Human Resources Specialist in Daytona Beach, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Daytona Beach Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter. For a Human Resources Specialist in the Daytona Beach metro area, the median salary is $67,386/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.4/hour. This is slightly below the national average for the same role, which sits at $67,650/year. It's a minor difference, but one that's important to factor into your cost-of-living calculations.

The job market here is modest but steady. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows there are approximately 164 jobs for Human Resources Specialists in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 8%, which is on par with the national average for the profession. This suggests a stable, albeit not explosive, market for HR professionals.

To understand where you might fall in this range, here’s a typical experience-based breakdown for the region:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Daytona Beach Metro)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$50,000 - $58,000	Screening resumes, scheduling interviews, onboarding paperwork, benefits administration support.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$62,000 - $75,000	Managing full-cycle recruitment, employee relations, policy development, coordinating performance reviews.
Senior-Level (8+ years)	$78,000 - $95,000	Strategic workforce planning, complex ER issues, compliance oversight, HRIS management, mentoring junior staff.
Expert/Specialist	$96,000+	Specialized focus (e.g., Compensation, Labor Relations, HR Analytics) within a larger organization or as a consultant.

Insider Tip: Don't get fixated on the median. Local companies like Halifax Health, the school board, and even the county government often have structured pay grades. Your negotiation power comes from knowing your specialty. A specialist in HR compliance or a SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certified professional can often command 10-15% above the median, especially with experience in Florida's specific labor laws.

When you compare Daytona Beach to other Florida cities, the salary picture becomes clearer.

City	Median Salary (HR Specialist)	Cost of Living Index	Rent (1BR Avg)	Job Market Size (Est.)
Daytona Beach	$67,386	98.7	$1,152	164
Jacksonville	$69,500	95.5	$1,350	~2,800
Orlando	$68,200	104.8	$1,550	~3,500
Miami	$65,800	123.4	$2,100	~4,200
Tampa	$68,750	101.2	$1,480	~2,500

While salaries in Orlando and Tampa are slightly higher, the cost of living, particularly rent, is significantly more. Daytona Beach offers a unique balance with a lower cost of living and a more manageable, less competitive job market. Miami's higher cost of living often negates its salary advantage for mid-level professionals.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $67,386/year translates to approximately $5,615/month before taxes. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single person, accounting for Florida's lack of state income tax (but including federal taxes, FICA, and local cost of living):

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (Based on Median Salary)	Notes
Gross Pay	$5,615
Federal Taxes & FICA	~$1,100	Varies by deductions, but a safe estimate.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$4,515
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,152	Can range from $950 to $1,500+ by neighborhood.
Utilities (Elec, Water, Trash)	$180	Florida summers mean higher A/C costs.
Internet/Cell Phone	$120
Groceries	$350
Car Insurance (FL Avg)	$275	Florida has the highest premiums in the U.S.
Gas/Transportation	$150	Highly dependent on commute.
Health Insurance (Employer)	$250	If not fully covered.
Miscellaneous/Debt/Savings	$1,038	This is your discretionary fund.

Can they afford to buy a home? It's a challenge on a single median income, but not impossible. The median home price in the Daytona Beach area is approximately $325,000. With a 20% down payment ($65,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of around $1,700 (principal, interest, taxes, insurance). This would consume nearly 40% of your gross pay, which is above the recommended 28-30% rule. However, if you have a dual income or are willing to look at neighborhoods like Holly Hill or Port Orange, where prices are slightly lower, it becomes more feasible. Many local professionals in their 30s and 40s buy homes here, but often with a partner's income or after several years of saving.

Where the Jobs Are: Daytona Beach's Major Employers

The Daytona Beach job market is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, education, government, tourism, and a growing advanced manufacturing sector. Here are the major employers you should have on your radar, with specific details on their HR needs.

1. Halifax Health: The largest private employer in Volusia County. This health system includes the main medical center in Daytona Beach (near LPGA Blvd) and multiple clinics. Their HR department is sizable, handling everything from nursing recruitment to credentialing. They have a constant need for HR Generalists and Recruiters due to high turnover in clinical roles. Hiring Trend: Actively expanding, especially in orthopedics and oncology, which means more specialized hiring.

