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

The average salary in Fort Walton Beach, FL is $54,769 per year.

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.

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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. Among these, Speech Language Pathologists earn the highest average salary at $88,617. Other well-paying jobs include Hazardous Materials Tanker Drivers, with an average salary of $76,279, and Behavior Analysts, earning $74,745 annually. Registered Nurses and Retail Sales Associates also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $73,284 and $71,873, respectively. These roles offer a mix of healthcare, logistics, and retail sectors, providing diverse career paths for job seekers in Fort Walton Beach.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $88,617 and General Manager with the lowest at $55,146.
  1. 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.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  2. 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.
    Find Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  3. 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.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  4. 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.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  5. 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.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  6. 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.
    Find Automotive Technician jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  7. 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.
    Find Electrician jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  8. 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.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  9. 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.
    Find Technician jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  10. 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.
    Find General Manager jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL

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. Restaurant managers can earn up to $42,073 per year, overseeing daily operations and staff. Lawn care technicians and groundskeepers also enjoy good salaries, with earnings around $36,000 and $35,000 respectively, maintaining outdoor spaces. Other well-paying roles include meat cutters, line cooks, and baristas, all earning over $30,000 annually. These positions provide stable and rewarding career opportunities for those seeking to enter the workforce without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $42,073 and Server with the lowest at $29,044.
  1. 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.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  2. 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.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  3. 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.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  4. 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.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  5. 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.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  6. 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.
    Find Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  7. 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.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  8. 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.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  9. 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.
    Find Barista jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL


  10. 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.
    Find Server jobs in Fort Walton Beach, FL

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

BAE Systems leads the pack with the highest average salary in Fort Walton Beach, offering $89,330 annually. This defense contractor provides a competitive edge for job seekers looking for top compensation. Cox Communications Inc. follows closely, with an average salary of $83,629. This telecommunications company also offers attractive pay packages, making it a strong contender for those seeking well-paying jobs in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Fort Walton Beach, FL, highlighting BAE Systems with the highest at $89,330 and Domino's with the lowest at $37,560.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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, FL, offers a cost of living that is slightly lower than the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Fort Walton Beach stands at 96, which is 4% below the national average of 100. This lower index makes Fort Walton Beach an attractive option for those seeking more affordable living conditions without sacrificing quality of life. Specifically, housing costs in Fort Walton Beach are 6% below the national average, while groceries and utilities are just 2% and 5% above, respectively. Transportation costs are notably lower, at 11% below the national average. Healthcare, however, is slightly higher, at 5% above the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Fort Walton Beach, FL vs. Nationwide: housing 6% lower, groceries 2% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 11% lower, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 0% lower.

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.

There are 821 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
Overview
Fort Walton Beach, FL
821 Job Openings