Firefighter in Deltona, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Deltona Stands

As a local who's seen the fire service landscape change over the years, I can tell you straight up: the numbers for firefighters in Deltona are solid, especially when you factor in the cost of living. Let's get into the data.

The median salary for a firefighter in Deltona is $56,897/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.35/hour. This is right in line with the national average for firefighters, which sits at $57,120/year. It’s a good sign when your local pay doesn't lag behind the national figure. The metro area, which includes Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach, has about 197 jobs for firefighters, giving you a decent pool of opportunities without the brutal competition you'd face in Miami or Orlando.

The 10-year job growth for firefighters in the region is projected at 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady. It means retirements and turnover create consistent openings, especially in a growing community like Volusia County. It’s a field built on stability, not boom-and-bust cycles.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how pay typically scales as you gain experience in the Deltona area. These are estimates based on local data and industry standards.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	Basic EMT duties, engine company operations, structure fire response, community education.
Mid-Level (3-8 years)	$56,000 - $65,000	Driver/Engineer, advanced rescue techniques, hazmat awareness, training new recruits.
Senior-Level (9-15 years)	$68,000 - $78,000	Company officer (Lieutenant), complex incident management, specialized certifications (Technical Rescue, Hazmat).
Expert/Command (15+ years)	$80,000 - $95,000+	Battalion Chief, fire marshal, division chief. Requires extensive command experience and advanced degrees.

How Deltona Compares to Other Florida Cities

Deltona holds a unique position. It’s not a major metropolitan hub, but it’s not a small town either. Here’s how the numbers stack up.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Real Wage Value
Deltona	$56,897	98.7	High
Miami	$62,000	123.5	Medium
Orlando	$58,500	104.2	Medium
Jacksonville	$57,500	92.0	Very High
Tampa	$59,000	101.5	Medium

Insider Tip: While Miami and Orlando pay slightly more, the cost of living is significantly higher. Your dollar stretches much further in Deltona. Jacksonville is a direct competitor, with a lower cost of living and slightly higher pay, but the cultural and lifestyle differences are substantial. Deltona offers a quieter, suburban-coastal life that many firefighters and their families prefer.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real about what $56,897/year means for your monthly life in Deltona. We'll assume you're single, filing as the head of household for tax purposes, and taking the standard deduction.

Estimated Monthly Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,741
• Federal Tax (Estimate): -$580
• State Tax (FL has no income tax): $0
• Social Security & Medicare: -$362
• Health Insurance (Estimate): -$450 (varies by department)
• Pension Contribution (Estimate): -$250 (varies by department)
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,100/month

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Deltona rents for $1,152/month. This leaves you with a solid $1,948 for everything else—car payment, groceries, utilities, insurance, entertainment, and savings.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. This is where Deltona shines for a firefighter earning the median salary. With a take-home of $3,100 and a median rent of $1,152, you're spending about 37% of your net income on housing, which is considered affordable. The median home price in the Deltona area is around $285,000. With a $56,897 salary, you are well within the guidelines for an FHA loan (which allows up to 50% debt-to-income ratio, contingent on credit). A 20-year firefighter with senior-level pay could comfortably afford a home in the $350,000-$400,000 range.

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Where the Jobs Are: Deltona's Major Employers

The fire service here is a mix of municipal, county, and special district employers. You are not limited to just the City of Deltona Fire Department.

1. Deltona Fire Department: The primary municipal employer. They run a combination of career and volunteer models, but the career side is growing. They cover the city proper and some surrounding areas through automatic aid agreements. Hiring is periodic, tied to the city budget and retirements.

2. Volusia County Fire Rescue: This is the largest employer in the county. They provide fire and EMS services to unincorporated areas and many smaller municipalities, including parts of Deltona. They have a massive training facility in DeLand and offer extensive resources. Hiring Trend: Consistent. They often hire in academies of 20-30 recruits every 12-18 months.

3. Daytona Beach Fire Department: Located about 20 miles east, this is a major city department with a strong reputation. They have a diverse response profile, including high-rise buildings and beach rescues. Hiring Trend: Competitive. They hire less frequently but have high retention.

