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

The average salary in Fort Walton Beach, FL is $54,140 per year.

Fort Walton Beach, FL, offers a variety of salary options across different fields. The average yearly salary is around $54,140. This range varies depending on the type of job one pursues. For example, some of the common industries and their average salaries include:

  • Construction: $38,544
  • Hospitality: $28,000
  • Education: $49,088
  • Healthcare: $70,175
  • Information Technology: $112,351

Fort Walton Beach provides a balanced environment where different industries can offer competitive salaries. The range in salary reflects the diverse economic opportunities available in the area. Job seekers can explore these sectors to find a role that matches their skills and career goals.

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

Fort Walton Beach offers several high-paying job opportunities for professionals. The top-paying role in this area is that of a Speech Language Pathologist, with an average salary of around $90,711. Another well-compensated position is the Retail Sales Associate, earning about $79,364 annually. Additionally, skilled individuals can find rewarding careers as Registered Nurses, with an average salary of approximately $74,000. Automotive Technicians, General Managers, and Licensed Practical Nurses also enjoy competitive wages. These jobs provide a blend of stability and good remuneration, making Fort Walton Beach a promising place for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $90,711 and Registered Nurse with the lowest at $73,995.
  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $90,711
    This role helps individuals improve their communication abilities. Speech pathologists work with patients in hospitals, schools, and clinics. Notable institutions in the area include the Emerald Coast Center for Speech and Hearing and private practices.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  2. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $79,364
    Retail sales associates assist customers and manage product displays. They work in stores like Target, Walmart, and local boutiques. Many enjoy the variety and interaction with people. Some roles may also offer commission-based pay.
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  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $73,995
    RNs provide patient care and support in medical settings. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Employers include large health systems and smaller, community-focused practices. This role is essential in maintaining public health.
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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 job opportunities that do not require a college degree. Meat cutters and groundskeepers top the list with average salaries around $42,667 and $36,455, respectively. These roles provide a chance to earn a solid income through practical work. Lawn care technicians, line cooks, and housekeeping staff also enjoy good earnings. These positions pay around $36,156, $33,490, and $31,716, respectively. Each of these jobs requires specific skills but offers the chance to work in a rewarding environment. Floor technicians, baristas, and servers can earn over $30,000 annually. These jobs combine hands-on work with interaction, making them both practical and fulfilling.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL without a degree, highlighting Meat Cutter with the highest at $42,667 and Server Assistant with the lowest at $28,737.
  1. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $42,667
    Prepare and package meats for customers. Work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Use sharp knives and follow safety protocols. Demand can vary with seasonal trends.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  2. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $36,455
    Maintain parks and landscapes. Operate equipment like mowers and trimmers. Work outdoors and sometimes in all weather. Attention to detail is key in keeping areas looking neat.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  3. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $36,156
    Service residential and commercial properties. Tasks include mowing, edging, and cleaning up. Good physical fitness is helpful. Flexibility in scheduling to meet client needs.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $33,490
    Prepare ingredients and cook menu items in fast-paced environments. Work in restaurants and cafes. Must follow recipes and maintain kitchen cleanliness. Adapt to shifts and busy periods.
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  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $31,716
    Clean guest rooms and public areas. Work in hotels and resorts. Tasks include making beds, changing linens, and restocking supplies. Dependable and timely in work habits.
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  6. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $30,909
    Maintain the cleanliness of floors in various settings. Use industrial equipment. Ensure a safe and clean environment. Must be able to work at a steady pace.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $30,611
    Prepare coffee drinks in cafes. Interact with customers. Requires attention to detail and speed. Work in high-traffic hours can be busy.
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  8. Server
    Average Salary: $30,194
    Take orders and serve food and beverages. Work in dining establishments. Must have good customer service skills. Flexibility with hours, including weekends, is often required.
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  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $29,956
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Work in restaurants and cafes. Tasks include washing dishes, organizing kitchen areas, and maintaining supplies. Must be comfortable with hot water and soap.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  10. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $28,737
    Support servers by busing tables and helping with meal setup. Work in dining establishments. Must be quick and efficient. Ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy environment is important.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL

