Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Daytona Beach, FL

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants considering Daytona Beach.

---

The Salary Picture: Where Daytona Beach Stands

As a Daytona Beach local, I can tell you the first thing you need to know is that wages here lag slightly behind the national average, but the cost of living helps balance the equation. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Daytona Beach metro area is $35,620/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.12/hour. When compared to the national median for CNAs of $35,760/year, Daytona Beach sits just a hair below the US average. This is typical for many Florida coastal markets where the allure of lifestyle can sometimes suppress wages slightly compared to high-cost northern cities.

The job market, while not booming, is steady. There are approximately 164 CNA jobs available in the metro area at any given time, and the 10-year job growth projection is 4%. This indicates a stable, predictable demand rather than a rapid expansion. For a CNA, this means you can find work, but you may need to be strategic about where you apply to maximize your earning potential.

Here’s a look at how salary typically breaks down by experience level in this region:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $33,000	$14.42 - $15.87
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$34,000 - $38,000	$16.35 - $18.27
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$38,000 - $42,000	$18.27 - $20.19
Expert/Specialized (10+ years)	$42,000+	$20.19+

When you compare Daytona Beach to other Florida cities, the picture becomes clearer. South Florida metros like Miami or Fort Lauderdale offer higher nominal wages (often $38,000 - $42,000), but the cost of living, especially housing, is exponentially higher. Central Florida hubs like Orlando or Tampa might offer salaries closer to the national average ($36,000 - $39,000), but Daytona's unique position as a smaller metro with a major hospital system (Halifax Health) and a significant retiree population creates a consistent demand that shouldn't be overlooked.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many local facilities, especially 24-hour care centers, offer shift differentials (an extra $1-$3/hour for nights, weekends, or holidays) that can significantly boost your take-home pay. Always ask about these during interviews.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. Earning the median salary of $35,620/year means your monthly gross income is approximately $2,968. After federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare (assuming you file single with one allowance), your take-home pay will likely land around $2,400 - $2,500/month.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Daytona Beach is $1,152/month. This leaves you with roughly $1,248 - $1,348/month for all other expenses: utilities, car insurance (which can be high in Florida), gas, food, and healthcare. The good news is that Daytona's Cost of Living Index is 98.7 (US avg = 100), meaning it's slightly cheaper than the national average, primarily due to lower housing costs than many metro areas and no state income tax.

Here’s a simplified monthly budget breakdown for a CNA earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$2,968	Based on $35,620/year
Take-Home Pay (Est.)	$2,450	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,152	Can vary by neighborhood
Utilities (Elec, Water, Internet)	$200	Florida heat increases A/C costs
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential; public transit is limited
Gas & Maintenance	$150	Commuting to work sites
Groceries	$300
Healthcare/Personal	$150
Remaining/Savings	~$100	Tight, but manageable with care

Can you afford to buy a home? At this salary level, it's a significant challenge. The median home price in Volusia County hovers around $300,000. A 20% down payment is $60,000, and a monthly mortgage payment would exceed $1,800 (including taxes and insurance), which is unsustainable on a $2,450 take-home pay. Homeownership is generally only feasible for CNAs with dual incomes, substantial savings, or those who have advanced into higher-paying specialized roles or management.

Where the Jobs Are: Daytona Beach's Major Employers

Daytona Beach's healthcare landscape is dominated by a few key players. Your job search should focus on these institutions, as they are the primary employers of CNAs.

