Position
Salary

How much does a Lifeguard make?

The average salary for a Lifeguard is $34,418 per year in the US.

Lifeguards play a crucial role in keeping people safe at pools, beaches, and water parks. Their hard work pays off with an average yearly salary of $34,418. This job often requires seasonal work, so some lifeguards earn more during the busy summer months.

The earnings of a lifeguard depend on several factors. Most lifeguards fall within the middle of the pay scale. The bottom 10% of earners make less than $23,400 a year. The top 10% earn over $50,000 annually. Experience, location, and the specific employer can affect how much a lifeguard makes. For example, lifeguards who work at busy resorts can earn more than those at smaller community pools.

View Lifeguard jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Lifeguard?

Lifeguard jobs offer an exciting way to earn a good income while keeping people safe. San Francisco and Boston stand out with the highest average salaries for lifeguards. Job seekers interested in a lucrative career as a lifeguard may find these cities particularly attractive. In addition to San Francisco, cities like San Jose, Los Angeles, and Santa Rosa also offer competitive pay for lifeguards. Working in Seattle, San Diego, Sacramento, Bend, and Milwaukee provides good salaries as well. These cities present excellent opportunities for those looking to build a rewarding career in lifeguarding.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Lifeguard jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $48,344 and Milwaukee, WI with the lowest at $41,095.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $48,344
    Enjoying the coast in San Francisco means you get to work in a vibrant community. The city's famous beaches offer excellent opportunities with lifeguarding. Renowned companies like the City and County of San Francisco seek dedicated lifeguards.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $46,515
    Lifeguarding in Boston means you’ll work in a historic city with a strong emphasis on safety. The city's beaches attract many visitors, making it an exciting place to ensure safety. Companies like the Boston Parks Department often hire lifeguards.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Boston, MA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $46,438
    In San Jose, lifeguards play a vital role in keeping swimmers safe. The city’s aquatic centers and beaches often need experienced lifeguards. Companies such as the City of San Jose provide many opportunities for lifeguards.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $46,358
    Los Angeles offers diverse beach locations for lifeguards. Working in such a lively city means you'll meet many people. Renowned companies like the City of Los Angeles regularly hire lifeguards.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $45,957
    Santa Rosa’s serene beaches provide a perfect environment for lifeguards. This city values safety and seeks dedicated professionals for its lifeguard positions. Local authorities often provide opportunities for lifeguards.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $44,956
    Seattle’s waterfront locations offer a unique setting for lifeguards. Working here means you’ll be part of a community that values public safety. Companies in the city often look for skilled lifeguards.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $43,265
    San Diego’s sunny beaches make it an ideal place for lifeguards. The city’s emphasis on outdoor activities creates a lively environment. Companies like the City of San Diego hire many lifeguards.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $42,155
    Sacramento’s riverfronts and lakes offer plenty of opportunities for lifeguards. Working here means you’ll be part of a city that values recreation and safety. The city often hires lifeguards for its aquatic centers.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Sacramento, CA


  9. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $41,109
    Bend’s beautiful lakes and rivers provide great settings for lifeguards. Working in this city means you’ll be in a place that enjoys outdoor activities. Local authorities often seek experienced lifeguards.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Bend, OR


  10. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $41,095
    Milwaukee’s lakes and riverfronts make it a great place for lifeguards. The city values safety and looks for dedicated professionals. Local agencies often provide opportunities for lifeguards.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Milwaukee, WI

What are the best companies a Lifeguard can work for?

Job seekers can find top-paying lifeguard positions at Happy Swimmers USA, which offers an average salary of $62,105. This company leads in compensation for lifeguard roles, making it an attractive choice for those in the field. Additionally, the City of Delray Beach provides a competitive average salary of $51,405, further highlighting cities as favorable employers for lifeguards. Cooksey's Lifeguard and Swim Academy, LLC, and other city employers like the City of Palm Springs and the City of Sunrise, offer solid pay packages. Positions at YMCA of Greater Seattle and YMCA of Silicon Valley, though slightly lower in average pay, still provide good earning potential and benefits. Job seekers should consider these options for a balance of salary and job opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Lifeguard jobs, highlighting Happy Swimmers USA - Event Lifeguards for Hire with the highest at $62,105 and Manatee County Government, Work That Matters with the lowest at $43,567.
  1. Happy Swimmers USA - Event Lifeguards for Hire
    Average Salary: $62,105
    Happy Swimmers USA offers exciting opportunities for lifeguards at various events across the country. They provide training and certification to their lifeguards, ensuring safety and professionalism at each event. Locations span across states, giving lifeguards the chance to travel and work in different environments.


