Security Guard in Deltona, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Deltona Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. If you're considering a career as a Security Guard in Deltona, you need to understand the local wage landscape. The median salary for a Security Guard in Deltona, FL is $35,999 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.31 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average for Security Guards, which is $36,140 per year. It's a small difference, but a real one.

What does this mean for your earning potential? It's highly dependent on experience, the type of site you're guarding, and the company you work for.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the Volusia County market:

Experience Level	Typical Hourly Rate (Deltona)	Annual Estimate (Full-Time)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$14.00 - $16.50	$29,120 - $34,320	Mobile patrol, retail sites, basic warm-body posts.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$16.50 - $19.00	$34,320 - $39,520	Supervisory roles, corporate sites, gated communities.
Senior (5-10 years)	$19.00 - $22.00	$39,520 - $45,760	Specialist roles (e.g., healthcare, events), trainer, shift supervisor.
Expert/Specialist (10+ years)	$22.00+	$45,760+	Account manager, security director for a firm, armed security at high-value sites.

Comparison to Other Florida Cities

Deltona is part of the larger Daytona Beach metro area. While the cost of living is moderate, wages can be more competitive in major urban centers.

City	Median Salary (Security Guard)	Cost of Living (Index)	Notes
Deltona	$35,999	98.7	Slightly below national average; stable local market.
Miami	~$38,000+	125.8	Higher pay, but significantly higher living costs.
Orlando	~$37,500	107.5	More opportunities in tourism & event security.
Tampa	~$37,200	104.8	Similar to Orlando; strong corporate sector.
Pensacola	~$34,500	95.1	Lower cost of living, but also lower wages.

Insider Tip: Deltona's proximity to Daytona Beach means you can often find jobs with companies based in the larger metro area that service clients in both locations. Don't limit your search to Deltona proper.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Here’s the hard truth about living on a Security Guard's salary in Deltona. We'll use the median salary of $35,999 per year for this breakdown.

Annual Gross Income: $35,999
Monthly Gross Income: $2,999.92

Estimated Deductions (Taxes & Benefits):

• Federal & State Taxes (approx.): 15-18% = ~$450/month
• Social Security & Medicare (FICA): 7.65% = ~$230/month
• Health Insurance (if employer-offered): ~$150/month (varies widely)
• Pre-tax deductions (401k, etc.): ~$100/month (optional)

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: $2,070 - $2,150

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person)

Now, let's subtract the cost of living.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (Deltona)	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,152	This is the city average. Can be lower in specific neighborhoods.
Utilities	$180	Electricity, water, trash, internet.
Groceries	$300	For one person, cooking at home.
Transportation	$250	Car payment, insurance, gas. Public transport is limited.
Health & Insurance	$150	If not covered by employer.
Miscellaneous/Personal	$150	Phone, clothing, entertainment.
TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES	$2,182

The Bottom Line: With a take-home pay of $2,070-$2,150 and expenses of $2,182, you are operating at a monthly deficit of $32 to $112. This is tight. It requires strict budgeting, a roommate, or finding ways to reduce the rent and transportation costs.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

At a median salary of $35,999, a single security guard would be severely challenged to buy a home in Deltona's current market. The median home price in Deltona is approximately $280,000. A 20% down payment would be $56,000, and a standard mortgage would be unaffordable on this income. Homeownership is generally not feasible on this salary without a dual income, significant savings from a previous career, or moving to a much more affordable rural area within the region.

Where the Jobs Are: Deltona's Major Employers

The job market in Deltona is stable but competitive. The Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach metro area has approximately 197 security guard jobs at any given time. The 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is slower than average, indicating a need to be strategic about where you apply.

Here are the primary types of employers you should target, with specific local examples:

1. Large Security Contracting Firms: These are the biggest employers.

   • Allied Universal: One of the largest in the region. They service contracts across Volusia County, including healthcare, commercial, and government buildings. They often hire for multiple sites from a single office.
   • Securitas: Similar to Allied, they have a strong presence in Central Florida and service clients in the Daytona Beach area. They provide training and are a good place to gain experience.
   • AlliedBarton (now part of Allied Universal): Look for their legacy contracts, often with high-profile clients.

