Position
Salary

How much does a Lifeguard make?

The average salary for a Lifeguard is $34,276 per year in the US.

Lifeguards ensure the safety of swimmers at pools, beaches, and water parks. They play a crucial role in preventing accidents and providing quick help when needed. The average yearly salary for a lifeguard is around $34,276. This salary can vary based on experience and location.

Lifeguards can earn different amounts depending on their level of experience. The lowest-paid lifeguards, those just starting, can make about $23,000 a year. On the other end, experienced lifeguards can earn up to $52,405 annually. Job seekers should look at their experience and consider the cost of living in their area when thinking about a career as a lifeguard.

View Lifeguard jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Lifeguard?

Lifeguard positions offer both rewarding work and competitive pay. San Francisco tops the list with an average annual salary of $49,047. Following closely are Boston and San Jose, with averages around $47,000. Other top-paying cities include Los Angeles, Santa Rosa, and Seattle. These cities provide not only strong financial rewards but also vibrant work environments for aspiring lifeguards.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Lifeguard jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $49,047 and Washington, DC with the lowest at $41,029.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $49,047
    In San Francisco, lifeguards work in some of the most picturesque settings. The Golden Gate Beach offers a chance to enjoy stunning views while ensuring safety. The city’s renowned aquatic clubs also offer lifeguards the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art facilities.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $46,676
    Boston’s lifeguards enjoy a blend of history and modernity. They work in popular beach areas like Revere Beach and enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere. Many lifeguards are part of the city’s parks and recreation department, ensuring public safety in top-notch facilities.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Boston, MA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $46,594
    Working in San Jose, lifeguards benefit from the city’s diverse aquatic facilities. Places like the Willow Creek Community Center offer modern pools. Lifeguards here also enjoy a mix of recreational and professional settings.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $45,804
    Lifeguards in Los Angeles work in a dynamic and diverse environment. From the iconic Venice Beach to the city’s numerous swimming pools, they play a crucial role in ensuring beach safety. The city’s large population means a steady demand for lifeguard services.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $45,548
    Santa Rosa offers a quieter but rewarding experience for lifeguards. They work in serene settings like the city’s parks and pools. Lifeguards here enjoy a close-knit community and a more relaxed pace compared to larger cities.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $45,241
    In Seattle, lifeguards enjoy working in scenic and modern facilities. Locations like Sandpoint offer beautiful views and a vibrant community. Lifeguards here often have the chance to work in well-maintained public pools.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $43,479
    San Diego lifeguards enjoy one of the most beautiful settings in the country. They work in famous beaches like La Jolla and Coronado. The city’s warm climate and scenic views make it an ideal place for lifeguards who love the outdoors.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $41,517
    Hartford offers a mix of urban and natural settings for lifeguards. They work in parks and community centers, providing safety in a variety of environments. The city’s parks department offers diverse opportunities for lifeguards.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Hartford, CT


  9. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $41,131
    Sacramento provides a range of opportunities for lifeguards. They work in city pools and recreational centers. Lifeguards here enjoy a balanced environment with both urban and natural settings.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $41,029
    In Washington, DC, lifeguards work in historic and modern settings. They ensure safety in the city’s parks and pools. Lifeguards here enjoy the vibrant culture of the capital and the opportunity to work in prestigious facilities.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Washington, DC

What are the best companies a Lifeguard can work for?

Lifeguards looking for top-paying jobs can find attractive opportunities at the City of Delray Beach, which offers an average salary of $52,545. This is the highest-paying role on the list. The YMCA of San Francisco also provides a competitive average salary of $50,250, making it another excellent choice for those in the field. The City of Sunrise and the City of Santa Monica offer similarly strong compensation packages, with average salaries of $48,033 and $47,386, respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Lifeguard jobs, highlighting City of Delray Beach with the highest at $52,545 and City of Santa Fe with the lowest at $45,139.
  1. City of Delray Beach
    Average Salary: $52,545
    The City of Delray Beach offers rewarding Lifeguard positions. They provide lifeguard services for several beaches in Delray Beach, Florida. This role includes ensuring public safety and providing assistance during water emergencies.


  2. City of Delray Beach, FL
    Average Salary: $51,528
    City of Delray Beach, FL provides lifeguard jobs with competitive pay. They oversee beach safety along the Florida coastline, emphasizing public safety and emergency response. Locations include various beaches in Delray Beach.


  3. YMCA of San Francisco
    Average Salary: $50,250
    The YMCA of San Francisco offers lifeguard positions with a focus on community service. They provide lifeguard services at their aquatic facilities in San Francisco. This role includes overseeing swimming pools and teaching water safety.


  4. Cooksey's Lifeguard and Swim
    Average Salary: $50,088
    Cooksey's Lifeguard and Swim provides lifeguard jobs with attractive salaries. They offer training and employment for lifeguards in various locations across California. This role involves ensuring safety at pools and aquatic facilities.


  5. City of Sunrise
    Average Salary: $48,033
    The City of Sunrise offers Lifeguard positions with a commitment to public safety. They provide lifeguard services for several beaches and water parks in Sunrise, Florida. This role includes ensuring water safety and assisting in emergencies.


  6. CITY OF SANTA MONICA
    Average Salary: $47,386
    CITY OF SANTA MONICA provides lifeguard jobs with a strong focus on safety. They oversee several beaches in Santa Monica, California. This role includes patrolling beaches and responding to emergencies to ensure public safety.


  7. City of Bozeman
    Average Salary: $47,336
    City of Bozeman offers Lifeguard positions with a competitive salary. They provide lifeguard services for local water parks and pools in Bozeman, Montana. This role involves ensuring safety and providing assistance during water emergencies.


  8. The Bay Club Company
    Average Salary: $46,842
    The Bay Club Company offers lifeguard jobs with a focus on safety and service. They operate several aquatic facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area. This role includes overseeing pools and ensuring member safety during aquatic activities.


  9. YMCA of San Diego County
    Average Salary: $45,670
    YMCA of San Diego County provides lifeguard positions with a commitment to community service. They offer lifeguard services at various YMCA facilities across San Diego County. This role involves ensuring safety at pools and teaching water safety skills.


  10. City of Santa Fe
    Average Salary: $45,139
    City of Santa Fe offers Lifeguard positions with a focus on public safety. They provide lifeguard services for several pools and beaches in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This role includes ensuring water safety and assisting in emergencies.

How to earn more as a Lifeguard?

Becoming a lifeguard can lead to a rewarding career, but earning more often depends on specific factors. Experience and skills can play a major role in higher pay. Employers may reward those who demonstrate strong leadership and quick response times. Additional certifications and training can also boost earnings. A proactive approach in taking on more responsibilities can make a significant difference. Networking within the industry can open up opportunities that lead to higher-paying positions.

Lifeguards can maximize their earnings by focusing on these key areas. First, gaining experience helps in performing duties more efficiently. Second, acquiring advanced certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and lifeguard management can increase market value. Third, developing strong communication and teamwork skills can lead to better job performance and recognition. Fourth, staying updated with the latest safety protocols and techniques can set a lifeguard apart. Lastly, seeking out additional training opportunities and roles, such as training new recruits, can enhance earning potential.

A lifeguard can follow these steps to earn more:

  1. Gain more experience.
  2. Obtain advanced certifications.
  3. Develop strong communication skills.
  4. Stay updated with safety protocols.
  5. Take on additional responsibilities.

Currently 1,478 Lifeguard job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Lifeguard in the US?

Learn what a Lifeguard does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Lifeguard today.
Position
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Lifeguard
1,478 Job Openings