Accountant in Daytona Beach, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Daytona Beach Stands

As a Daytona Beach local, I can tell you that accounting salaries here tell a story of a market that's stable but not booming. You're looking at a median salary of $85,744 per year, which breaks down to $41.22 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, but the cost of living here is also below the national average, which helps offset the difference. The metro area supports 164 accounting jobs, with a 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn't explosive growth; it's a steady, predictable market. You won't find the frenetic pace of Miami or Tampa, but you'll find stability and a pace of life that's hard to beat.

Here’s how that salary typically breaks down by experience level in this market. Note that these are general estimates based on local job postings and the median data provided.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Daytona Beach)	Typical Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $68,000	$26.44 - $32.69
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$75,000 - $95,000	$36.06 - $45.67
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$90,000 - $115,000	$43.27 - $55.29
Expert/Manager (15+ yrs)	$110,000 - $140,000+	$52.88 - $67.31+

How does this compare to other Florida cities? Let's be direct. Daytona Beach sits in the middle of the pack. It’s a step below the major hubs:

• Miami-Fort Lauderdale: Salaries are higher (often 15-20% more), but the cost of living, especially housing, is dramatically higher.
• Orlando: Salaries are competitive (around 10% above Daytona), and the job market is more diverse with a stronger tech and tourism accounting scene.
• Tampa-St. Petersburg: Similar to Orlando, with slightly higher salaries and a comparable cost of living.
• Jacksonville: Salaries are very close to Daytona, but the market is much larger with more corporate headquarters.
• Gainesville: Often lower salaries (due to the university-driven economy) but also a lower cost of living.

Daytona Beach is a good choice if you value a coastal lifestyle and a lower cost of living over maximum earning potential. It's the place you come to build a comfortable life, not necessarily to hit the highest salary brackets.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. Working with the median salary of $85,744, here’s a monthly budget breakdown based on Daytona Beach’s specific costs. This is based on a single filer with no dependents, using 2024 federal and Florida state tax estimates (no state income tax in FL).

• Gross Monthly Pay: $7,145.33
• Estimated Monthly Federal Taxes: -$1,150 (varies by deductions)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,995

Now, let's layer in the local cost of living. The average 1BR rent in Daytona Beach is $1,152/month. The Cost of Living Index is 98.7 (US avg = 100), meaning it's just slightly below the national average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Net Pay of ~$5,995):

• Rent (1BR): $1,152
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Insurance, Gas): $550
• Healthcare (Insurance + Out-of-Pocket): $300
• Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Personal Care): $700
• Savings/Debt: $2,643

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in the Daytona Beach metro is around $325,000. With a 20% down payment ($65,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of approximately $1,760 (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance—PITI). This is about $600 more than the average rent. Given the budget above, a $1,760 mortgage payment would consume about 29% of the net take-home pay, which is doable but would require stricter budgeting, especially with the added cost of home maintenance. It's feasible with careful planning, but saving for the down payment is the first major hurdle.

Where the Jobs Are: Daytona Beach's Major Employers

The Daytona Beach accounting job market is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, education, government, and a surprising amount of corporate back-office operations. You won't find a dense concentration of Big 4 firms, but you will find solid, stable opportunities.

1. Halifax Health: As one of the largest private employers in Volusia County, this hospital system has a constant need for accountants, billing specialists, and financial analysts. They handle a massive volume of transactions and complex healthcare reimbursement rules.
2. AdventHealth (Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center): The other major healthcare player in the area. Accounting roles here focus on patient revenue cycles, grant management, and corporate finance.
3. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU): With its massive campus in Daytona Beach (and a huge presence in Prescott, AZ), ERAU is a major employer. They need accountants for tuition revenue, federal grant compliance (FAFSA), and managing a vast physical plant.
4. Volusia County Government / School Board of Volusia County: Government accounting is a significant niche here. These roles offer incredible job stability and strong benefits. The work often involves grant accounting, budgeting, and public fund management.
5. City of Daytona Beach: Similar to the county, the city government employs accountants for municipal finance, utility billing, and public works projects.
6. Corporate Back Office Operations: This is a quieter but important sector. Companies like PepsiCo (which has a major distribution center and some administrative functions) and Norwegian Cruise Line (which has a corporate office in nearby Miami but supports regional operations) need accounting support. Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin) in nearby DeLand also has finance roles.