2. Healthcare Facilities (High Demand):

   • AdventHealth Daytona Beach: While not in Deltona, its massive presence in the nearby city creates a high demand for security staff. These roles often pay above the median and offer better benefits. They need guards for ER security, patient transport, and facility patrols.
   • Halifax Health Medical Center: Another major healthcare employer in the area, also offering stable, often unionized, security positions.

3. Corporate & Industrial Sites:

   • Companies in the Deltona/Orange City industrial parks: Look for security posts at manufacturing plants, distribution centers (like Amazon's fulfillment centers in nearby DeLand), and corporate offices. Insider Tip: The "warm-body" posts at these locations are less desirable but offer consistent hours. The real money is in the mobile patrol or supervisor roles that oversee them.

4. Government & Education:

   • Volusia County Schools: They employ security monitors and resource officers (some of which may require certification). The job is stable, with good hours and summers off.
   • City of Deltona: The city's own municipal services, including parks and public buildings, may hire in-house security or contract through the firms above.
   • Volusia County Sheriff's Office (VCSO): While not a direct employer for standard security guards, they often partner with private security for large events. Building a relationship with local law enforcement is a key networking strategy.

5. Retail & Hospitality (Event-Based):

   • Daytona Beach International Speedway: The biggest event employer. They hire hundreds of temporary security staff for race weekends, concerts, and festivals. This is a great way to network and earn premium pay for short stints.
   • Local Malls (Volusia Mall): While retail security is common, be aware of its volatility with the decline of physical retail.

Hiring Trend Insight: The market is shifting towards specialization. Companies are increasingly looking for guards with certifications in CPR/AED, de-escalation training, or who are comfortable with technology (CCTV monitoring). Having these on your resume makes you stand out.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida has specific requirements for security guards. It's a regulated profession, which is good for job security but requires an initial investment.

State Requirements & Costs

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) - Division of Licensing is the governing body.

For an Unarmed Security Guard:

1. Training: You must complete a 4-hour "Class D" Security Guard Training Course from a licensed school. This covers laws, use of force, and report writing.
2. Cost: The course typically costs $75 - $150.
3. Application: Submit an application to FDACS with fingerprints. The application fee is $87 (as of 2024).
4. Background Check: A state and federal background check is required. You must have a clean criminal record; felonies and certain misdemeanors can disqualify you.
5. Timeline: From start to finish, you can expect 4-6 weeks to get your license after completing training and submitting your application.

For an Armed Security Guard (Additional Requirements):

• Training: A separate 28-hour "Class G" Firearms Training Course.
• Cost: $300 - $500 for the course and licensing fees.
• Timeline: Adds another 4-8 weeks for processing.

Insider Tip: Many security firms, especially Allied and Securitas, will often sponsor your training if you agree to work for them for a set period (e.g., 6-12 months). This is a fantastic way to enter the field with no upfront cost. Always ask about this during the interview.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live will directly impact your commute and quality of life. Deltona is a large, sprawling suburb, not a dense urban center.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Deltona Lakes	Central, quiet, residential. Easy access to I-4 and 415. Commute to Daytona is ~20-30 mins.	$1,150 - $1,250	Someone who wants a quiet, suburban life with a predictable commute.
Orange City	Adjacent to Deltona, slightly more commercial. Home to AdventHealth and Daytona State College.	$1,200 - $1,300	Those targeting healthcare or education jobs. Closer to major employers.
DeBary	More upscale, with newer developments. Further from I-4 but closer to the Wekiva River. Commute to Daytona is ~25-35 mins.	$1,300 - $1,450	Guards with a bit more income or those who value nature and a quieter setting.
Lake Helen	Small, historic, and rural. Very cheap rent, but very isolated. Commute to Daytona is ~30-40 mins.	$900 - $1,100	Someone on a tight budget who doesn't mind a longer, more scenic commute.
Live Oak (Big Tree Park area)	The heart of Deltona. Older, established, with mature trees. Central to everything.	$1,100 - $1,250	Someone who wants to be in the middle of it all, with easy access to shopping and dining.

