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

The average salary in Fort Walton Beach, FL is $54,530 per year.

Job seekers in Fort Walton Beach, FL, can expect a competitive average yearly salary of $54,530. Salaries vary across different sectors. The highest-paying jobs include technical and professional roles, with salaries starting at $101,807 per year. Meanwhile, those in administrative support roles can expect salaries starting from around $28,000 annually.


Key industries in Fort Walton Beach offer diverse salary opportunities. Top sectors include healthcare, hospitality, and education. Within these sectors, roles in healthcare management and IT command higher salaries. Opportunities for advancement are available, often leading to significant salary growth. Job seekers should consider these factors when exploring career options in Fort Walton Beach.

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

Job seekers looking for top-paying jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL, have several opportunities to consider. The area offers a range of professions with competitive salaries. The highest-paying jobs include Speech Language Pathologists, Retail Sales Associates, and Registered Nurses, providing stable and rewarding career paths. For those entering the healthcare field, becoming a Speech Language Pathologist or Registered Nurse can lead to lucrative positions. These roles not only offer substantial salaries but also provide critical services to the community. Retail Sales Associates also enjoy high earnings, making it a good option for those in consumer-focused industries. Such positions reflect Fort Walton Beach’s strong job market for well-compensated roles.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $91,189 and Delivery Driver with the lowest at $39,579.
  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $91,189
    This role works with clients to improve communication skills. Paths work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Some local employers include health systems and care facilities.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  2. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $75,150
    This job focuses on helping customers find what they need. Work in stores selling a variety of goods. Many local employers offer good benefits and flexible hours.
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  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $73,939
    Registered Nurses provide care to patients. Work in hospitals and clinics. They often work in teams with other healthcare professionals.
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  4. Automotive Technician
    Average Salary: $64,004
    This role involves fixing and maintaining vehicles. Work in auto repair shops. Technicians diagnose problems and make repairs. Some employers offer training and advancement opportunities.
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  5. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $56,516
    Licensed Practical Nurses assist in patient care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Some employers provide job training and career growth.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  6. General Manager
    Average Salary: $56,509
    This position oversees daily operations of a business. Managers lead teams and ensure smooth operations. Common employers include restaurants and retail stores.
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  7. Electrician
    Average Salary: $56,425
    Electricians install and maintain electrical systems. They work in residential and commercial settings. Some local employers offer competitive wages and benefits.
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  8. Technician
    Average Salary: $55,990
    Technicians specialize in specific fields like IT or medical equipment. They support and troubleshoot systems. Some local employers offer training and career advancement.
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  9. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $43,230
    Maintenance Technicians ensure equipment and facilities run smoothly. They handle repairs and preventative maintenance. Common employers include industrial and commercial properties.
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  10. Delivery Driver
    Average Salary: $39,579
    Delivery Drivers transport goods to customers. They work for local businesses and companies. Some offer flexible schedules and mileage reimbursement.
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What are the best paying jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL without a degree?

Fort Walton Beach offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. These positions provide stable earnings and can be good starting points for those looking to enter the workforce quickly. Among these, meat cutters earn an average of $42,636 a year, making it one of the top earners in the area. Other well-paid jobs include groundskeepers, who maintain parks and landscapes, earning around $36,683. Lawn care technicians and line cooks also earn good salaries, with averages of $35,833 and $33,438, respectively. Positions such as housekeeping, dishwashing, and bartending also offer decent pay, ranging from $32,290 to $30,783. These jobs provide a chance to earn a solid income while gaining valuable experience.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL without a degree, highlighting Meat Cutter with the highest at $42,636 and Server Assistant with the lowest at $29,333.
  1. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $42,636
    Meat cutters prepare cuts of meat for customers. They work at local grocery stores and butcher shops. Daily tasks include slicing meat and trimming fat.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  2. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $36,683
    Groundskeepers maintain parks and recreational areas. They often work for the city, ensuring areas are clean and well-kept. Duties involve mowing lawns, planting flowers, and keeping pathways clear.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  3. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $35,833
    Lawn care technicians service private properties. They provide a variety of services, such as mowing, trimming, and applying fertilizers. Companies often include small local landscaping firms.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $33,438
    Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook meals in restaurants. They work in fast-paced environments and follow recipes to ensure quality. Many restaurants hire line cooks to help with dinner service.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $32,290
    Housekeeping staff clean rooms in hotels and resorts. They ensure guest rooms are tidy and comfortable. Duties include making beds, cleaning bathrooms, and replacing supplies.
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  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $31,338
    Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They work in busy restaurants and cafes. Daily tasks include washing dishes, loading dishwashers, and stocking clean items.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  7. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $30,909
    Floor techs maintain the cleanliness of floors. They often work for hotels and office buildings. Tasks include sweeping, mopping, and applying polish to floors.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  8. Barista
    Average Salary: $30,783
    Baristas prepare coffee and other beverages. They work in coffee shops and cafes. Duties include taking orders, brewing coffee, and ensuring a friendly atmosphere.
    Find Barista jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $30,599
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks in restaurants. They often work in a fast-paced setting. Duties include greeting guests, taking orders, and providing table service.
    Find Server jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  10. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $29,333
    Server assistants help servers with their duties. They work in busy restaurants. Tasks include setting up tables, clearing dishes, and refilling supplies.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL?