1. Halifax Health: This is the region's largest healthcare system and your #1 target. They operate Halifax Health Medical Center (the major trauma center), multiple outpatient clinics, and two large post-acute care facilities: Halifax Health - Center for Rehab & Nursing (Daytona Beach) and Halifax Health - Brookdale (Port Orange). They frequently post CNA positions and offer structured career ladders.
2. AdventHealth Daytona Beach: Part of the statewide AdventHealth network, this hospital is a major competitor to Halifax Health. It's known for its modern facilities and often has openings in med-surg, telemetry, and orthopedic units. Their culture is faith-based, which is a consideration for some.
3. Bethune-Cookman University Clinic & Student Health: A smaller employer but offers a different setting—academic medicine. Hours are typically Monday-Friday, making it attractive for those seeking regular daytime schedules.
4. Local Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities: Daytona Beach has a high retiree population, fueling demand in long-term care. Key facilities include Bella Vista Nursing Center, The Victoria at Ormond Beach (just north of Daytona), and Delcora Health & Rehabilitation Center. These are often the first to hire new CNAs but can be demanding.
5. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Volusia, Apex Home Health, and Help at Home provide in-home care. This offers more autonomy and a car is mandatory. Pay can be slightly lower than hospitals, but mileage reimbursement helps.
6. Daytona State College: While not a direct employer, their nursing assistant program is the primary pipeline for local hires. Many facilities recruit directly from their clinical placements.

Hiring Trends: There's a constant demand for CNAs willing to work second (evening) and third (night) shifts. Weekend availability is also a huge plus. The post-acute/rehab sector is expanding as the population ages, offering more opportunities than acute care in some years.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida's licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. You cannot work as a CNA without being on the state's registry.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Complete State-Approved Training: You must complete a minimum of 120 hours of training, including 80 hours of classroom/lab and 40 hours of clinicals. Daytona State College offers a well-regarded program (approx. cost: $400-$600). Private schools like ProTrain or American Red Cross also offer courses.
2. Pass the State Exam: After training, you must pass both a written (multiple-choice) and a skills exam. The testing fees are approximately $155 (written) and $155 (skills), though prices can vary slightly with the testing vendor (Prometric).
3. Background Check: A Level 2 background check is required, costing about $50-$75.
4. Apply for Certification: Submit your application to the Florida Board of Nursing. There is a $100 fee for initial certification.

Total Estimated Cost: $710 - $940 (excluding travel, books, or uniforms).

Timeline: A typical full-time program takes 4-6 weeks. Part-time evening programs can take 8-12 weeks. Once you pass your exams, processing onto the state registry can take 2-4 weeks. Start your background check as soon as you enroll.

Insider Tip: Many local employers (especially Halifax Health) offer tuition reimbursement or will pay for your training if you sign a commitment to work there for a set period (e.g., 1-2 years). Always ask about this during your job hunt—it can save you thousands upfront.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live in Daytona Beach greatly impacts your commute and budget. As a CNA, you want to minimize commute time and cost, especially if working irregular hours.

1. Downtown & Historic District: Rent: $1,200 - $1,500+. Close to Halifax Health's main medical center and AdventHealth. Walkable to some amenities. Ideal for those who want a short commute and urban vibe. Parking can be a headache.
2. Port Orange (South Daytona): Rent: $1,100 - $1,300. A suburban, family-friendly area just south of the main city. Home to Halifax Health - Brookdale and many assisted living facilities. Commute is 10-15 minutes, and the cost of living is very reasonable. This is a top choice for many healthcare workers.
3. Ormond Beach (North): Rent: $1,200 - $1,400. A quieter, more affluent suburb north of Daytona. Home to The Victoria at Ormond Beach and other senior living communities. Commute to downtown hospitals is 15-20 minutes. Great for those who prefer a relaxed, beach-adjacent lifestyle without the tourist bustle.
4. Holly Hill: Rent: $1,000 - $1,200. Located just north of Daytona Beach, Holly Hill offers more affordable rents. It has a mix of older and newer housing. Commute to Halifax Health or AdventHealth is easy via LPGA Blvd or US-1. A solid, budget-conscious choice.
5. Daytona Beach Shores / Ponce Inlet: Rent: $1,300 - $1,800+. Primarily a vacation and retiree rental market. While beautiful, it's less practical for a CNA on a budget due to higher costs and longer commutes to the main hospital corridors.

Neighborhood Insight: If you're new to the area, Port Orange or Holly Hill offer the best balance of affordability, reasonable commute, and access to a high concentration of healthcare employers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the CNA role is often seen as an entry point, there are clear paths for advancement in the Daytona Beach area.

