The Complete Career Guide for Security Guards in Daytona Beach, FL

Let's cut straight through the noise. If you're a security guard looking to relocate, you're probably tired of vague promises and want real data. I've lived in the Daytona area for years, and I can tell you it's a unique market. It's not a typical big city, but it has a stable, year-round security demand driven by tourism, healthcare, and a significant retiree population. This guide is built on hard numbers and local insights to help you make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Daytona Beach Stands

First, the numbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the financial reality for a security guard in the Daytona Beach metro is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living plays in your favor.

The numbers you need to know are:

• Median Salary: $35,999/year
• Hourly Rate: $17.31/hour
• National Average: $36,140/year

This places you just a hair below the national median. The gap is small enough that it's not a deal-breaker, especially when you factor in Florida's lack of state income tax. The local job market is niche, with 164 jobs in the metro at any given time, and a projected 10-Year Job Growth of 3%. This isn't explosive growth; it's steady, reliable employment.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your pay will climb with experience, but don't expect massive jumps without specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Daytona Beach area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $34,000	$14.90 - $16.35
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$35,000 - $39,000	$16.83 - $18.75
Senior (8-12 years)	$39,000 - $44,000	$18.75 - $21.15
Expert/Specialist	$44,000+	$21.15+

Note: Expert/Specialist roles often require additional certifications (e.g., armed, executive protection) or supervisory duties.

How Daytona Beach Compares to Other Florida Cities

Understanding where Daytona stands in the broader Florida context is crucial for negotiation and career planning.

City	Median Annual Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Driver
Daytona Beach	$35,999	98.7	Tourism, Healthcare
Miami	$37,120	123.5	High-Value Assets, Nightlife
Orlando	$36,500	104.1	Theme Parks, Tourism
Tampa	$36,800	102.3	Corporate, Port Authority
Jacksonville	$36,200	94.8	Military, Logistics

Insider Tip: While Miami and Orlando pay marginally more, their cost of living is significantly higher. In Daytona, your $17.31/hour goes further, especially if you live in surrounding communities like Port Orange or South Daytona.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $35,999/year is a gross figure. Let's break down what it actually means for your monthly budget in Daytona Beach.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross: $35,999/year / ~$2,999/month)

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$2,999
• Federal Taxes (est.): ~$300
• Social Security/Medicare: ~$229
• Florida State Tax: $0
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$2,470/month

The Rent Hurdle:
The average 1-bedroom rent in Daytona Beach is $1,152/month. That's 46.6% of your net take-home pay, which is above the recommended 30% threshold. This is the single biggest financial challenge for a security guard earning the median salary.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

On a $35,999 salary, buying a home in the current Daytona Beach market is extremely difficult, if not impossible, without significant savings or a dual-income household. The median home price in Volusia County is over $300,000. A 20% down payment would be $60,000, and a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $1,600, consuming over 60% of your net income.

Realistic Strategy: If homeownership is a goal, you'll need to:

1. Increase Income: Gain 5+ years of experience, get armed certification, or move into a supervisory role.
2. Look Outside the City: Consider more affordable communities like DeLand or Pierson, though commute times will increase.
3. Wait for a Partner: A dual-income household changes the math entirely.

Where the Jobs Are: Daytona Beach's Major Employers

The job market for security guards here is stable but not vast. You'll find the most consistent openings with these local employers:

1. AdventHealth Daytona Beach: The largest healthcare employer in the area. Hospitals need 24/7 security for patient safety, asset protection, and crisis management. Hiring is steady, often through third-party contractors like Securitas or Allied Universal. Insider Tip: Healthcare security often offers shift differentials (extra pay for nights/weekends), which can boost your hourly rate above the median.

2. Halifax Health: Another major hospital system with a significant security force. Similar needs to AdventHealth, with a focus on emergency department and parking lot security. They often post jobs directly on their website.

3. Daytona International Speedway: This is a unique, event-driven employer. They hire a large contingent of seasonal and part-time security for race weekends (e.g., Daytona 500). It's a great way to earn extra money and network, but it's not year-round stable work. Pay can be higher during events due to demand.

4. Volusia County Schools: School security is a growing field. These are often salaried positions with benefits, offering a more stable schedule (no overnights) and a pension. Requires a clean background and often a school security certification.

5. City of Daytona Beach (Municipal): The city hires security for parks, community centers, and special events. These jobs are competitive and usually come with excellent benefits. Check the City of Daytona Beach's job portal regularly.

6. Retail & Hospitality (Multiple Locations): Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and the Tanger Outlets, as well as hotels along the beach (Hilton, Plaza Resort), hire security. These roles are often less structured but provide consistent hours.

Hiring Trend: The healthcare and school sectors are experiencing the most stable growth. Event security is cyclical but high-paying during peak season. Corporate security is limited outside of a few downtown office buildings.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida has clear, non-negotiable requirements for security guards. The process is straightforward but requires an initial investment.

State Requirements (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - FDACS):

1. Minimum Age: 18 (21 for armed).
2. Background Check: No felony convictions. Certain misdemeanors may be disqualifying.
3. Training: Complete a 4-hour "Class D" Security Officer Training course from a licensed school. This covers laws, use of force, and emergency procedures.
4. Application: Submit your application, proof of training, fingerprints, and a fee to the FDACS.