4. Orange City Fire Department: Just a few miles west of Deltona, this is a smaller, tight-knit department with a strong community focus. They often seek candidates with EMT and Fire I/II certifications. Hiring Trend: Small, but they replace retirees one at a time.

5. Lake Helen Fire Department: A small, volunteer-heavy department near DeLand. They occasionally hire part-time or full-time career firefighters to bolster their paid staff. It's a good entry point for new rookies.

6. Florida Hospital (AdventHealth) Daytona Beach: While not a fire department, the hospital's emergency department is a major employer of Paramedics. Many firefighters work here part-time or after retirement. It's a key networking hub.

Insider Tip: The Volusia County Fire Rescue and Daytona Beach FD often have mutual aid agreements. Working for the county can give you exposure to a wider range of incidents and jurisdictions than a smaller city department.

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Getting Licensed in FL

Florida's certification is straightforward but requires specific steps. You must be certified by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training (BFST).

Step-by-Step:

1. Obtain Your Certifications: You need both Firefighter I/II and EMT certifications. The EMT is a 150-hour course, and Fire I/II is typically 200+ hours. These are often combined in a Fire Academy program at a state-approved training center (like at Daytona State College or the Volusia County Fire Training Center).
2. Pass the State Exam: After academy, you must pass the BFST written and practical exams for both Fire and EMT.
3. Apply for Licensure: Submit your application and fees to the BFST. The cost is approximately $150-$200 for the initial license.
4. Pass the National Registry EMT Exam: For your EMT license, you must also pass the NREMT exam.
5. Background Check: A clean background is non-negotiable for any fire department.

Timeline & Cost:

• Time: A full-time academy takes 6-7 months. Part-time or evening programs can take 12-18 months.
• Cost: Tuition for a public college academy (like Daytona State) can range from $3,000 to $5,000. Private academies are more. However, many departments, like Volusia County Fire Rescue, offer paid training academies, meaning they pay you while you train. This is the golden ticket.

Insider Tip: Before spending a dime, check the websites of Deltona FD, Volusia County FD, and Daytona Beach FD. They often post "Firefighter Recruit" positions that include a paid academy. If you're in a paid academy, you're already an employee.

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Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Deltona is a sprawling, planned community from the 1960s. It’s not a traditional "neighborhood" city, but there are distinct areas with different vibes and commutes to key employers.

1. Deltona Lakes (Central): The heart of the city. Closest to the Deltona Fire Station #1 and Volusia County's main hubs. Commute: Under 15 minutes to most local jobs. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300 for a 1BR. Lifestyle: Very suburban, family-oriented, with lots of parks and the main shopping corridor (Howland Blvd). Perfect for a rookie starting out.

2. Osteen (Northwest): A more rural, spacious area with larger lots and a quieter feel. It's a bit farther from central Deltona but closer to Orange City and Lake Helen. Commute: 20-25 minutes to Daytona Beach jobs. Rent Estimate: Harder to find apartments; more single-family home rentals around $1,400-$1,600. Lifestyle: For those who want a bit of land and peace. It's where you go to get away from the suburban density.

3. Daytona Beach (East): If you land a job with Daytona Beach FD, living here is ideal. You're near the action and the beach. Commute: Walk or bike to the station. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500 for a 1BR near the beach. Lifestyle: Energetic, touristy, with a constant buzz. Great for single firefighters who want an active social life.

4. DeLand (West): The home of Volusia County's main training facility and close to Daytona State College. It's a charming, historic town with a great downtown. Commute: 20-30 minutes to Deltona or Daytona. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300 for a 1BR. Lifestyle: College-town vibe with a strong community feel. Ideal if you're taking classes or want a more traditional small-town environment.

