Salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Fort Walton Beach, FL, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $54,493. This figure reflects the diverse range of jobs available, from entry-level positions to more specialized roles. Many people find that the salary levels match the cost of living, making it a good place to work and live.

The salary distribution in Fort Walton Beach shows a mix of income levels. The most common salaries fall between $27,000 and $78,300. This range includes many popular job sectors such as healthcare, retail, and hospitality. Higher salaries are available for those in specialized fields like IT, engineering, and finance. Job seekers can find roles that fit their skills and career goals, with good earning potential.

1. Speech Language Pathologist
   Average Salary: $87,507
   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.
   Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

2. Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver
   Average Salary: $76,238
   Transporting hazardous materials safely is crucial. This job demands a clean driving record and specialized training. Companies in the logistics sector often hire for these positions.
   Find Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

3. Behavior Analyst
   Average Salary: $74,888
   Behavior analysts work with individuals to improve their skills and behaviors. This role often involves working with children and adults with special needs. Many schools and clinics offer this career path.
   Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

4. Registered Nurse
   Average Salary: $72,890
   RNs provide essential care to patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. This role requires a nursing degree and state licensure.
   Find Registered Nurse jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

5. Retail Sales Associate
   Average Salary: $71,151
   Helping customers find what they need is key in this role. It involves stocking shelves, assisting customers, and managing transactions. Many retail stores in the area offer these positions.
   Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

6. Automotive Technician
   Average Salary: $59,343
   Diagnosing and fixing vehicle issues is the main task. This job requires knowledge of car mechanics and often involves working in auto repair shops.
   Find Automotive Technician jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

7. Electrician
   Average Salary: $57,075
   Installing and maintaining electrical systems is crucial. This role requires a strong understanding of electrical wiring and safety standards. Many construction companies offer these jobs.
   Find Electrician jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

8. Technician
   Average Salary: $56,407
   Technicians support various industries by maintaining equipment and systems. This job can involve working in IT, manufacturing, or other sectors. Many companies in the area offer technician roles.
   Find Technician jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

9. Licensed Practical Nurse
   Average Salary: $56,075
   LPNs provide basic patient care under the supervision of RNs and doctors. This role is often found in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
   Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

10. General Manager
    Average Salary: $55,718
    Managing daily operations is key in this role. It involves overseeing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining business standards. Many retail and hospitality businesses offer these positions.
    Find General Manager jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
    

1. Restaurant Manager
   Average Salary: $41,554
   Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in local eateries like The Crab Claw or The Fish House.
   Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

2. Meat Cutter
   Average Salary: $40,104
   Cut, trim, and package meat for sale. Work in grocery stores. Follow safety and hygiene standards. Companies like Publix and Winn-Dixie offer these roles.
   Find Meat Cutter jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

3. Lawn Care Technician
   Average Salary: $36,643
   Maintain lawns and gardens. Mow, trim, and water plants. Work for landscaping companies. Companies like TruGreen and Lawn Doctor offer these positions.
   Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

4. Groundskeeper
   Average Salary: $34,677
   Maintain the grounds of properties. Perform tasks like mowing, weeding, and pruning. Work for schools, parks, or private properties. Local parks and schools offer these roles.
   Find Groundskeeper jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

5. Recreation Assistant
   Average Salary: $32,467
   Help plan and run recreational activities. Work in community centers or parks. Engage residents in fun and educational activities. Local recreation centers offer these positions.
   Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

6. Sewing Machine Operator
   Average Salary: $31,639
   Operate sewing machines to produce garments. Work in garment factories. Follow patterns and specifications. Companies like Fruit of the Loom offer these roles.
   Find Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

7. Line Cook
   Average Salary: $31,601
   Prepare food in a fast-paced kitchen. Cook meals quickly and efficiently. Work in restaurants and cafes. Local eateries offer these positions.
   Find Line Cook jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

8. Housekeeping
   Average Salary: $31,053
   Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or motels. Ensure a clean and welcoming environment. Work in hospitality. Local hotels offer these positions.
   Find Housekeeping jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

9. Barista
   Average Salary: $30,688
   Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Work in coffee shops. Interact with customers and take orders. Local cafes offer these positions.
   Find Barista jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
   

   
   

10. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $30,024
    Assist in food preparation and cooking. Work in restaurants or cafes. Follow recipes and kitchen standards. Local eateries offer these roles.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL
    

1. Beast Code
   Average Salary: $103,184
   Beast Code is a software development company. They focus on creating custom software solutions for businesses.
   

   
   

2. BAE Systems
   Average Salary: $87,926
   BAE Systems is a global defense, security, and aerospace company. They work on projects for military and government clients.
   

   
   

3. Cox Communications Inc.
   Average Salary: $86,881
   Cox Communications Inc. provides cable television, internet, and phone services. They are a major provider in the region.
   

   
   

4. Crane Aerospace & Electronics
   Average Salary: $73,261
   Crane Aerospace & Electronics makes products for the aerospace and defense industries. They focus on electronics and systems.
   

   
   

5. Kratos Defense
   Average Salary: $68,909
   Kratos Defense is a company that provides defense and security services. They work on projects for the military and government.
   

   
   

6. Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center
   Average Salary: $57,533
   Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center offers healthcare services. They focus on rehabilitation and patient care.
   

   
   

7. Gulf Coast Treatment Center
   Average Salary: $49,839
   Gulf Coast Treatment Center provides addiction treatment services. They offer programs for recovery and support.
   

   
   

8. Okaloosa County
   Average Salary: $48,709
   Okaloosa County is a local government. They provide services to the community, including education and public safety.
   

   
   

9. Liza Jackson Preparatory School
   Average Salary: $48,284
   Liza Jackson Preparatory School is a private school. They offer education from kindergarten through high school.
   

   
   

10. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $46,564
    Sam's Club is a membership-based warehouse club. They offer a wide range of products at discounted prices.
    

Fort Walton Beach, Florida, offers a cost of living that is slightly higher than the nationwide average. The housing index stands at 110, indicating that housing costs are 10% higher than the national average. This means that renters and homeowners in Fort Walton Beach can expect to spend about 10% more on their living expenses compared to the average American.

Other living expenses in Fort Walton Beach also reflect this trend. While groceries are at 95, meaning they are 5% cheaper than the national average, utilities and transportation are close to the average. Utilities are at 98, which is 2% cheaper, and transportation costs are at 105, which is 5% higher. Healthcare costs are notably lower, with an index of 90, meaning they are 10% cheaper than the national average. Miscellaneous costs are exactly at the national average, with an index of 100. Overall, Fort Walton Beach provides a balanced living experience with some areas being more affordable and others slightly more expensive.