Commute Warning: Traffic on I-4 can be heavy, especially during tourist season. If you work in Daytona Beach, living in the north part of Deltona (near DeBary) can save you 10-15 minutes on your commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The Securit profession in Florida and Deltona has a ceiling if you don't specialize. The 10-year job growth of 3% means you can't just wait for promotions; you have to actively create your own advancement path.

Specialty Premiums

• Armed Security: Adding an armed license can boost your hourly rate by $3 - $5+. High-value sites (banks, jewelry stores, armored transport) pay even more.
• CPR/AED/First Aid: This is often a requirement for higher-paying roles in healthcare and corporate settings. It can add $0.50 - $1.00/hour to your rate.
• Traffic Control: Certifications for directing traffic at events or construction sites can open doors to lucrative short-term contracts.
• ESL (Electronic Security Systems): Knowing CCTV, access control, and alarm systems makes you eligible for monitoring center roles or site manager positions.

Advancement Path

1. Security Guard (Years 0-2): Learn the basics, build a reputation for reliability.
2. Field Supervisor / Sergeant (Years 2-5): Oversee a team of guards for a specific contract. Requires leadership skills and knowledge of operations.
3. Account Manager / Site Lead (Years 5+): Manage the client relationship and the entire security contract for a specific site (e.g., the manager for AdventHealth's security team). This is a salaried position ($50,000 - $70,000+).
4. Corporate Roles (Years 5+): Move into training, compliance, or business development for a security firm.

10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable but not booming. Automation and technology (cameras, drones) will change the job, but the human element for observation, intervention, and customer service will remain critical. Guards who adapt to technology will have the best prospects. Networking in the tight-knit Volusia County security community is crucial—many jobs are filled by referral.

The Verdict: Is Deltona Right for You?

Pros (Why Deltona Might Work)	Cons (Why Deltona Might Be a Struggle)
Moderate Cost of Living: Lower than major metros, especially for housing.	Tight Budget: On a median salary, your budget is razor-thin with no room for error.
Stable Job Market: Consistent need for security in healthcare, retail, and events.	Low Job Growth: The 3% growth means competition can be fierce for the best jobs.
Good Entry-Level Access: Large contract firms are always hiring, making it easy to get your start.	Limited High-Paying Specialties: Fewer corporate HQs or high-security government sites compared to Orlando or Tampa.
Proximity to Daytona: Access to event-based work and a larger network of security professionals.	Car-Dependent: You need a reliable vehicle for both work and daily life.
Quiet, Suburban Lifestyle: If that's what you're after, Deltona delivers.	Can Feel Isolated: Not a vibrant city center; nightlife and cultural amenities are limited.

Final Recommendation

Deltona is a viable, but challenging, starting point for a security guard career.

Move to Deltona if: You are early in your career, willing to start with a contract firm, and prioritize a low-stress, suburban environment. You must be exceptionally good at budgeting or have a roommate. The key is to use Deltona as a launchpad—get your experience, get licensed for armed security or specialized roles, and then either climb the ladder locally or leverage your experience to move to a higher-paying market like Orlando or Tampa in 3-5 years.

Reconsider if: You are already mid-career and need a higher salary to support a family, or if you crave a dynamic urban environment. The financial margin for error is too thin for many.

FAQs

1. Can I work as a security guard without a license in Florida?
No. You must have your Class D security license in hand before you can perform security duties. You cannot even be on a post while your application is pending. The exception is that the training school can issue you a temporary "trainee" card that allows you to be on post under the direct supervision of a licensed guard, but this is not a substitute for the full license.

2. Are there jobs for armed security guards in Deltona?
Yes, but they are fewer than unarmed positions. The highest concentration of armed jobs is in Daytona Beach (banks, event security, some corporate sites) and at high-value warehouses or data centers in the industrial parks. You will almost certainly need to commute to Daytona for the best armed security opportunities. The pay is worth the drive, often exceeding $22/hour.

3. Is the job market saturated in Deltona?
It's not "saturated" in the sense of zero jobs, but it is competitive. The job market is stable, not growing quickly. This means you need a clean background, reliable transportation, and a professional application. Having your license before you apply (or a start date for your training course