What is the average salary in Fort Walton Beach, FL?
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.
What are the best paying jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL?

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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.
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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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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?

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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, 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.