  2. City of Delray Beach
    Average Salary: $51,405
    The City of Delray Beach is known for offering rewarding lifeguard positions. Lifeguards play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of beachgoers. They work at popular beaches in Delray Beach, offering a community-focused environment with opportunities for career growth.


  3. Cooksey's Lifeguard and Swim Academy, LLC
    Average Salary: $49,048
    Cooksey's Lifeguard and Swim Academy, LLC provides lifeguards with a nurturing environment. They offer training and job placements at various pools and aquatic facilities. Lifeguards benefit from a supportive team and diverse work settings across the region.


  4. City of Palm Springs
    Average Salary: $48,940
    The City of Palm Springs is a great place for lifeguards to work. They offer competitive salaries and benefits, with lifeguards ensuring the safety of visitors at local pools and beaches. The city's warm climate and vibrant community make it an attractive place to live and work.


  5. City of Sunrise
    Average Salary: $48,294
    The City of Sunrise provides lifeguard positions that emphasize safety and community service. Lifeguards work in various parks and aquatic centers. The city offers a supportive work environment with opportunities for lifeguards to develop their skills and advance their careers.


  6. City of Bozeman
    Average Salary: $48,226
    The City of Bozeman offers lifeguard opportunities with a strong focus on outdoor activities. Lifeguards ensure safety at local swimming pools and lakes. The city's outdoor lifestyle and community spirit make it an appealing place to work, with chances for lifeguards to enjoy recreational activities outside of work.


  7. COLLIER, COUNTY OF
    Average Salary: $46,900
    Collier County offers lifeguard positions that ensure the safety of residents and visitors at its beaches and pools. Lifeguards in Collier County work in beautiful and vibrant locations, contributing to a safe aquatic environment while enjoying the county's outdoor attractions.


  8. YMCA of Greater Seattle
    Average Salary: $44,006
    The YMCA of Greater Seattle provides lifeguard opportunities that emphasize community wellness. Lifeguards work in various aquatic facilities and ensure a safe environment for swimmers. The YMCA offers a supportive and inclusive workplace, allowing lifeguards to make a positive impact on their community.


  9. YMCA of Silicon Valley
    Average Salary: $43,571
    The YMCA of Silicon Valley offers lifeguard positions that support a healthy and active lifestyle. Lifeguards ensure safety at community pools and aquatic centers. The YMCA provides a supportive environment for lifeguards to grow and develop their skills.


  10. Manatee County Government, Work That Matters
    Average Salary: $43,567
    Manatee County Government offers lifeguard positions that focus on public safety and community service. Lifeguards work at various beaches and pools, ensuring a safe environment for everyone. The county provides a supportive workplace where lifeguards can make a meaningful difference in the community.

How to earn more as a Lifeguard?

Becoming a lifeguard offers a rewarding career, both in terms of job satisfaction and potential earnings. As a professional, you can leverage several strategies to maximize your income in this field. These strategies focus on skill enhancement, additional certifications, and seeking out the right opportunities.

First, gaining additional certifications can lead to higher pay. Organizations like the American Red Cross offer advanced certifications that can distinguish you in the job market. These might include advanced life support courses or specialized training in water safety instruction. Second, experience matters. The more time you spend as a lifeguard, the more skilled you become. This experience can make you more valuable to employers, leading to higher salaries or promotions.

To further boost earnings, consider the following factors:

  • Seek Leadership Roles: Step into supervisory positions to earn more. Leading a team of lifeguards can lead to higher pay.
  • Expand Your Skills: Learn skills like CPR, first aid, and lifeguard management. These can make you more attractive to employers.
  • Work Seasonal or Peak Hours: Lifeguards often earn more during peak seasons. Consider working at busy pools or water parks during summer.
  • Explore Different Locations: Some places, like high-end resorts or busy public pools, pay more. Look for opportunities in these areas.
  • Gain Teaching Experience: Offer swimming lessons or water safety courses. This can provide a steady income stream.

Currently 1,209 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
Overview
Lifeguard
1,209 Job Openings