What is the average salary in Fort Walton Beach, FL?
The average yearly salary in Fort Walton Beach, FL, stands at $54,769. This figure offers a clear snapshot of the earning potential in the area. Job seekers can expect competitive wages across various sectors, making it an attractive destination for employment.
Salaries in Fort Walton Beach vary by industry. Some of the highest-paying sectors include:
- Information Technology: $100,436
- Healthcare: $79,455
- Finance: $78,964
- Education: $58,473
- Retail: $37,491
These figures highlight the diverse opportunities available, with potential for growth and advancement in many fields.
What are the best paying jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL?

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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $88,617
This role involves helping people with speech and language issues. It requires working with patients of all ages. Many healthcare facilities in the area offer this opportunity. They provide the necessary tools and support.
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Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver
Average Salary: $76,279
This job involves transporting dangerous goods safely. It requires a special license and careful attention to safety rules. Companies in the area value skilled drivers. They offer good training and benefits.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $74,745
This role helps people with behavioral challenges. It involves creating and implementing treatment plans. Many local schools and clinics need qualified analysts. They offer a supportive environment for growth.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $73,284
This position involves providing patient care. It requires strong communication skills and attention to detail. Many hospitals and clinics in the area offer this role. They provide good training and support.
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Retail Sales Associate
Average Salary: $71,873
This role involves helping customers find products. It requires good customer service skills. Many local stores offer this position. They provide training and opportunities for advancement.
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Automotive Technician
Average Salary: $59,985
This job involves repairing and maintaining vehicles. It requires technical skills and attention to detail. Many auto repair shops in the area offer this role. They provide training and support.
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Electrician
Average Salary: $57,327
This role involves installing and maintaining electrical systems. It requires technical skills and attention to safety. Many local companies offer this position. They provide good training and benefits.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $56,588
This position involves providing basic patient care. It requires strong communication skills and attention to detail. Many healthcare facilities in the area offer this role. They provide good training and support.
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Technician
Average Salary: $55,691
This role involves maintaining and repairing equipment. It requires technical skills and attention to detail. Many local companies offer this position. They provide training and opportunities for advancement.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $55,146
This position involves overseeing daily operations. It requires strong leadership and communication skills. Many local businesses offer this role. They provide good training and support.
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What are the best paying jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL without a degree?

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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $42,073
Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in local eateries like The Crab House and The Fish House.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $40,490
Cut, trim, and package meat for sale. Work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Follow safety and hygiene standards. Ensure quality cuts for customers.
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Lawn Care Technician
Average Salary: $36,225
Maintain lawns and gardens. Mow, trim, and water plants. Use tools to keep outdoor spaces neat. Work with local landscaping companies.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $35,133
Maintain parks and recreational areas. Clean, repair, and beautify spaces. Work with local parks and golf courses. Ensure a safe and pleasant environment.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $31,871
Prepare food in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and cook in large quantities. Work in restaurants like The Crab House. Ensure timely and high-quality food service.
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Sewing Machine Operator
Average Salary: $31,662
Operate sewing machines to create garments. Work in textile and apparel companies. Follow patterns and specifications. Ensure quality and efficiency in production.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $31,127
Clean and maintain rooms in hotels. Ensure a tidy and welcoming environment. Work in local hotels like the Hilton. Follow cleaning protocols and standards.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $30,675
Assist in various kitchen tasks. Help with food preparation and cooking. Work in busy restaurants. Ensure smooth kitchen operations and customer satisfaction.
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Barista
Average Salary: $30,647
Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Work in coffee shops like Starbucks. Ensure customer satisfaction with quality drinks. Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
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Server
Average Salary: $29,044
Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders and provide excellent service. Work in local restaurants. Ensure a pleasant dining experience for guests.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL?

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BAE Systems
Average Salary: $89,330
BAE Systems is a global defense, security, and aerospace company. They offer a wide range of jobs in engineering, IT, and project management. Their competitive salaries reflect the high-skill level required.
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Cox Communications Inc.
Average Salary: $83,629
Cox Communications is a major communications company. They provide jobs in customer service, IT, and management. Their salaries are among the highest in the area.
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Crane Aerospace & Electronics
Average Salary: $74,058
Crane Aerospace & Electronics is a leading aerospace company. They offer jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Their salaries are competitive and reflect the technical skills needed.
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Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center
Average Salary: $59,325
Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center provides healthcare services. They offer jobs in nursing, therapy, and administrative roles. Their salaries are fair and support the important work they do.
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Okaloosa County
Average Salary: $48,728
Okaloosa County offers a variety of jobs in public service. They provide roles in education, law enforcement, and administration. Their salaries are competitive for public sector jobs.
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Liza Jackson Preparatory School
Average Salary: $47,760
Liza Jackson Preparatory School is an educational institution. They offer jobs in teaching, administration, and support staff. Their salaries are fair for the education sector.
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Sam's Club
Average Salary: $46,511
Sam's Club is a retail giant. They offer jobs in sales, management, and logistics. Their salaries are competitive for the retail industry.
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City of Fort Walton Beach
Average Salary: $43,308
The City of Fort Walton Beach provides public services. They offer jobs in administration, maintenance, and public safety. Their salaries are fair for municipal jobs.
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Eglin Federal Credit Union
Average Salary: $41,021
Eglin Federal Credit Union offers financial services. They provide jobs in banking, customer service, and IT. Their salaries are competitive for the financial sector.
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Domino's
Average Salary: $37,560
Domino's is a well-known pizza chain. They offer jobs in delivery, kitchen staff, and management. Their salaries are fair for the fast-food industry.
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 that is slightly below the nationwide average. The housing index stands at 94, which means housing costs are 6% lower than the national average. This can be a significant advantage for those looking to purchase or rent a home in the area.
In addition, the grocery index is 102, indicating that grocery prices are 2% higher than the national average. While this is a slight increase, it remains relatively minor. Utilities in Fort Walton Beach are priced at 95, which is 5% below the national average, making it a cost-effective place to live. Transportation costs are also lower, with an index of 89, meaning they are 11% cheaper than the national average. Healthcare costs, however, are slightly higher, with an index of 105, indicating a 5% increase over the national average. Miscellaneous costs align with the national average at 100, showing no significant difference. Overall, Fort Walton Beach provides a balanced cost of living with some areas offering savings and others slightly higher expenses.