2. Volusia County Schools: With over 60,000 students and 8,000+ employees, this is one of the largest public sector employers in the region. The HR department is centralized and deals with a massive volume of hires, from teachers to support staff. They have specific needs for compliance with state education regulations and handling credentialing. Hiring Trend: Steady, with seasonal peaks for the academic year. Look for openings as "HR Coordinator" or "Recruitment Specialist" on the district website.

3. AdventHealth Daytona Beach: Part of a massive Florida-wide network, this hospital is a major competitor to Halifax Health. Located off I-95 near International Speedway Blvd, it's a significant employer. Their HR team is modern, often using tech-driven recruitment platforms. They value specialists in benefits and employee wellness. Hiring Trend: Growing, with a focus on expanding emergency and surgical services. HR roles here often have a strong corporate, performance-driven culture.

4. City of Daytona Beach & Volusia County Government: Government HR is a world of its own, focused on strict compliance, union negotiations (for certain roles), and public-facing policy. The city and county HR departments handle hiring for police, fire, public works, and administrative roles. Hiring Trend: Stable, with some hiring due to retirements. These jobs offer excellent benefits and job security, though the hiring process can be slow.

5. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU): The Daytona Beach campus is a global hub for aviation and aerospace education. This translates to a unique, specialized HR environment. They hire for everything from faculty (requiring knowledge of academic tenure processes) to security, maintenance, and administration. Hiring Trend: Consistent growth. ERAU's expansion into online education has created demand for HR professionals who can manage a distributed workforce.

6. International Speedway Corporation (ISC): While their corporate office is in Daytona, their HR footprint is tied to the massive event calendar. This isn't a year-round traditional HR role, but they hire HR and event staff for the Daytona 500, Coke Zero Sugar 400, and other major events. Hiring Trend: Seasonal and project-based for events, with some corporate HR roles for their year-round operations.

Insider Tip: Don't overlook mid-sized manufacturing companies like Ocean Spray (in nearby Lakeland but significant local workforce) or Northrop Grumman in nearby St. Augustine. These companies often have smaller but critical HR teams and may offer competitive salaries to attract talent from the Daytona area.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida does not require a state license to practice as an HR Specialist. However, professional certification is not just recommended—it's often expected for career advancement. The two main bodies are:

• SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management): Offers the SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) and SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional). These are the gold standard.
• HRCI (HR Certification Institute): Offers the PHR (Professional in Human Resources) and SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources).

Costs:

• SHRM Membership + Exam: ~$400-500 for non-members. Member discount brings it down.
• HRCI Exam: ~$395 for PHR, ~$495 for SPHR (no membership required for the exam).
• Study Materials: $200 - $500 for books, online courses (e.g., Reed Bogardus courses, HR University).
• Total Estimated Investment: $700 - $1,200 for the initial certification.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Eligibility Check: For SHRM-CP, you need a bachelor's degree and 1-3 years of HR experience. For PHR, you need 2 years of experience with a master's degree or 4 years with a bachelor's.
2. Study (2-4 months): Dedicate 5-10 hours per week. Use the official SHRM or HRCI body of knowledge. Many local libraries offer free access to prep materials.
3. Apply & Schedule: Applications are online. You can schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center (one is located in Daytona Beach itself, at the Volusia Mall area).
4. Maintain: You need 60 recertification credits every 3 years for SHRM, or 60 hours every 3 years for HRCI. Attending local SHRM chapter meetings in Daytona Beach or Orlando will help with this.

Florida-Specific Knowledge: While not a license, you must be intimately familiar with Florida statutes, particularly Chapter 448 (Employment) and Chapter 435 (Background Screening). You should also know Florida's "right-to-work" status and the lack of a state-mandated paid sick leave law (though some local ordinances exist).

