Registered Nurse in Daytona Beach, FL

As a career analyst who has spent years tracking Florida's healthcare job market, I can tell you that Daytona Beach offers a distinct blend of opportunity and lifestyle for Registered Nurses. It's not the high-octane, high-cost environment of Miami or Tampa, but a place where your salary can stretch surprisingly far, especially if you understand the local landscape. This guide cuts through the noise with data-driven insights and on-the-ground specifics for nurses considering a move to the World's Most Famous Beach.

The Salary Picture: Where Daytona Beach Stands

Let's start with the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a Registered Nurse in the Daytona Beach metro area is $85,734 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.22. This is slightly under the national average of $86,070, but the key context is cost of living. Daytona Beach's cost of living index sits at 98.7, meaning it's marginally more affordable than the U.S. average. Your money goes a little further here than in many other cities.

The job market is stable and growing. There are currently 742 jobs listed for Registered Nurses in the metro area, with a projected 10-year job growth of 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady, indicating consistent demand, especially in specialized and experienced roles.

Here’s a breakdown of salary progression by experience level. Note that these are local estimates based on employer data and BLS percentiles.

| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Estimated Hourly Rate | Key Local Factors |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $68,000 - $75,000 | $32.69 - $36.06 | Often start in Med-Surg or Telemetry. Hospitals offer structured residency programs. |
| Mid-Career (3-9 years) | $80,000 - $95,000 | $38.46 - $45.68 | This is the sweet spot. Specialties (ICU, ER, OR) command higher premiums. |
| Senior/Expert (10+ years) | $95,000 - $110,000+ | $45.68 - $52.88+ | Roles like charge nurse, clinical educator, or advanced practice (NP/CRNA) drive top earnings. |

How does Daytona Beach compare to other Florida cities?

• Jacksonville: Similar cost of living, but a larger metro with more hospital systems (HCA, Baptist, Mayo). Salaries are comparable, sometimes slightly higher due to competition.
• Orlando: Significantly higher cost of living (rent alone can be 30-40% more). Salaries are marginally higher, but the purchasing power may be less.
• Tampa/St. Pete: Higher salaries (median often $88,000-$92,000), but much higher housing costs. Daytona Beach offers a better balance for lifestyle-focused professionals.
• Miami: Salaries can be higher, but the cost of living, particularly housing, is dramatically higher. Daytona Beach is far more financially accessible.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many Daytona Beach hospitals offer shift differentials ($2-$4/hour for nights/weekends) and sign-on bonuses, which can add $5,000-$10,000 to your first-year total compensation. Always negotiate the full package.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $85,734 is a gross figure. To understand your real financial picture in Daytona Beach, let's break down a monthly budget for a single RN.

Assumptions: Filing as Single, claiming the standard deduction, and accounting for federal, FICA, and Florida state taxes (which is 0% on income—a huge advantage). For a more precise estimate, use the Florida Department of Revenue's tax calculator. A rough estimate for take-home pay after taxes for this salary is approximately $64,000-$66,000 annually, or about $5,333 - $5,500 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an RN Earning $85,734

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Take-Home Pay	$5,400	After taxes (federal, FICA). Florida has no state income tax.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,152	Average for the metro. Can range from $950 in Port Orange to $1,400+ in newer complexes near the beach.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, water, internet. Electricity cost can spike in summer due to A/C.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Daytona Beach is car-dependent. Insurance rates are moderate (Florida avg).
Groceries & Household	$450	Publix, Winn-Dixie, and Aldi are common.
Health Insurance	$300	Often subsidized by employer, but this is a common out-of-pocket share.
Discretionary/Entertainment	$1,000	Dining out, beach activities, hobbies.
Savings/Debt Repayment	$1,848	This is your discretionary surplus.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in the Daytona Beach metro is currently around $310,000. With a $85,734 salary and a good credit score, you would likely qualify for a mortgage. However, you would need a down payment (3.5% FHA loan = $10,850) and should budget for property taxes (approx. 0.95% of value = $2,945/year) and homeowners insurance (which can be high in coastal Florida).

Insider Tip: Many local employers offer tuition reimbursement or first-time homebuyer assistance programs. It's worth asking about these benefits during your interview process. Living slightly inland (like in Ormond Beach or Port Orange) can reduce both rent and potential flood insurance costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Daytona Beach's Major Employers

Daytona Beach's healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few major players and a growing network of specialty clinics. Hiring is consistent, particularly for experienced nurses in critical care, labor & delivery, and behavioral health.