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

In Fort Walton Beach, Florida, BAE Systems USA offers the highest average salary, with employees earning approximately $105,713 each year. This makes it a top choice for job seekers looking for a well-paying position. Another notable employer is KBR, which provides an average salary of around $81,918, also a competitive wage for professionals in the area. These figures highlight the potential for earning a good salary in Fort Walton Beach. Job seekers should explore opportunities at these top-paying companies to take advantage of their financial benefits. The data shows that diverse industries, including defense, government, and retail, offer attractive compensation packages for qualified candidates.
Graph displaying company salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL, highlighting BAE Systems USA with the highest at $105,713 and CEFCO Convenience Stores with the lowest at $38,421.
  1. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $105,713
    BAE Systems USA is a leading technology and defense company. They offer advanced systems for the air, land, sea, and space. Employees enjoy competitive salaries and benefits.


  2. KBR
    Average Salary: $81,918
    KBR is a global engineering company that works on projects in energy, government, and the industrial sectors. They provide high-paying jobs with various benefits.


  3. Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center
    Average Salary: $57,305
    Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center provides healthcare services to patients recovering from surgery or illness. They offer a supportive work environment with decent salaries.


  4. Okaloosa County
    Average Salary: $48,455
    Okaloosa County offers a range of government jobs, including public safety, education, and administrative roles. They provide stable employment with competitive pay.


  5. Sam's Club
    Average Salary: $46,450
    Sam's Club is a retail giant offering membership-based shopping. They provide retail positions with salaries and benefits that are fair and competitive.


  6. City of Fort Walton Beach
    Average Salary: $43,998
    The City of Fort Walton Beach offers various jobs in municipal services, including public works and administration. They provide a stable work environment with good benefits.


  7. Eglin Federal Credit Union
    Average Salary: $42,147
    Eglin Federal Credit Union is a financial institution providing banking services. They offer jobs in finance and customer service with reasonable salaries.


  8. Army & Airforce Exchange Service
    Average Salary: $40,526
    The Army & Airforce Exchange Service is a retail provider for military personnel and their families. They offer jobs in retail and customer service with decent pay.


  9. Domino's
    Average Salary: $39,317
    Domino's is a well-known pizza delivery company. They provide jobs in delivery, customer service, and kitchen roles with competitive wages.


  10. CEFCO Convenience Stores
    Average Salary: $38,421
    CEFCO operates convenience stores and gas stations. They offer positions in retail and customer service with salaries that are fair and competitive.

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

Fort Walton Beach, FL, boasts a cost of living index that is slightly lower than the nationwide average of 100. Specifically, the housing index is at 90, while groceries stand at 95, showing a generally affordable living environment. Utilities, however, slightly exceed the average at 102, suggesting a bit higher expenditure in this area. Transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs are close to the national average, making Fort Walton Beach an attractive option for those seeking a balanced cost of living. This comparison highlights that Fort Walton Beach offers a cost of living that is, on average, 8% lower than the national average. While housing stands out as the most affordable category, utilities present a slight increase. Despite this minor variation, the overall cost of living remains competitive, making Fort Walton Beach a practical choice for many job seekers.
Cost of living comparison graph for Fort Walton Beach, FL vs. Nationwide: housing 10% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 2% higher, transportation 2% lower, healthcare 3% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

Fort Walton Beach, Florida, offers an attractive cost of living for prospective residents. When comparing this city to the nationwide average, which is set at 100, Fort Walton Beach shows a generally lower cost of living. Housing costs are 90, meaning they are 10% below the national average. This reduction in housing expenses can significantly ease the financial burden for those relocating or considering Fort Walton Beach as a new home.


Additionally, groceries in Fort Walton Beach are priced at 95, slightly above the national average but still manageable. Utilities are at 102, showing a modest 2% increase. Transportation costs, at 98, remain close to the average, offering affordability for daily commutes. Healthcare costs are slightly below the average at 97, providing a small relief for essential medical expenses. Miscellaneous costs are at 92, indicating they are 8% lower than the nationwide average. Overall, Fort Walton Beach presents a cost of living that is either at or slightly below the national average, making it a financially appealing option for many.

There are 689 job openings in Fort Walton Beach, FL, today!

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City
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Fort Walton Beach, FL
689 Job Openings