• Specialty Certifications: While not always resulting in a direct pay bump, earning credentials like CNA-Dialysis (used at the DaVita clinic in Daytona), CNA-Phlebotomy, or becoming a Unit Secretary can make you more versatile and valuable to employers. Some hospital systems offer small skill differentials.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Medication Aide (CMA): After gaining experience, you can take a state-approved medication administration course (approx. 120 hours). This allows you to pass certain medications in long-term care settings and typically comes with a pay increase of $1.50 - $2.50/hour.
  2. LPN/RN Bridge Programs: This is the most common and rewarding path. Daytona State College and Keiser University have robust LPN and RN programs. Many local hospitals, like Halifax Health, offer significant tuition assistance for employees pursuing nursing degrees. An RN in Daytona Beach can earn $65,000 - $75,000+, more than doubling a CNA's salary.
  3. Specialized Care Roles: With experience, you can move into specialized units like ICU, Labor & Delivery, or Pediatrics (at AdventHealth). While the base CNA pay may not change drastically, these roles offer unparalleled experience and networking for future advancement.
  4. Supervisory Roles: In nursing homes or hospital units, experienced CNAs can become floor supervisors or charge CNAs, overseeing other aides. This comes with a management responsibility but a corresponding salary increase.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth aligns with the national trend for an aging population. The key to growth is upskilling. The local market rewards longevity and specialization. CNAs who become Medication Aides or pursue nursing degrees will see their earnings and opportunities grow significantly faster than those who remain in entry-level positions.

The Verdict: Is Daytona Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand from hospitals, rehab centers, and a large retiree population.	Salaries are Modest: The median $35,620 is below the national average for some specialties.
Moderate Cost of Living: Slightly below the US average, with no state income tax.	High Cost of Car Ownership: Car insurance and maintenance are significant expenses in Florida.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck compared to states that tax income.	Public Transit is Limited: A reliable car is a necessity, not a luxury.
Beach Lifestyle & Recreation: Access to beaches, parks, and outdoor activities year-round.	Tourism & Traffic: Seasonal traffic (especially during events like Speedweeks) can be frustrating.
Pathways to Advancement: Clear routes to Medication Aide, LPN, and RN roles with employer support.	High Humidity & Hurricanes: The climate can be physically demanding, and hurricane season is a reality.

Final Recommendation:
Daytona Beach is a strong choice for a CNA who is budget-conscious, values a stable job market, and has a clear plan for career advancement. It's ideal for those who don't mind a moderate salary in exchange for a lower cost of living and a beach-adjacent lifestyle. However, if your primary goal is to maximize your CNA salary immediately, you might find slightly higher wages in larger Florida metros like Orlando or Tampa. For most, the balance of opportunity, lifestyle, and affordability makes Daytona Beach a practical and rewarding place to start and grow a career in healthcare.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a CNA job in Daytona Beach as a new graduate?
A: Yes, especially if you are flexible with shifts. Facilities like nursing homes and home health agencies frequently hire new CNAs. Hospitals may prefer 6-12 months of experience, but they do hire new graduates, particularly if you completed a clinical placement with them.

Q: What is the biggest challenge for CNAs in Daytona Beach?
A: The combination of a modest salary and the high cost of car ownership. You must budget carefully for a reliable vehicle, gas, and insurance. Many new CNAs start with roommates to manage housing costs.

Q: Are there opportunities for overtime?
A: Absolutely. The healthcare sector runs 24/7, and overtime is common, especially in hospitals and during winter months when the seasonal population increases. Overtime is paid at 1.5x your regular rate and can boost your income significantly.

Q: How does the hurricane season affect healthcare jobs?
A: Healthcare facilities are essential services and never close. However, you must have a reliable plan for getting to work during and after a storm. Many employers mandate that staff have a hurricane preparedness kit and a plan for shelter. It's a non-negotiable aspect of living and working in coastal Florida.

Q: Is there a difference between working in a hospital vs. a nursing home in Daytona Beach?
A: Yes. Hospitals (Halifax, AdventHealth) offer more acute care experience, potential for better benefits, and clearer advancement to LPN/RN, but can be higher stress with 12-hour shifts. Nursing homes offer a more routine schedule, often closer to 8-hour shifts, and focus on long-term care. Pay is often very similar, but shift differentials may be better in hospitals.