1. HCA Florida Halifax Hospital (Volusia County): This is the largest employer in the area, with over 600 beds. They have a full spectrum of services, including a Level II Trauma Center, a comprehensive cancer institute, and a behavioral health unit. They run a well-regarded nurse residency program. Hiring trends show a strong need for Med-Surg, ICU, and ER nurses.
2. AdventHealth Daytona Beach: Part of the large AdventHealth system, this 292-bed hospital is a major player, particularly known for its cardiac and stroke care. They have a strong focus on community health and often hire for their outpatient clinics and surgery centers. They frequently post openings for OR, PACU, and cardiology nurses.
3. Bethune-Cookman University (BCU) Health Center: While not a hospital, BCU's on-campus health center and its partnerships provide unique opportunities for school nurses, public health nurses, and those interested in community outreach and education.
4. Central Florida Health Care (CFHC): This is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with multiple locations from Daytona Beach to DeLand. It's a fantastic option for nurses interested in primary care, pediatrics, and caring for underserved populations. It offers a different pace and mission-driven work environment.
5. Medical and Specialty Clinics: The area has a growing network of private practices, urgent care centers (like CareSpot, Patient First), and specialty clinics (orthopedics, oncology, dermatology). These often offer regular business hours and can be a great alternative to hospital shifts.
6. Long-Term Care Facilities & Rehabilitation Centers: With a significant retiree population, there is steady demand in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and rehab centers like Grandview Care Center or Savannah Grand of Daytona. These roles often focus on geriatrics, wound care, and post-surgical care.
7. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and Amada Senior Care are always hiring for home health RNs. This offers autonomy and direct patient interaction, ideal for nurses who prefer one-on-one care.

Insider Tip: The "Daytona Beach area" includes Volusia County. Don't limit your search to the city limits. Commuting to Port Orange (south) or Ormond Beach (north) can open up different employer options and may offer a better work-life balance, as traffic on International Speedway Boulevard (ISB) and Nova Road can be heavy during events.

Getting Licensed in FL

If you're moving from another state, the Florida Board of Nursing (part of the Florida Department of Health) has a clear but detail-oriented process.

1. Verify Your License: If you hold a compact license (e.g., from GA, AL, SC), you can practice in Florida under the compact. Otherwise, you'll need to apply for icensure by endorsement. The process is managed online through the MQA Online Services Portal.
2. Key Requirements:
   • Graduate from an approved nursing program.
   • Pass the NCLEX-RN (if not already licensed).
   • Background Check: A mandatory state and federal background check is performed. Any past disciplinary action must be disclosed.
   • Fingerprinting: You must be fingerprinted through a Florida-approved vendor (LiveScan).
   • Coursework: You must complete a 2-hour Prevention of Medical Errors course and a 1-hour HIV/AIDS course. These are often offered online for about $25-$50 each.
3. Costs & Timeline:
   • Application Fee: $293.00 (as of current fee schedule).
   • Background Check/Fingerprint Fee: Approximately $100.
   • Course Costs: $50-$100.
   • Total Estimated Cost: $450 - $500.
   • Timeline: After submitting a complete application, expect 4-8 weeks for processing and licensure. It's wise to start this process at least 2-3 months before your planned move.

Insider Tip: Florida is a nurse compact state. If you live in a compact state, you can practice in Florida with your home state license. However, if you establish permanent residency in Florida, you must obtain a Florida multi-state license. Keep this in mind for tax and voting purposes.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Choosing where to live in Daytona Beach impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are top picks for RNs:

1. Downtown Daytona Beach: Close to Halifax Hospital and the beach. Offers a walkable, urban vibe with restaurants and nightlife. Commute to AdventHealth is about 10-15 minutes.

   • Rent (1BR): $1,250 - $1,500
   • Best For: Nurses who want a vibrant social scene and minimal commute.

2. Port Orange (South Daytona): A family-friendly suburb just south of the main city. Home to many AdventHealth employees. Quieter, with excellent schools and parks.

   • Rent (1BR): $1,100 - $1,300
   • Best For: Those seeking a suburban feel, good schools, and easy access to both major hospitals.

