average salary of $4,512 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Fort Walton Beach, FL, showing an average salary of $1,041 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Fort Walton Beach, FL, showing an average salary of $26 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Fort Walton Beach, FL, offers a wide range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is around $54,149. This makes it a good place for professionals seeking a stable income. Many industries contribute to the job market, including healthcare, hospitality, and education.


The salary distribution varies across different professions. Here are some key insights:

  • The largest percentage, about 34.03%, earns between $27,350 and $37,953.
  • Another significant portion, around 19.83%, earns between $37,954 and $48,556.
  • Many positions, about 10.86%, offer salaries between $48,557 and $59,159.
Fort Walton Beach provides a variety of income levels to match different career paths.

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What are the best paying jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL?

Fort Walton Beach, Florida offers several top-paying jobs that attract professionals seeking good compensation. Leading roles include Speech Language Pathologists, with an average salary of around $90,000. Other high-paying positions include Retail Sales Associates, Behavior Analysts, and Registered Nurses, all surpassing $70,000 annually. Additionally, Automotive Technicians, Electricians, and General Managers find rewarding careers in Fort Walton Beach. Each of these roles provides a competitive salary, offering financial stability and growth opportunities. Job seekers will find a range of well-paying positions in these fields, making Fort Walton Beach an attractive destination for professional advancement.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $89,975 and Administrative Assistant with the lowest at $50,820.

  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $89,975
    Help individuals with communication disorders. Work with schools and healthcare facilities. Gain experience in a vibrant coastal community.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  2. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $75,386
    Provide excellent customer service in a retail setting. Work for stores like Publix or local boutiques. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  3. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $73,715
    Support individuals with behavioral challenges. Collaborate with schools and healthcare providers. Make a meaningful impact in the community.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $73,648
    Provide critical healthcare services. Work in local hospitals or clinics. Enjoy the serene environment of a coastal city.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  5. Automotive Technician
    Average Salary: $61,481
    Diagnose and repair vehicles. Work for dealerships or independent shops. Gain expertise in a dynamic field.
    Find Automotive Technician jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  6. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $56,844
    Assist with patient care in healthcare facilities. Work in hospitals or clinics. Enjoy the support of a close-knit community.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  7. Electrician
    Average Salary: $55,778
    Install and maintain electrical systems. Work for local contractors or residential clients. Benefit from steady demand in a growing area.
    Find Electrician jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  8. General Manager
    Average Salary: $55,301
    Oversee daily operations in various businesses. Manage teams at restaurants or retail stores. Lead in a vibrant, diverse environment.
    Find General Manager jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  9. Technician
    Average Salary: $55,273
    Perform technical tasks in a variety of settings. Work for IT firms or in manufacturing. Apply your skills in a supportive community.
    Find Technician jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  10. Administrative Assistant
    Average Salary: $50,820
    Handle office tasks and support management. Work for businesses or government offices. Enjoy the flexibility and routine of an office job.
    Find Administrative Assistant jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL

What are the best paying jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL without a degree?

Fort Walton Beach, FL, offers several top-paying job opportunities that do not require a degree. Among these, meat cutters can earn an average of $41,203 per year, providing a solid income for those interested in food preparation and customer service. Additionally, lawn care technicians, groundskeepers, and line cooks also offer competitive salaries, ranging from $35,578 to $31,898 annually, making these positions attractive for those seeking good pay without the need for a college degree. These positions are accessible and rewarding, offering a chance for job seekers to earn a good living without the burden of a formal education. With roles in food services, hospitality, and outdoor maintenance, Fort Walton Beach provides a variety of career paths where skills and experience can lead to substantial earnings.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL without a degree, highlighting Meat Cutter with the highest at $41,203 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $28,538.

  1. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $41,203
    This position involves cutting and trimming meat. It provides good earning potential. It requires knowledge of meat types and cuts. Local businesses and grocery stores offer this role.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  2. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $36,447
    Professionals in this role maintain lawns. They need strong physical stamina and a basic understanding of gardening. Local landscape companies seek candidates for this job.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $35,578
    This role includes keeping grounds clean and tidy. It involves basic gardening and grounds maintenance. Companies and residential properties need groundskeepers.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $31,898
    Line cooks work fast in busy kitchens. They prepare meals quickly and efficiently. Restaurants and cafes in the area offer these positions.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  5. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $31,344
    This position involves helping in all kitchen areas. It requires teamwork and time management skills. Local eateries and restaurants hire for this role.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $31,145
    Housekeepers clean and maintain rooms. They need attention to detail and basic cleaning skills. Hotels and short-term rental companies offer this job.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $30,705
    Baristas prepare and serve coffee. They need to know different coffee blends and brewing methods. Local cafes offer these positions.
    Find Barista jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $29,903
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks. They need good communication and customer service skills. Restaurants and dining establishments seek servers.
    Find Server jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  9. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $28,842
    Server assistants help servers with tasks. They need to be organized and work well in teams. Restaurants and dining places offer these roles.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  10. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $28,538
    Dishwashers clean dishes and kitchen tools. They require attention to detail and basic cleaning skills. Local restaurants and cafes hire for this job.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Which companies offer the top salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL?

