๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 99 โ€” Below Avg Cost

Salaries in Palm Coast, FL

What every job actually pays โ€” cost-of-living adjusted

Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data

Avg. Salary
$68,834
across 40 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$69,741
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Marketing Manager
$157,005
1BR Rent
$1,159
median monthly

Hereโ€™s something you might not expect from a sleepy Florida coast town: the median salary in Palm Coast is actually $70,037. Thatโ€™s not a typo. For a city of 102,000 people, thatโ€™s a surprisingly solid number, especially when you pair it with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. It feels less like a retirement community and more like a place where people quietly build a life.

The real story here, though, is purchasing power. Palm Coastโ€™s cost of living index sits at 98.7โ€”basically a hair below the national average. That $1,159 monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment isn't cheap, but it's a world away from Miami or Tampa prices. When you adjust for that, the average salary here ($68,834) effectively becomes $69,741 in real buying power. Itโ€™s not a fortune, but your paycheck stretches farther than you'd think.

So, whoโ€™s actually earning those top-tier salaries? The economy here leans on healthcare, construction, and a surprising cluster of tech and marketing roles. Youโ€™ve got big presences like the Mayo Clinic and the massive AdventHealth hospital system pulling in top pay for pharmacists and managers. Meanwhile, the construction and project management jobs are fueled by steady residential growth along this stretch of the coast. Itโ€™s a stable, if not flashy, job market.

My honest take? The wages here aren't keeping pace with the rapid cost increases we're seeing nationally, but that gap is smaller than in most Florida cities. It works well for skilled tradespeople, healthcare professionals, and mid-level managers who can command a decent salary without the brutal competition of a major metro. For remote workers bringing in coastal city pay? Itโ€™s a financial home run.

The numbers below will show you exactly where the money is and what you can expect to take home.

๐Ÿ† Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Palm Coast

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

๐Ÿฅ‡ -0% vs national

Marketing Manager

$157,005
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $159,073
โฑ Hourly $75.48/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 204
๐Ÿฅˆ -0% vs national

Pharmacist

$135,499
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $137,284
โฑ Hourly $65.14/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth -3.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 204
๐Ÿฅ‰ -0% vs national

Software Developer

$126,763
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $128,433
โฑ Hourly $60.94/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 612
4๏ธโƒฃ -0% vs national

Construction Manager

$107,787
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $109,207
โฑ Hourly $51.82/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 204
5๏ธโƒฃ -0% vs national

Project Manager

$100,885
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $102,214
โฑ Hourly $48.50/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +6.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 204

๐Ÿ“‹ Complete Salary Guide โ€” All 40 Occupations in Palm Coast

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (99/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.

# Occupation โ†• Raw Salary โ†•
1 Marketing Manager $157,005
2 Pharmacist $135,499
3 Software Developer $126,763
4 Construction Manager $107,787
5 Project Manager $100,885
6 Physical Therapist $99,321
7 Financial Analyst $98,623
8 Web Developer $92,388
9 Dental Hygienist $87,188
10 Accountant $85,744
11 Registered Nurse $85,734
12 Data Analyst $83,034
13 Police Officer $74,617
14 Human Resources Specialist $67,386
15 Elementary School Teacher $63,421
16 Plumber $63,102
17 Paralegal $62,505
18 Electrician $61,309
19 Real Estate Agent $61,240
20 Graphic Designer $61,100
21 Firefighter $56,897
22 Carpenter $56,698
23 HVAC Technician $55,452
24 Heavy Truck Driver $52,882
25 Loan Officer $49,805
26 Insurance Agent $49,805
27 Social Worker $49,805
28 Pharmacy Technician $49,805
29 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $49,805
30 Dental Assistant $49,805
31 Nail Technician $49,805
32 Cosmetologist $49,805
33 Personal Trainer $49,805
34 Chef/Head Cook $49,805
35 Auto Mechanic $49,805
36 Veterinary Technician $49,805
37 Welder $49,396
38 Medical Assistant $38,120
39 Security Guard $35,999
40 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $35,620

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Palm Coast

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$1,159/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$1,465/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$352,700
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
3.2%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$70,037
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
32%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
45/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
99
Below Avg Cost

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in Palm Coast?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Palm Coast. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

โ“ Palm Coast Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Palm Coast, FL?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations in Palm Coast is $68,834. This figure is based on 2026 data for a range of local jobs. Insight: This average is slightly above the median household income of $70,037, indicating a diverse salary distribution.

What jobs pay the most in Palm Coast?

โ–ผ
The highest paying role in Palm Coast is Marketing Manager, with an average salary of $157,005. This leads the set of 40 occupations tracked in 2026. Insight: Top roles like this can exceed the local average by over 128%, highlighting a significant earning gap.

Is Palm Coast affordable on a Marketing Manager salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, a Marketing Manager salary of $157,005 is highly affordable in Palm Coast. With a cost of living index of 98.7 (below the U.S. average of 100) and 1BR rent at $1,159/month, housing costs are manageable. Insight: This salary allows for substantial savings, as rent is only about 9% of gross monthly income.

How does Palm Coast's cost of living affect my paycheck?

โ–ผ
Palm Coast's cost of living index of 98.7 means expenses are 1.3% below the national average, making your paycheck go further. For example, 1BR rent at $1,159/month is relatively low compared to many U.S. cities. Insight: At the average salary of $68,834, housing consumes about 20% of gross income, leaving more disposable income than in higher-cost areas.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Palm Coast?

โ–ผ
A comfortable salary in Palm Coast is around $70,037, aligning with the median household income and covering basics like the $1,159/month 1BR rent. With a COL index of 98.7, this provides a buffer for savings and discretionary spending. Insight: Earning above the average of $68,834 ensures better financial comfort, as it exceeds the threshold for typical living expenses.

๐Ÿ“ Editor's Verdict: Is Palm Coast Worth It?

Hereโ€™s my honest verdict: Palm Coast isnโ€™t a gold rush, but itโ€™s a solid bet if you know how to play it. The average salary ($68,834) wonโ€™t make you rich, but with a cost-of-living index of 98.7 and rent at $1,159, your money stretches further than in most Florida coastal towns. Marketing Managers are the clear winners here, pulling in $157k+โ€”but thatโ€™s an outlier, not the norm.

For most people, the real value is in the trades and healthcare. Growth in construction and an aging population mean steady, reliable work. Tech is still nascent; youโ€™ll likely be remote or commuting.

If youโ€™re considering the move, hereโ€™s my advice: secure a job before you pack. Palm Coastโ€™s job market is improving, but itโ€™s not booming. Donโ€™t bet on finding high-paying work after you arrive. Come here for the lifestyle, not the career ladder.

Explore Palm Coast Further