Hiring Trends: The 4% growth isn't dramatic, but it's consistent. The biggest demand is for staff and senior accountants with specific software experience (like ERP systems) and those who can handle healthcare reimbursement or government compliance. Public accounting firms are smaller, locally-owned, and often looking for tax and audit staff to serve local small businesses.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida's CPA requirements are set by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Here’s the practical path and the associated costs (numbers are estimates and subject to change; always check the board's website).

Requirements:

1. Education: A 120-hour bachelor's degree is the minimum to sit for the exam. However, to get the license, you need 150 semester hours, which typically means a master's degree or extra credits. Your degree must include 24 semester hours in upper-level accounting courses and 24 semester hours in general business courses.
2. Exam: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam. You can sit for the exam with 120 hours, but you won't receive the license until you complete the 150-hour requirement.
3. Experience: You need one year (2,000 hours) of work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Timeline & Costs (Approximate):

• Education (150 hrs): Cost varies wildly. A master's program can be $15k-$30k+; extra credits at a state school might be $5k-$10k.
• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state and test section).
• Application & Licensing Fees: ~$150-$250 to the FL Board.
• Ethics Exam: ~$150-$200.
• Timeline: From starting your 150-hour education to getting licensed, plan for 2-3 years for full-time students. For working professionals, it can take longer. Once you're in Florida, you can start working and gaining experience while you finish your credits.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, like Halifax Health or the county, value the CPA but don't always require it for staff roles. They often have tuition reimbursement programs to help you get your 150 hours and your CPA, which is a huge benefit.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Daytona Beach is not a sprawling metropolis, but where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Downtown Daytona Beach & Seabreeze:

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, close to the beach, restaurants, and the Peabody Auditorium. Mix of historic apartments and condos.
   • Commute: Excellent. You can walk or bike to many downtown employers (City, County, some firms). Drive to Halifax Health (10-15 mins).
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,250 - $1,500
   • Best For: Young professionals who want an active social scene with minimal commute.

2. Port Orange (South of Daytona):

   • Vibe: Suburban, family-friendly, with excellent public schools (Spruce Creek High is top-rated). More single-family homes and shopping plazas.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to most employers. Direct access to I-95.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,350
   • Best For: Accountants with families or those who prefer a quieter, suburban lifestyle.

3. Ormond Beach (North of Daytona):

   • Vibe: Upscale, quiet, with beautiful beachside neighborhoods and more green space. Considered the "wealthier" sister city.
   • Commute: 15-30 minutes south to Daytona workplaces.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,150 - $1,450
   • Best For: Those seeking a more peaceful, established community with a higher-end feel.

4. Holly Hill (North of Daytona):

   • Vibe: Working-class, practical, with easy access to the highway. More affordable housing options.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most Daytona employers.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,200
   • Best For: Budget-conscious professionals prioritizing a short commute and affordability.

5. Daytona Beach Shores / Wilbur-by-the-Beach:

   • Vibe: Pure coastal, resort-style living. Mostly condos and single-family homes on the ocean or intracoastal.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to mainland employers.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,300 - $1,800+ (highly variable)
   • Best For: Those who want the quintessential Florida beach life and don't mind a slightly longer drive for groceries and work.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Daytona Beach, career growth is more about specialization and becoming a subject-matter expert than climbing a corporate ladder in a vast organization. The 10-year job growth of 4% indicates a market that's stable but not rapidly expanding. Your advancement will be within the existing ecosystem.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Revenue Cycle: Accountants who understand Medicare/Medicaid billing, patient accounting, and HIPAA-compliant financial systems are in high demand at Halifax and AdventHealth. This can command a 10-15% premium over a general staff accountant.
• Government & Grant Accounting: Expertise in federal grant management (Uniform Guidance) and municipal budgeting is a niche with few qualified candidates. This is a stable, long-term career path.
• ERP Implementation & Management: As local businesses and institutions upgrade their systems (e.g., moving to Oracle, SAP, or modern cloud ERPs), accountants who can bridge the gap between finance and IT are invaluable.