Job seekers in Fort Walton Beach, FL, have several opportunities to find well-paying roles. BAE Systems USA leads with the highest average salary of $105,253. Following closely behind are KBR with an average salary of $81,958. These companies offer competitive pay and a variety of roles to fit different skill sets. Other notable employers include Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center, Okaloosa County, and Sam's Club, each providing solid salaries that range from $57,678 to $46,396. These employers also offer benefits and career growth opportunities, making them attractive options for job seekers.
Graph displaying company salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL, highlighting BAE Systems USA with the highest at $105,253 and CEFCO Convenience Stores with the lowest at $38,254.
  1. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $105,253
    BAE Systems USA is a leading defense contractor. They focus on aerospace and defense technologies. Many employees have advanced degrees. They offer a competitive salary and benefits.


  2. KBR
    Average Salary: $81,958
    KBR is a major engineering and construction company. They work in the government and commercial sectors. Employees enjoy a wide range of job opportunities. They offer robust benefits and professional growth options.


  3. Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center
    Average Salary: $57,678
    Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center provides healthcare services. They focus on rehabilitation and care for patients. The team includes doctors, nurses, and therapists. They offer a supportive work environment.


  4. Okaloosa County
    Average Salary: $48,185
    Okaloosa County offers a range of public services. They work in education, public safety, and community development. Employees serve the local community. They provide a stable job with good benefits.


  5. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $46,396
    Sam's Club is a retail giant. They offer a variety of products at wholesale prices. Employees work in sales, management, and logistics. They provide a positive work environment and opportunities for advancement.


  6. City of Fort Walton Beach
    Average Salary: $44,735
    The City of Fort Walton Beach manages local government services. They focus on public safety, parks, and community events. Employees contribute to making the city a great place to live. They offer a stable job and good benefits.


  7. Eglin Federal Credit Union
    Average Salary: $42,790
    Eglin Federal Credit Union provides banking services. They focus on serving military personnel and their families. Employees work in customer service, loan processing, and banking. They offer a supportive work environment.


  8. Army & Airforce Exchange Service
    Average Salary: $40,918
    The Army & Airforce Exchange Service runs retail stores. They provide goods and services to military personnel and their families. Employees enjoy a diverse work environment. They offer opportunities for professional growth.


  9. Domino's
    Average Salary: $39,302
    Domino's is a well-known pizza chain. They offer delivery and carry-out services. Employees work in restaurants, kitchens, and management. They provide a fun and fast-paced work environment.


  10. CEFCO Convenience Stores
    Average Salary: $38,254
    CEFCO Convenience Stores operate local retail outlets. They sell a range of products, including food and drinks. Employees work in sales, management, and stocking. They offer a supportive work environment.

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

Fort Walton Beach, FL, presents a favorable cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index in Fort Walton Beach stands at 100.6, which is just over 0.6% higher than the national average of 100. This slight increase reflects a relatively balanced living experience. Specifically, housing costs in Fort Walton Beach are 7% above the national average, while groceries remain very close to the average at 5% below. Utilities and healthcare costs are also slightly below the national average, at 5% and 2% lower, respectively. Transportation costs match the nationwide average, while miscellaneous expenses are 2% higher. This data suggests that Fort Walton Beach offers a competitive living environment with minor variations in key expense categories.
Cost of living comparison graph for Fort Walton Beach, FL vs. Nationwide: housing 7% higher, groceries 5% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 0% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 2% higher.

Fort Walton Beach, Florida, offers an attractive cost of living when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The housing costs in Fort Walton Beach stand at 107, meaning they are 7% higher than the national average. This slight increase might reflect the area's growing popularity and demand for living spaces. However, groceries cost 95, which is 5% less than the average. Utilities also come in at 95, matching the lower grocery prices.


Fort Walton Beach presents a balanced cost structure when considering other expenses. Transportation costs are equal to the national average at 100. Healthcare costs are slightly lower at 98, making them 2% cheaper. Miscellaneous expenses are just 2% higher at 102. Overall, Fort Walton Beach provides a cost of living that is close to the nationwide average, with some areas offering savings and others slightly more expensive. This makes it a competitive option for those looking to relocate or settle down.

There are 517 job openings in Fort Walton Beach, FL, today!

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

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City
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Fort Walton Beach, FL
517 Job Openings