Best Neighborhoods for Human Resources Specialists

Where you live will drastically affect your commute, social life, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of key areas:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown Daytona	Urban, walkable, near the beach and halifax. Commute to hospitals/county is easy. Can be noisy for events.	$1,200 - $1,600	Young professionals who want a vibrant, social scene and don't mind a higher rent.
Port Orange (South Daytona)	Suburban, family-friendly, highly rated schools. Easy access to I-95 and shopping. Commute to hospitals is 10-15 mins.	$1,100 - $1,400	Those seeking a quiet, safe community with good amenities. Very popular with teachers and healthcare workers.
Ormond Beach	Beachy, slightly upscale, quieter than Daytona. Commute to Daytona can be 20-30 mins via Granada Blvd.	$1,150 - $1,500	Professionals who want a beach lifestyle but less touristy chaos. Good for remote workers.
Daytona Beach Shores	Narrow barrier island, very residential, no commercial development. Extremely quiet, safe. Commute to mainland jobs is 10-15 mins.	$1,200 - $1,450	Peace seekers who don't mind a shorter drive for groceries. Not for those who need nightlife.
Holly Hill	Working-class, central, with older housing stock but also new apartments. Commute is easy to anywhere in Daytona.	$900 - $1,150	Budget-conscious professionals who want to be close to the action without paying premium prices.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-95 and the I-4 corridor is the main commute challenge. If your job is at Halifax Health (central Daytona), living in Port Orange or Ormond can mean an easy drive on local roads. If you work for the county government (south of the city), Holly Hill or Daytona itself is ideal. Consider your workplace's location first, then pick a neighborhood that keeps your commute under 20 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Daytona Beach is not a hotbed for Fortune 500 corporate HR innovation, but it offers solid, stable career growth for those who are strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specialization.

  • HRIS (HR Information Systems): Expertise in platforms like Workday, UKG, or even advanced Excel can add a 10-15% premium. Companies like AdventHealth and Halifax Health are modernizing their systems.
  • Compensation & Benefits: With Florida's high insurance costs and a competitive healthcare market, a specialist who can design cost-effective benefits packages is highly valued.
  • Labor Relations: While right-to-work limits union density, there are still public sector unions (fire, police) and some private sector ones. Expertise here is rare and commands a premium.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is HR Generalist -> HR Manager -> HR Director. In Daytona Beach, the "Director" title at a smaller company (e.g., a 500-person non-profit or a midsized manufacturer) might pay $95,000-$115,000. To reach the $120,000+ level, you often need to:

  1. Move to a larger employer (like AdventHealth or a regional bank).
  2. Become a specialist (e.g., Corporate HR Manager for Benefits).
  3. Transition into a consulting role, serving multiple small businesses in the area.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is projected to be driven by:

  • Healthcare Expansion: More hospitals, clinics, and aging population needs.
  • Government & Education: As the population grows, so does the need for public service HR.
  • Small Business Support: A growing number of small businesses (retail, hospitality, professional services) will need part-time or outsourced HR support, creating opportunities for consultants.

Insider Tip: The real growth is in "HR Business Partner" (HRBP) roles. This is where HR professionals partner with line managers to drive business outcomes. To get there, you need to understand the business—whether it's hospitality, healthcare, or education. Attend local Chamber of Commerce meetings to understand the local economy beyond HR.

The Verdict: Is Daytona Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $67,386 salary goes further here than in Orlando or Miami.	Lower Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries are capped compared to major metros.
Stable, Growing Job Market: 164 jobs and 8% growth offer steady opportunity.	Limited Corporate HQs: Few large corporations mean fewer senior-level HR roles.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, beach access, and a relaxed pace of life.	Tourism-Driven Economy: This can mean seasonal layoffs in certain sectors (hospitality).
No State Income Tax: Saves thousands annually.	High Car Insurance & Hurricane Risk: Two significant, non-negotiable costs.
Friendly, Network-Driven Community: It's easier to build a professional network here.	Limited Cultural/Nightlife Vibe compared to larger cities.

Final Recommendation: Daytona Beach is an excellent choice for HR Specialists who are early to mid-career, value stability over rapid advancement, and prioritize quality of life over maximizing their salary. It's perfect for those in healthcare, education, or government looking for a lower-stress environment. However, if your goal is to become a CHRO at a Fortune 500 company within a decade, you will likely need to start in Daytona but plan a move to a larger market like Orlando or Jacksonville later.

FAQs

Q: What is the job market really like for HR Specialists in Daytona Beach?
It's a stable, niche market. With 164 jobs, it's not a vast pool, but the 8% growth is positive. You won't find the constant churn of a tech hub, but there is steady demand from the major healthcare, education