Project Manager in Daytona Beach, FL

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering Daytona Beach, FL.

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The Salary Picture: Where Daytona Beach Stands

As a local, I can tell you Daytona Beach isn't a high-cost metropolis like Miami or Tampa, but it's not a low-wage market either. For Project Managers, the compensation landscape is stable and competitive, especially when you factor in the city's manageable cost of living.

According to the latest data (BLS, O*NET, and local market surveys), the median salary for a Project Manager in the Daytona Beach metro area is $100,885 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $48.5. This is remarkably close to the national average of $101,280, a sign that local employers are paying near-competitive rates to attract talent, despite the region's lower cost of living.

The job market is tight but growing. There are approximately 164 active Project Manager listings in the metro area at any given time, and the 10-year job growth projection is 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady, indicating a consistent demand across sectors like construction, healthcare, and public administration.

Experience level significantly impacts your earning potential. Here’s how breaks down locally:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Local Context
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $80,000	Often found in administrative coordination roles or junior PM positions with smaller contractors.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$85,000 - $110,000	The sweet spot for most openings. Requires PMP or equivalent experience in a specific industry.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$115,000 - $135,000	Typically for large-scale construction, healthcare IT, or managing public infrastructure projects.
Expert/Lead (15+ yrs)	$140,000+	Usually Director-level or specialized program management (e.g., FAA, large health systems).

How Does Daytona Beach Compare to Other Florida Cities?

• Miami/Ft. Lauderdale: Salaries can be 15-20% higher (~$115,000-$120,000 median), but cost of living is 30-40% higher. Rent for a 1BR is often $1,800+.
• Tampa/St. Petersburg: Similar salary profile (median ~$105,000), but congestion and housing costs are rising faster than Daytona's.
• Jacksonville: A larger market with more corporate HQs; salaries can be slightly higher (median ~$108,000), but traffic and sprawl are significant factors.
• Orlando: Tourist-driven economy means more event/construction PM roles; salaries are comparable (median ~$102,000), but tourism's cyclicality can affect job stability.

Insider Tip: The real financial advantage in Daytona isn't the salary number itself—it's the value of that salary relative to local costs. A $100,885 salary here feels more substantial than the same amount in a major metro, which is a key consideration for long-term financial health.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the bottom line. For a single Project Manager earning the median salary of $100,885, here's a realistic monthly budget breakdown for Daytona Beach.

Assumptions: Filing as single, using 2023-2024 federal and Florida state tax rates (no state income tax in FL), and standard deductions.

• Gross Monthly Salary: $100,885 / 12 = $8,407
• Estimated Tax Withholding (Federal + FICA): ~$2,000 - $2,200/month
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,200 - $6,400

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,152	See neighborhood breakdown below. This is the city median.
Utilities	$250	Florida Power & Light is the main provider. Summer AC costs are high.
Car Insurance	$200	Daytona Beach has higher-than-average rates due to weather and traffic.
Groceries	$400	Publix, Winn-Dixie, and Aldi are the local staples.
Transportation	$300	Gas, maintenance, tolls (I-4, I-95). No robust public transit.
Healthcare	$300	Employer-sponsored plan co-pays and deductibles.
Entertainment/Dining	$500	From beachside bars to Port Orange family spots.
Savings/Debt	$1,000+	Student loans, 401(k), emergency fund.
Remaining Buffer	$1,000+	For travel, hobbies, or unexpected costs.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but it requires planning. As of early 2024, the median home price in the Daytona Beach metro is approximately $325,000 - $350,000.

• Down Payment (20%): $65,000 - $70,000. This is the biggest hurdle.
• Monthly Mortgage (at 7% interest): $1,800 - $2,000 (including taxes/insurance).

Analysis: The monthly mortgage payment would be roughly $700-$850 more than the median rent. On a $6,400 take-home salary, this is feasible but would tighten the budget, especially with the upfront down payment. Most local PMs I know who bought did so after 3-5 years of saving, often with a partner or through a VA loan (common in this military-adjacent area).

Insider Tip: Look at homes in Holly Hill or South Daytona. You can find properties $50,000-$80,000 below the metro median with a 15-20 minute commute to downtown Daytona or the I-4 corridor employers.