Costs (Approximate):

• Class D Training Course: $75 - $150
• FDACS Application Fee: $85
• Live Scan Fingerprinting: $50 - $75
• Total Initial Cost: $210 - $310

Timeline:

• Week 1: Complete the 4-hour training course.
• Week 1-2: Get fingerprinted and submit your application online.
• Week 3-8: Wait for processing and approval (can vary). You can work under a "Temporary Permit" while your license is processing, if your employer sponsors you.

Armed License (Optional but Recommended for Higher Pay):

• Requires an additional 28-hour training course (approx. $250-$400).
• You must be 21, and the process takes an additional 4-6 weeks.
• Armed guards in Daytona can command $19-$25/hour, pushing you well above the median.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four areas to consider, balancing rent, commute, and safety.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Insider Take
Beachside (W. International Speedway Blvd.)	Touristy, walkable to the ocean. Commute to mainland jobs requires crossing the bridges, which can be slow in season.	$1,200 - $1,400	Best for event/hospitality security jobs. Feel like you're on vacation, but higher cost of living.
Downtown Daytona	Urban, historic. Close to Halifax Health and city jobs. Some areas can be gritty, so research specific blocks.	$1,050 - $1,250	Good central location. Walkable to some jobs. More affordable than the beach.
Port Orange (South Daytona)	Suburban, family-oriented. A straight shot commute to most major employers. Safer feel, more big-box stores.	$1,100 - $1,300	The "sweet spot" for many workers. Affordable, safe, and a reasonable commute to all major job centers.
DeLand (20-30 mins West)	Small-town charm, quieter. Lower rents. Commute is longer but on less congested roads.	$900 - $1,100	Best for saving money. If you can handle the commute, your rent could be $250 less per month, freeing up cash.

Personal Insight: If you're working at AdventHealth or the schools, Port Orange offers the best balance. If you're primarily event security, Beachside is logical despite the higher rent.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 3% 10-year growth rate, advancement is possible but not automatic. You must be strategic.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Security: +$2-$5/hour.
  • Executive Protection: Rare in Daytona, but possible for high-net-worth individuals or corporate executives. Requires advanced training and networking.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator: Requires additional state certification but offers a significant pay bump and a path into public safety.
  • Corporate Security Manager: Requires business knowledge and experience. Salaries can reach $50,000+.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Guard → Supervisor: Gain 3-5 years of experience, show leadership, and get certified (e.g., CPR/AED, First Aid).
  2. Guard → Public Sector: Transition to a school district or county job for better benefits and pension.
  3. Guard → Private Business: Use security experience to move into loss prevention, facility management, or even law enforcement (local PDs have their own requirements).

• 10-Year Outlook: Demand will remain steady in healthcare and schools. The tourism sector is cyclical but will always need event security. Automation (e.g., AI cameras) may reduce some patrol roles but will increase the need for tech-savvy guards who can monitor and respond. Upskill in basic technology systems.

The Verdict: Is Daytona Beach Right for You?

Here’s a final, honest assessment.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your money goes further than in Miami or Orlando.	Low Median Salary: $35,999 is challenging for a single person.
Stable, Niche Job Market: Healthcare and schools provide reliable employment.	Limited High-Paying Opportunities: Without specialization, salary growth is slow.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck.	High Rent vs. Income: Rent can consume nearly half your net pay.
Year-Round Sunshine & Lifestyle: Great if you enjoy the beach and outdoor activities.	Cyclical Tourism: Event jobs aren't stable year-round.
Proximity to Major Employers: Easy commutes within the metro area.	Housing is the Biggest Hurdle: Homeownership is out of reach for most on a single guard's salary.

Final Recommendation

Daytona Beach is a good fit if: You are a single guard willing to live with roommates or in a more affordable suburb (like DeLand), you're targeting healthcare or school security for stability, and you value lifestyle (sun, beach) over high income. It's a manageable, if not lavish, place to build a career.

Daytona Beach is a poor fit if: You are the sole provider for a family on a $35,999 salary, you are chasing rapid salary growth without a plan for specialization (armed, management), or you dislike touristy environments and seasonal traffic.

FAQs

Q: Can I live comfortably alone on a security guard's salary in Daytona?
A: It's tight. With the median salary of $35,999 and rent at $1,152, you'd be spending ~47% of your net income on rent. A roommate or living in a more affordable suburb like DeLand is highly recommended.

Q: Is armed security worth the extra certification cost?
A: Absolutely. The investment of ~$300-500 for the armed course can increase your hourly wage by $3-5, adding $6,000-$10,000 annually to your income. In Daytona, where healthcare and corporate security are key employers, armed positions are in steady demand.

Q: What's the best way to find a security job in Daytona?
A: Don't just rely on Indeed. Go directly to the career pages of the major employers listed above (AdventHealth, Halifax Health, Volusia County Schools). Also, network with supervisors at security companies like Allied Universal or Securitas, which service many large contracts.

Q: How does Florida's lack of state income tax affect me?
A: It means your $35,999 gross salary has more purchasing power. You keep an extra 5-6% compared to states like Georgia or New York, which helps offset the lower median salary. This is a significant financial advantage.

Q: Is the 3% job growth rate good or bad?
A: It's stable, but not booming. It means the market isn't shrinking, but new jobs are added slowly. You'll need to be proactive, get your license quickly, and potentially specialize to stand out. It's a reliable field, not a high-growth one.