Job seekers in Fort Walton Beach, FL, have several top-tier employers to consider for higher salaries. BAE Systems USA offers the highest average salary at around $107,586, followed closely by BAE Systems with an average salary of about $92,415. Cox Communications Inc. and Crane Aerospace & Electronics also provide competitive salaries, making them attractive options for those seeking better pay. Several other companies in Fort Walton Beach offer solid compensation as well. Okaloosa County, Sam's Club, and the City of Fort Walton Beach are among the employers providing average salaries above $40,000. Companies like Eglin Federal Credit Union and Army & Airforce Exchange Service also offer salaries over $40,000, presenting multiple opportunities for those looking to advance their careers with better pay.
Graph displaying company salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL, highlighting BAE Systems USA with the highest at $107,586 and Army & Airforce Exchange Service with the lowest at $40,482.

  1. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $107,586
    BAE Systems USA is a defense technology company. They focus on creating aircraft, naval ships, and systems for the government. They offer competitive salaries.


  2. BAE Systems
    Average Salary: $92,415
    BAE Systems is a global defense and aerospace company. They work on a range of products, from aircraft to cybersecurity. Employees enjoy benefits and a strong salary.


  3. Cox Communications Inc.
    Average Salary: $81,235
    Cox Communications Inc. is a major communications company. They provide cable TV, internet, and home security. They value their employees and offer good pay.


  4. Crane Aerospace & Electronics
    Average Salary: $73,587
    Crane Aerospace & Electronics creates systems for the aviation and defense industries. They focus on innovative technology and offer a good salary.


  5. Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center
    Average Salary: $57,688
    Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center provides health care services. They focus on patient care and employee well-being. They offer competitive salaries for the field.


  6. Okaloosa County
    Average Salary: $48,449
    Okaloosa County is a local government body. They offer various services to the community. They provide good salaries for their employees.


  7. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $46,610
    Sam's Club is a membership-based warehouse club. They offer retail products and services. They provide a fair salary for their employees.


  8. City of Fort Walton Beach
    Average Salary: $43,437
    City of Fort Walton Beach is a local government entity. They manage city services and infrastructure. They offer good pay for public sector jobs.


  9. Eglin Federal Credit Union
    Average Salary: $41,057
    Eglin Federal Credit Union offers banking services to military personnel and their families. They focus on financial services and offer a fair salary.


  10. Army & Airforce Exchange Service
    Average Salary: $40,482
    Army & Airforce Exchange Service provides retail services to military personnel. They offer a variety of goods and services. They provide good compensation.

How does the cost of living in Fort Walton Beach, FL compare to the national average?

Fort Walton Beach, Florida, offers a cost of living slightly above the national average. The housing index stands at 110, which is 10% higher than the nationwide standard. Other expenses, such as groceries and transportation, are close to the average, making it a balanced choice for those seeking a comfortable living environment without excessive costs. Overall, Fort Walton Beach's cost of living index is 99.5, which is nearly on par with the nationwide average of 100. This balanced index makes it an attractive option for relocating job seekers looking for a stable living environment.
Cost of living comparison graph for Fort Walton Beach, FL vs. Nationwide: housing 10% higher, groceries 5% lower, utilities 0% lower, transportation 3% lower, healthcare 10% lower, miscellaneous 2% lower.

Fort Walton Beach, Florida, presents an attractive cost of living for many job seekers. The housing index stands at 110, which means housing costs 10% more than the nationwide average. This slightly higher expense might be a consideration for those planning to relocate. However, groceries in Fort Walton Beach cost less, with an index of 95. This means groceries are 5% cheaper than the national average, offering some relief to household budgets.


Utilities in Fort Walton Beach match the nationwide average, clocking in at 100. This indicates that the cost of utilities such as electricity, gas, and water remains consistent with what one might expect across the country. Transportation costs are just 3% above the national average, with an index of 97. Healthcare costs are lower, with an index of 90, meaning these expenses are 10% cheaper than average. Miscellaneous costs stand at 98, slightly under the national average, making everyday spending items a bit more affordable.

There are 695 job openings in Fort Walton Beach, FL, today!

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Take a deeper dive into the job market in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Discover what it's like to work in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
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Fort Walton Beach, FL
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