Data Analyst in Daytona Beach, FL

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Data Analysts considering a move to Daytona Beach, FL.

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The Salary Picture: Where Daytona Beach Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the salary data for Data Analysts in Daytona Beach is surprisingly strong for a mid-sized coastal metro. The numbers paint a clear picture: Daytona Beach offers a competitive salary that holds its own when compared to the national average, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

Let's break down the numbers you provided. The Median Salary for a Data Analyst in the Daytona Beach metro area is $83,034/year, which translates to an Hourly Rate of $39.92/hour. This is right in line with the National Average of $83,360/year, showing that the market here pays fairly. For context, the metro area has 164 Data Analyst jobs currently listed, and the 10-Year Job Growth is a robust 36%. This growth is significantly higher than the national average for many professions, indicating a healthy and expanding local market.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Daytona Beach area:

Experience Level	Typical Yearly Salary Range (Est. in Daytona Beach)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$60,000 - $72,000	Data cleaning, reporting, basic SQL queries, supporting senior analysts.
Mid-Level	$75,000 - $90,000	Building dashboards (Tableau/Power BI), independent analysis, presenting findings.
Senior	$95,000 - $115,000	Leading projects, mentoring, advanced statistical modeling, cross-departmental strategy.
Expert/Lead	$120,000+	Architecting data systems, driving business intelligence strategy, managing teams.

When compared to other Florida cities, Daytona Beach sits in an interesting middle ground. It’s not at the level of high-cost tech hubs like Miami (where senior roles can exceed $130,000) or Tampa (where median salaries are closer to $88,000), but it significantly outpaces smaller Florida cities like Ocala or Lakeland. The key differentiator here is the cost of living, which we’ll explore next. You get a near-national-average salary in a city where your money goes further.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to what matters: your monthly budget. The Cost of Living Index for Daytona Beach is 98.7, meaning it’s slightly below the US average (100). The biggest factor for most professionals is housing. The average rent for a 1BR apartment is $1,152/month.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a Data Analyst earning the median salary of $83,034/year, assuming a standard tax filing and the local rent average. (Note: This is an estimate; actual take-home pay varies based on benefits, 401k contributions, and state tax withholdings. Florida has no state income tax, which is a major financial advantage.)

Monthly Budget Item	Estimated Cost	Notes (Local Insight)
Gross Monthly Pay	$6,919	($83,034 / 12 months)
Estimated Taxes (Fed+FICA)	~$1,730	Approx. 25% effective rate for this bracket.
Net Monthly Take-Home	~$5,189	This is your starting point for expenses.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,152	Can be as low as $950 in Port Orange or as high as $1,500+ in newer beachside complexes.
Utilities (Elec, Water, Internet)	$200 - $300	Electricity costs spike in the summer due to A/C.
Car Insurance & Gas	$300 - $450	Florida has high car insurance rates. A commute to I-95 or Daytona Blvd is common.
Groceries & Essentials	$400 - $500	Publix and Aldi are staples. The farmers' market at Daytona State is a great local tip for fresh produce.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$300 - $500	Varies widely by employer.
Discretionary Spending	$1,300+	This leaves a healthy buffer for dining out at places like the Main Street Station, saving, or entertainment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. This is one of Daytona Beach's biggest draws. The median home price in the metro area hovers around $280,000 - $310,000. With a $20,000 down payment (about 7%), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be around $1,600 - $1,800. This is only slightly more than the average rent, making homeownership a very realistic goal for a Data Analyst earning the median salary within a few years of saving.

Where the Jobs Are: Daytona Beach's Major Employers

The job market here isn't dominated by Silicon Valley-style tech giants, but it's diverse and stable. Data Analysts are needed across several key local industries. Here are some of the major employers I've seen consistently hiring:

1. Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville (with a major presence in Daytona Beach/Port Orange): While the base is in Jacksonville, the Naval Aviation Schools Command and other commands have a significant footprint here. They hire analysts for logistics, training metrics, and operational efficiency. It’s a stable, federal-government-adjacent market.
2. Halifax Health: One of the largest employers in Volusia County. Their data needs are immense, from patient outcomes and billing to staffing and supply chain analytics. They often look for analysts with healthcare-specific knowledge.
3. AdventHealth Daytona Beach: The other major healthcare system. Similar to Halifax, they need analysts for clinical, operational, and financial data. This is a growing sector.
4. Brown & Brown, Inc.: A massive, Fortune 500 insurance brokerage headquartered right in Daytona Beach. They are a major employer for data analysts, underwriters, and risk assessment roles. They have a strong corporate culture and are a key local player.
5. Daytona State College: As a major educational institution, they need analysts for enrollment, performance metrics, and accreditation reporting. It’s a great environment for those interested in the education sector.
6. The Daytona International Speedway & International Speedway Corporation (ISC): Beyond racing, ISC is a major event and hospitality business. They need analysts for ticket sales, fan engagement, concession data, and event logistics.
7. Volusia County Government & City of Daytona Beach: Local governments are increasingly data-driven. Roles here focus on public safety data, traffic studies, urban planning, and financial management.

Hiring Trend Insight: There's a noticeable trend of companies in the healthcare and insurance sectors investing in their data infrastructure. They're moving from basic reporting to predictive analytics. This means they're not just hiring entry-level report writers; they're seeking analysts who can build models to predict patient readmissions or identify fraud patterns.

Getting Licensed in FL

Good news: Florida does not have a state-specific license for Data Analysts. The field is not regulated in the same way as, say, real estate or nursing. However, professional credentials and certifications are highly valued by employers.

• State-Specific Requirements: No state license is required. Your "license" is your degree (typically a Bachelor's in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field) and your portfolio of work.
• Costs & Timeline: The real investment is in certifications. Here’s a practical timeline:
  • Months 0-3: Focus on your core tools. If you're not already proficient in SQL, Excel, and a visualization tool like Tableau or Power BI, take online courses (Coursera, edX, Udacity). Cost: $50 - $500.
  • Months 3-6: Pursue a recognized certification. The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is an excellent, affordable starting point. For more advanced roles, consider the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate or Tableau Desktop Specialist. Cost: $100 - $300 per exam.
  • Ongoing: Attend local meetups (check Meetup.com for Daytona Beach Data or Tech groups) and consider a membership with the Data & Analytics professional groups within larger organizations like SHRM.

Insider Tip: Given the strong healthcare presence, having knowledge of HIPAA regulations and experience with EHR (Electronic Health Record) data is a massive advantage when applying to Halifax Health or AdventHealth.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Where you live in Daytona Beach can affect your commute, lifestyle, and budget. As a local, here’s the breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Beachside (Ormond-by-the-Sea to Daytona Beach Shores)	Ultimate coastal lifestyle. Commute to mainland jobs can cross the 32001/32002 bridge, which can bottleneck during tourist season.	$1,250 - $1,600+	Professionals who prioritize ocean access and don't mind a 15-25 minute commute.
Port Orange (South Daytona)	Suburban, family-friendly, and highly convenient. Close to I-95 and major employers like Halifax Health.	$1,050 - $1,300	The practical choice for a short commute and a quieter, more residential feel.
Downtown Daytona	Urban, walkable, with growing nightlife. Close to the Speedway and some corporate offices. Parking can be a hassle.	$1,100 - $1,400	Younger analysts who want to be in the heart of the action and enjoy walkable amenities.
Holly Hill	More affordable, located north of Daytona. Commute is straightforward via Rt. 92 or US-1.	$950 - $1,150	Budget-conscious analysts who want a central location without the beachside price tag.
DeLand	A charming, historic town about 20 minutes west of Daytona. Home to Stetson University. Feels like a separate community.	$1,000 - $1,200	Those who prefer a small-town, historic vibe with easy access to nature (Blue Spring State Park) and a slightly longer commute.