3. Ormond Beach (North): Similar to Port Orange but north of Daytona. More upscale, with beautiful beaches and the Tomoka State Park for outdoor activities. Commute to Halifax is about 15-20 minutes.

   • Rent (1BR): $1,200 - $1,450
   • Best For: Nurses who prefer a quieter, more established community with a focus on outdoor recreation.

4. DeLand (West): A charming, historic town about 20-25 minutes west of Daytona. Home to Stetson University. Offers a small-town feel with a lower cost of living. Commute to Halifax is direct via I-4.

   • Rent (1BR): $950 - $1,150
   • Best For: Budget-conscious nurses who don't mind a longer commute for more affordable housing and a tight-knit community.

5. Beachside (Barrier Island): Living on the peninsula (east of the Intracoastal Waterway) means a short drive to the beach. Note: This area can be prone to flooding and higher insurance costs. Commutes to hospitals require crossing bridges, which can add time during peak traffic or events.

   • Rent (1BR): $1,300 - $1,600+
   • Best For: Nurses who prioritize beach life and are willing to manage higher living costs and potential evacuation plans.

Insider Tip: Traffic on the International Speedway Boulevard (ISB) and Nova Road arteries can be significant during race weeks (Daytona 500) and major events. A commute that's 15 minutes off-season can double during these times. Consider this when choosing a neighborhood if you work shifts that coincide with event traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Daytona Beach is an excellent place to build a long-term nursing career, especially if you're strategic about specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: While the base median is $85,734, specializing can boost your income significantly:

  • ICU/ER/OR: $5,000 - $15,000+ above base.
  • Labor & Delivery (L&D)/NICU: $3,000 - $10,000+ above base.
  • Perioperative/CRNA: Can push earnings into the $110,000 - $130,000 range.
  • Travel Nursing: While not permanent, local travel contracts (covering Daytona, Orlando, or Jacksonville) can offer $50-$70/hour for 13-week assignments, providing a significant income boost.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Clinical Ladder: Most hospitals have a clinical ladder program where you advance from RN I to RN IV, earning small raises and taking on more responsibility (precepting, committee work).
  2. Charge Nurse/Unit Manager: Moving into leadership roles. Requires strong communication and organizational skills.
  3. Advanced Practice: Becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Daytona Beach has several NP programs (e.g., at Stetson University or through online programs). This is the most direct path to a six-figure salary.
  4. Education/Informatics: Move into clinical education (training new nurses) or informatics (working with hospital EHR systems like Epic or Cerner). Both are in demand as healthcare technology evolves.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is a reliable indicator. An aging population and the expansion of outpatient services (like in Port Orange and Ormond Beach) will drive demand. Nurses with experience in telehealth, chronic disease management, and informatics will be especially valuable. The proximity to larger markets like Orlando and Jacksonville also means career mobility without having to move your family.

The Verdict: Is Daytona Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong purchasing power due to low cost of living and no state income tax.	Limited specialty options compared to major metros. May need to travel for rare procedures.
Stable job market with major employers like Halifax and AdventHealth.	Car-dependent city with limited public transit.
Excellent work-life balance with easy access to beaches, parks, and outdoor activities.	Event-driven traffic (races, spring break) can disrupt commutes and daily life.
Growing healthcare scene with opportunities in primary care, FQHCs, and home health.	Hurricane risk requires preparedness and can affect insurance costs.
Lower stress pace than Miami or Tampa, with a strong sense of community.	Nightlife and cultural scene is smaller; better for those who prefer outdoor activities.

Final Recommendation: Daytona Beach is an ideal choice for mid-career nurses and new graduates seeking a financially manageable launch into their careers. It's perfect for those who value a flexible, outdoor-centric lifestyle over the constant buzz of a major metropolis. If you're a highly specialized nurse (e.g., a pediatric heart transplant specialist), you might find limited options, but for the vast majority of nursing specialties, Daytona Beach offers a fulfilling career with a high quality of life.

FAQs

Q: Is the nursing shortage real in Daytona Beach?
A: Yes, but it's nuanced. There's high demand for experienced nurses (3+ years) in critical care, L&D, and OR. New graduates can find jobs, but competition for the best hospital residencies is strong. The 742 listed jobs indicate a healthy, active market.

Q: What are the typical shift schedules like?
A: Most hospital jobs are 12-hour shifts (7 AM - 7 PM or 7 PM - 7 AM). Many units require every other weekend. Clinics and