Advancement Paths:
A common path is: Staff Accountant -> Senior Accountant -> Accounting Manager (at a hospital, university, or county) or Controller (at a smaller company). Moving to public accounting in Daytona is less about becoming a partner in a large firm and more about owning your own practice or becoming a senior manager at a local firm that serves small businesses.

10-Year Outlook: The outlook is cautiously optimistic. The lack of explosive growth means you have to be proactive. The best opportunities will be for those who:

1. Gain a deep specialty (healthcare, government, or tech-enabled accounting).
2. Earn their CPA, which is a major differentiator in a market with fewer CPAs per capita.
3. Build a strong local network through organizations like the Daytona Beach Chapter of the FICPA (Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants).

The Verdict: Is Daytona Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living (Index 98.7, No State Income Tax)	Limited High-Growth Industries (Tech, Finance, etc.)
Access to the Coastline & Outdoor Lifestyle	Smaller Job Market (164 jobs, 4% growth)
Stable, Predictable Employers (Hospitals, Government, University)	Lower Ceiling on Top Salaries vs. major metros
Manageable Commutes	Can feel "touristy" or seasonal in certain areas
Strong Sense of Community	Professional networking is smaller/more local

Final Recommendation:
Daytona Beach is an excellent fit for a specific type of accountant. It's perfect for:

• A mid-career professional (5-15 years experience) seeking a better work-life balance and a lower cost of living.
• Someone who values stability and job security over the chance at a startup equity payout.
• An outdoor enthusiast who wants to live near the beach without paying Miami prices.
• A CPA looking for a specialized role in healthcare or government accounting.

It is not the best fit for:

• Someone seeking the fastest career acceleration and the highest possible salary.
• A new graduate wanting the intense, competitive training of a Big 4 firm in a major city.
• Someone who craves a dense, 24/7 urban environment with endless professional networking events.

The Bottom Line: If you're a skilled accountant looking to build a comfortable, stable life in a vibrant coastal community, Daytona Beach offers a compelling value proposition. The numbers work, and the lifestyle is unmatched. Just go in with your eyes open about the job market's pace.

FAQs

1. Is the CPA license required to get a good accounting job in Daytona Beach?
No, it's not an absolute requirement for many staff and senior roles, especially in government or healthcare. However, it is a major credential that opens doors to higher-level positions, increases earning potential, and is often required for Controller or Manager roles. Many employers will support you in getting it.

2. How does the cost of living really compare to other Florida cities?
While the index of 98.7 looks close to the national average, it's significantly lower than South Florida. For example, the average 1BR rent in Miami is over $2,200. In Daytona, you're paying half that for housing. Your biggest savings come from housing, but also from no state income tax, which boosts your effective take-home pay.

3. What's the networking scene like for accountants here?
It's small but active. The local FICPA (Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants) chapter is your best bet for formal networking. Beyond that, it's about getting involved with local business organizations like the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce. Most networking is relationship-based, not event-based.

4. Are there remote accounting jobs available from Daytona Beach?
Yes, this is a growing trend. While local employers prefer in-person, many accountants living in Daytona work remotely for companies based in Orlando, Jacksonville, or even nationally. This is a great way to access higher salaries while enjoying the local cost of living. Check job boards like LinkedIn for "remote" or "hybrid" roles.

5. What's the best way to get my 150 credit hours in the area?
The most cost-effective route is often through Daytona State College for additional credits or a post-baccalaureate program. For a full master's, Stetson University (in DeLand) and Bethune-Cookman University (in Daytona Beach) offer relevant programs. Many local employers offer tuition reimbursement, so ask about this during your job search.