Where the Jobs Are: Daytona Beach's Major Employers

The job market isn't dominated by one industry. It's a mix of public, healthcare, and specialized private sector work. Here are the key players:

1. AdventHealth Daytona Beach: The largest healthcare provider in the region. They are constantly expanding facilities and implementing IT systems (EPIC, etc.), creating steady demand for Healthcare IT Project Managers and Construction PMs for new clinics. Hiring is consistent, often on their internal job board first.

2. Volusia County Government/ School Board: A major employer with a stable budget. They hire PMs for infrastructure projects (roads, parks, school renovations), IT upgrades, and special initiatives. The process is slow (often 60-90 days from application to offer) but offers excellent benefits and job security.

3. City of Daytona Beach: Similar to the county, but focused on city-specific projects like beach renourishment, downtown revitalization (e.g., the One Daytona area), and municipal facility upgrades. They often work with local engineering and construction firms.

4. Halifax Health: Another major health system, with a flagship hospital in Daytona Beach and clinics throughout the county. They are a key employer for PMs in clinical operations, facility management, and medical office construction.

5. Construction & Engineering Firms:

   • Brasfield & Gorrie (regional office): A large national contractor with a strong local presence in healthcare and commercial construction.
   • AECOM/TYLin: Firms with offices in the region that manage major public works and transportation projects (think I-4, I-95, and local bridge work).
   • Insider Tip: Many of these firms subcontract to local PMs for specific projects. Building a network through the local Volusia County Association of Builders is crucial.

6. FAA & Aerospace (Port of Daytona): The Port of Daytona's aerospace cluster is small but growing, with companies like Northrop Grumman (nearby in Melbourne) and smaller contractors hiring for specialized project roles. This is a niche but high-paying sector.

Hiring Trends: The market favors PMs with PMP certification and experience in agile or hybrid methodologies. There's also a growing need for PMs with grant management experience (for public sector roles) and healthcare regulatory knowledge.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida does not require a state-specific license to practice as a Project Manager. However, there are critical certifications and registrations you need.

1. PMP (Project Management Professional): This is the gold standard. Most employers in Daytona Beach (especially healthcare and construction) list it as "preferred" or "required." The exam cost is ~$555 for non-members. Timeline: 3-6 months of study and application.

2. State Business Registration: If you plan to work as an independent contractor or start your own firm, you must register with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz.org). This can be done online in a day for ~$125.

3. Specialty Licenses for Construction: If you are managing construction projects, you or your lead subcontractor must have a Florida Certified Contractor License (General, Building, etc.). As a PM, you don't need to hold this license, but you must ensure your team does. The exam is administered by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).

4. Professional Liability Insurance: While not a state license, this is non-negotiable for PMs in construction or consulting. Expect premiums of $1,500 - $3,000 annually for a basic policy in Florida.

Getting Started Timeline:

• Week 1-2: Update your resume with local keywords (e.g., "Volusia County," "I-4 corridor," "Coastal construction").
• Week 3-4: Apply for PMP exam if you don't have it. Begin networking on LinkedIn with local PMs.
• Month 2-3: Start applying for jobs. For public sector roles (County, City), expect a 2-3 month hiring process. Private sector can be 2-6 weeks.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Your choice of neighborhood will define your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Downtown Daytona / Beachside (Flagler Ave to International Speedway):

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, close to work (if you work for the City/County or downtown firms), near the beach.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,200 - $1,500. Older buildings, some luxury new construction.
   • Commute: Minimal (5-15 mins). However, traffic during events (Bike Week, Speedweeks) is crippling.
   • Best for: Younger PMs, those who want an active social life, and people who work downtown.

2. Port Orange / Spruce Creek:

   • Vibe: Suburban, family-friendly, excellent schools. The heart of middle-class Daytona.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,100 - $1,300. More square footage for the money.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to downtown Daytona, 20-30 minutes to I-4 corridor employers.
   • Best for: PMs with families or who prioritize space and quiet over nightlife.

3. Ormond Beach (North of Daytona):

   • Vibe: Slightly more affluent, quieter, with beautiful beaches and historic homes. A strong sense of community.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,200 - $1,400.
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to Daytona. Easy access to I-95.
   • Best for: PMs seeking a calmer, more established environment. Popular with professionals from the healthcare sector.