5. Port Orange (South): A more affluent, well-maintained community just south of Daytona Beach. It's home to the main Volusia County Fire Rescue station. Commute: 10-20 minutes to Daytona jobs. Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,500 for a 1BR. Lifestyle: Clean, safe, and family-focused. It's a popular choice for career firefighters and their families.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-4 and I-95 is a factor. If you work in Daytona and live in Deltona, your commute is against the main flow, which is a plus. The worst traffic is typically on Highway 441 through Deltona during rush hour.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

The fire service in Florida is highly structured. Advancement is tied to time, experience, and specialized certifications.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Driver/Engineer (First Promotion): Requires experience, a driving record, and often a written exam. Pay bump of $3,000-$5,000 annually.
• Fire Marshal: Investigates fire causes, enforces codes. Requires advanced training and certification. Pay is in the senior range.
• Technical Rescue Team: Specializing in high-angle, confined space, or water rescue. These roles often come with stipends or premium pay and are highly sought after.
• Hazardous Materials Technician: Advanced certification. Critical for a county like Volusia with industrial and transportation hazards (I-4, I-95, rail lines).
• Battalion Chief / Deputy Chief: The command path. Requires a bachelor's degree (often in Fire Science or Public Administration) and many years of officer experience.

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% job growth is conservative. The real driver will be retirements. The average age of a firefighter in Florida is rising, and a wave of retirements is expected over the next decade. This means more opportunities for promotion. Departments are also increasingly seeking paramedics, so obtaining your paramedic license (an additional 6-12 months of school) is one of the best career investments you can make. It can increase your salary by $5,000-$8,000 and make you a top candidate for any department.

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The Verdict: Is Deltona Right for You?

Here’s a no-nonsense look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living is 1.3% below the US average, and $56,897 goes far.	Job growth is modest at 4%, so competition for openings is steady.
Multiple employers (Deltona, County, Daytona, smaller cities) provide options.	The commute can be a factor if you live in one city and work in another.
Steady, stable career with strong benefits and pension.	Summers are hot and humid, with a significant hurricane season risk (June-Nov).
Access to paid training academies with Volusia County and Daytona Beach.	The area is suburban-sprawl, not a bustling urban core. Nightlife is quieter.
Good home-buying potential for a firefighter at the median salary.	Reliance on a car is absolute; public transit is limited.

Final Recommendation:
Deltona is an excellent choice for a firefighter at any career stage. For a rookie, the ability to get into a paid academy with Volusia County or Daytona is a massive advantage. For a mid-career firefighter, the cost of living allows for a comfortable lifestyle and homeownership that would be difficult in other Florida metros. For a senior firefighter or officer, the relaxed lifestyle, proximity to nature (beaches, springs, state parks), and family-friendly environment are major draws.

If you value a stable career, a reasonable cost of living, and a lifestyle that balances work with Florida's natural beauty, Deltona should be at the top of your list.

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FAQs

Q: Do I need to be a paramedic to get hired?
A: Not always, but it is a huge advantage. Many departments, especially larger ones like Volusia County and Daytona Beach, are moving toward all-advanced life support (ALS) systems. Having your paramedic license will put you at the top of the list and can increase your starting pay.

Q: What's the weather really like for firefighting?
A: Brutally hot and humid in the summer. Turnout gear is heavy, and heat exhaustion is a real concern. Departments are very proactive with rehab protocols. The hurricane season (June-Nov) is a major part of the job, requiring extended hours of standby and post-storm response.

Q: Is the area safe?
A: Deltona is generally a safe, family-oriented suburban city. Like any community, it has areas with more crime, but it's not considered a high-crime city. The bigger safety concerns on the job are traffic accidents on I-4 and I-95, structure fires in older buildings, and medical emergencies.

Q: How does the pension work?
A: Most Florida firefighters are part of the Florida Retirement System (FRS). You can choose between a pension plan (defined benefit) or an investment plan (defined contribution). The pension is the traditional path, providing a guaranteed monthly benefit after 25 years of service (or at age 55 with 8 years of service). It's a key part of the compensation package.

Q: Can I live in Deltona and work for a different city's department?
A: Absolutely. Many firefighters live in Deltona and commute to Daytona Beach, Orange City, or even Seminole County. The central location in Volusia County makes it a great home base if you're open to working for any of the surrounding departments.

Data Sources: Salary data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local government pay scales. Cost of living and rent data are from U.S. Census Bureau and real estate market analysis. Job growth is from BLS and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity projections. Licensing information is from the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.