Insider Tip: If you're working for a company in Port Orange or near I-95, living in Port Orange or Holly Hill will minimize your commute. The beachside is fantastic, but crossing the bridge during rush hour (even a mild Daytona Beach version) adds 10-15 minutes to your trip.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-Year Job Growth of 36% is your clearest indicator of a strong long-term outlook. Here’s how to leverage it:

• Specialty Premiums: In Daytona Beach, you can command a 10-15% salary premium by specializing in high-demand areas:
  • Healthcare Analytics: With our two major hospital systems, analysts who understand clinical data, patient flow, and regulatory reporting are invaluable.
  • Insurance & Risk Analytics: Brown & Brown and other local insurers need analysts for underwriting models and fraud detection.
  • Tourism & Hospitality Analytics: Understanding seasonal trends, event data, and customer behavior for the Speedway and beach tourism is a unique local niche.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Data Analyst -> Senior Data Analyst -> Analytics Manager -> Director of Business Intelligence. To accelerate this, focus on:
  1. Learning to Code: Python and R are less common in entry-level roles here but are expected for senior and specialized positions. They open doors to data science.
  2. Mastering Soft Skills: The ability to present complex data to non-technical stakeholders (hospital administrators, insurance executives, city planners) is crucial.
  3. Building a Public Portfolio: Contribute to local open-data projects (like the City of Daytona Beach's open data portal) to showcase your skills.
• 10-Year Outlook: The growth is expected to continue, driven by digital transformation in healthcare, insurance, and local government. The rise of remote work also means you can work for a Tampa or Orlando company while living in Daytona Beach, further expanding your options.

The Verdict: Is Daytona Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Favorable Cost of Living relative to salary. You can afford a home.	Salaries have a ceiling. You likely won't hit the $150k+ salaries of major tech hubs.
No State Income Tax. This is a significant financial boost.	Limited "Tech Scene." Fewer startups and tech meetups compared to Orlando or Miami.
Stable, Diverse Job Market (Healthcare, Insurance, Government, Tourism).	Seasonal Traffic & Tourism. Spring Break and major events can congest roads.
Unbeatable Lifestyle if you love the ocean, sun, and outdoor activities.	Dependent on Car. Public transit is limited; you'll need a reliable vehicle.
Central Location. Easy access to Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville for broader networking.	Wage Growth can be slower than in larger metros.

Final Recommendation: Daytona Beach is an excellent choice for Data Analysts who value quality of life and financial stability over chasing the highest possible salary in a hyper-competitive market. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, enjoy a coastal lifestyle, and work in stable industries. If you're an early-career analyst aiming to break into a cutting-edge tech startup ecosystem, you might find more opportunities in Orlando or Tampa. However, for a balanced, sustainable career with a great lifestyle, Daytona Beach is a compelling and often overlooked gem.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to network as a Data Analyst in Daytona Beach?
A: It's more intimate than in a massive city. Your best bets are industry-specific events (e.g., healthcare data conferences at Halifax Health), local Meetup.com groups for data or programming, and leveraging LinkedIn to connect with professionals at the major employers listed above. The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce also hosts mixers that can be valuable.

Q: Do I need to know Python to get a job here?
A: For entry-level and mid-level roles, strong SQL and Excel proficiency, plus a visualization tool (Tableau or Power BI), are often sufficient. Python becomes a key differentiator for senior roles, specialized analytics, or positions that involve data engineering tasks. It's a skill to learn on the job or during your first year.

Q: What's the commute like?
A: Most Data Analyst jobs are in Port Orange, South Daytona, or the I-95 corridor. Living in Port Orange, Holly Hill, or South Daytona means a 10-20 minute commute. Living beachside adds 10-20 minutes for bridge crossings. Traffic is nothing like Miami or Atlanta, but it's heavier during tourist season (March-April, July-August).

Q: How is the healthcare scene for data analysts?
A: Extremely promising. With Halifax Health and AdventHealth as major players, the demand for analysts who can manage patient data, track outcomes, and improve operational efficiency is high and growing. This is one of the most stable sectors for data jobs in the area.

Q: What's the best way to prepare for a move to Daytona Beach for a Data Analyst?
A: 1) Get your certifications (SQL, Tableau/Power BI). 2) Build a portfolio with projects relevant to local industries (e.g., a mock patient readmission model, a tourism trend analysis). 3) Start applying 2-3 months before your intended move. 4) Be prepared to interview remotely initially, then negotiate a start date that allows you to find housing. Use your knowledge of the local cost of living to your advantage in salary negotiations—you know the $1,152/month rent, so you can confidently accept an offer around the $83,034 median.