4. South Daytona / Ponce Inlet:

   • Vibe: Mixed, coastal, with some older neighborhoods and newer developments. Close to the airport and Port Canaveral's influence.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,050 - $1,250. One of the more affordable options.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most places. Good access to I-95.
   • Best for: Budget-conscious PMs who still want a coastal feel without the premium price tag.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area east of I-95 and west of the Tomoka River unless you know it well. Traffic bottlenecks are real. Always check flood zones (especially near the Halifax River) before renting or buying.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Daytona Beach, career growth is less about soaring vertical leaps and more about strategic moves across industries or into specialized niches.

Specialty Premiums (Salary Add-Ons):

• Construction PM (with Florida License): +10-15% premium. The local market is hungry for licensed PMs to manage residential and commercial projects.
• Healthcare IT PM (EPIC, Cerner): +10-20% premium. With two major health systems, this is a high-demand, high-paying specialty.
• Public Sector PM (Grant Management): +5-10% premium. Stability and benefits are the real draw here, but salaries are competitive.
• FAA/Aerospace PM: +15-25% premium. This is a niche with high barriers to entry (often requiring security clearance) but excellent long-term prospects.

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical Track: Junior PM → Mid-Level PM → Senior PM / Program Manager → Director of Projects (rare locally, often requires moving to Tampa or Orlando).
2. Consulting Track: Build a portfolio of projects, often with a firm like Brasfield & Gorrie or AECOM, then branch out as an independent contractor.
3. Public Sector Track: PM → Project Manager II (City/County) → Capital Projects Manager → Public Works Director. This is a common, stable path.

10-Year Outlook (6% Growth):
The outlook is stable. Growth will be driven by:

• Infrastructure: Continued need for road, bridge, and coastal resilience projects (hurricane hardening).
• Healthcare: Expansion of AdventHealth and Halifax Health facilities as the population (especially retirees) grows.
• Residential Construction: The Daytona metro is a popular spot for retirees and remote workers, sustaining demand for construction PMs.

Insider Tip: To break the $130,000+ ceiling in Daytona, you'll likely need to specialize (e.g., become the go-to healthcare IT PM) or manage larger portfolios ($10M+ projects). For the highest salaries, you may need to work for a national firm based in Daytona but managing projects in other Florida markets.

The Verdict: Is Daytona Beach Right for You?

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Excellent Cost of Living Ratio: Your $100,885 salary goes far here compared to major metros.	Limited High-End Job Market: Fewer Fortune 500 HQs; top-tier salaries are capped.
Stable, Growing Job Base: 6% growth in a predictable mix of industries.	Traffic & Event Congestion: Bike Week, Speedweeks, and spring break bring gridlock.
No State Income Tax: A direct 5-6% boost to your take-home pay vs. states like GA or NC.	Suburban Sprawl & Car Dependency: You need a reliable car; public transit is limited.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Unbeatable access to beaches, boating, and the Intracoastal Waterway.	Hurricane Risk: This is a real, recurring cost (insurance, prep, potential evacuation).
Strong Networking Potential: A smaller market means it's easier to build a reputation and network.	"Beach Town" Cost Inflation: While overall COL is low, beachside living and event-season rentals are pricey.

Final Recommendation:
Daytona Beach is an excellent choice for a Project Manager who values work-life balance, financial stability, and a coastal lifestyle over constant, high-stakes career climbing. It's perfect for mid-career PMs looking to buy a home, raise a family, or enjoy retirement after a busy career elsewhere. It's less ideal for someone seeking the fast-paced, high-competition environment of a major tech or finance hub.

If you have 3+ years of experience, a PMP (or willingness to get one), and an affinity for the outdoors, Daytona Beach offers a compelling, financially sound career move.

FAQs

1. I'm moving from a big city. How hard is it to find a job as an outsider?
It's manageable but requires strategy. The local market values ties to the community. On your resume/cover letter, mention any connections (e.g., "I have family in Ormond Beach" or "I've been visiting the area for years"). Apply to larger employers (AdventHealth, County) first, as they have formal HR processes. It's also easier to land a job if you're already in Florida, as some employers are hesitant about relocation costs for mid-level roles.

2. Do I need to know someone to get hired here?
It helps, but it's not mandatory. Daytona