Position
Salary

How much does a Lifeguard make?

The average salary for a Lifeguard is $33,062 per year in the US.

Lifeguard is a rewarding job that combines physical activity with the important task of ensuring safety at water locations. The average yearly salary for a lifeguard is around $33,062. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of facility where the lifeguard works.

Lifeguards often start with a lower salary, but as they gain experience, they can earn more. The salary range for lifeguards can go from about $22,000 to $51,000 per year. Many factors affect these numbers, including the size of the pool or beach, the hours of operation, and the specific duties required.

View Lifeguard jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Lifeguard?

Lifeguards in San Francisco, CA, earn the highest average salary among the listed cities. This makes it a great place for those looking to maximize their earnings in this field. Other top-paying cities include Boston, MA, and Los Angeles, CA, offering competitive salaries for lifeguards.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Lifeguard jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $49,904 and Hartford, CT with the lowest at $41,524.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $49,904
    In San Francisco, lifeguards play a vital role in ensuring safety at the city's many beaches and pools. With a focus on water safety, lifeguards here often work for the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The diverse environment and active community make this a rewarding place to work.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $44,069
    Boston offers lifeguards a chance to work in a historic city with a strong emphasis on public safety. Lifeguards here often find employment with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The city's vibrant atmosphere and numerous water activities provide a dynamic work environment.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $43,928
    Los Angeles provides lifeguards with a variety of opportunities along its beautiful coastline. Many lifeguards work for the city's Department of Beaches and Harbors. The city's diverse beaches and warm climate make it an attractive place for those who enjoy outdoor work.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Lakeland, FL
    Average Salary: $43,697
    Lakeland, known as the 'City of Lakes,' offers lifeguards a chance to work in a serene and picturesque setting. Lifeguards here often work for local parks and recreation departments. The city's numerous lakes and outdoor activities create a peaceful yet engaging work environment.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Lakeland, FL


  5. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $42,781
    Santa Rosa provides lifeguards with a mix of urban and natural settings. Many lifeguards work for the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The city's beautiful parks and recreational facilities offer a balanced and enjoyable work experience.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  6. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $42,336
    In Phoenix, lifeguards work in a city with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities. Many lifeguards find employment with the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The city's numerous pools and water parks provide a dynamic and engaging work environment.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $42,245
    San Diego offers lifeguards a chance to work in one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the country. Lifeguards here often work for the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The city's pristine beaches and warm climate make it an ideal place for those who love the outdoors.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $42,029
    San Jose provides lifeguards with a mix of urban and natural settings. Many lifeguards work for the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The city's diverse recreational facilities and beautiful parks offer a balanced and enjoyable work experience.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in San Jose, CA


  9. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $41,833
    Seattle offers lifeguards a chance to work in a city with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities. Many lifeguards find employment with the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The city's beautiful lakes and recreational facilities provide a dynamic and engaging work environment.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Seattle, WA


  10. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $41,524
    Hartford provides lifeguards with a variety of opportunities along the Connecticut River. Many lifeguards work for the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The city's scenic river and recreational facilities offer a peaceful yet engaging work experience.
    Find Lifeguard jobs in Hartford, CT

What are the best companies a Lifeguard can work for?

The Bay Club Company offers the highest average salary for Lifeguard jobs at $54,861. This company provides a competitive pay package for those seeking a rewarding career in lifeguarding. The YMCA of San Francisco also offers a strong salary of $48,599, making it another top choice for job seekers in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Lifeguard jobs, highlighting The Bay Club Company with the highest at $54,861 and Manatee County Government with the lowest at $44,184.
  1. The Bay Club Company
    Average Salary: $54,861
    The Bay Club Company offers rewarding Lifeguard positions with competitive pay. They operate in several locations, including San Francisco, CA, and Miami, FL. They provide excellent training and career growth opportunities.


  2. YMCA of San Francisco
    Average Salary: $48,599
    YMCA of San Francisco provides Lifeguard jobs with a focus on community and safety. They operate in San Francisco, CA. Lifeguards here receive training and support to ensure the safety of swimmers.


  3. CITY OF SANTA MONICA
    Average Salary: $47,272
    The City of Santa Monica offers Lifeguard jobs with a strong emphasis on community service. They operate in Santa Monica, CA. Lifeguards here enjoy a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional development.


  4. Cooksey's Lifeguard and Swim
    Average Salary: $46,614
    Cooksey's Lifeguard and Swim provides Lifeguard positions with a focus on safety and customer service. They operate in several locations, including Miami, FL. They offer training and a chance to work in a dynamic environment.


  5. Broward County, Florida
    Average Salary: $45,532
    Broward County, Florida offers Lifeguard jobs with a focus on public safety. They operate in Broward County, FL. Lifeguards here receive training and support to ensure the safety of swimmers.


  6. NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
    Average Salary: $45,529
    The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation offers Lifeguard positions with a focus on public safety and recreation. They operate across New York State. Lifeguards here enjoy a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional development.


  7. City of Sunrise
    Average Salary: $45,112
    The City of Sunrise offers Lifeguard jobs with a focus on community and safety. They operate in Sunrise, FL. Lifeguards here receive training and support to ensure the safety of swimmers.


  8. City of Delray Beach, FL
    Average Salary: $44,990
    The City of Delray Beach, FL offers Lifeguard positions with a focus on public safety. They operate in Delray Beach, FL. Lifeguards here receive training and support to ensure the safety of swimmers.


  9. City of Bozeman
    Average Salary: $44,960
    The City of Bozeman offers Lifeguard jobs with a focus on community and safety. They operate in Bozeman, MT. Lifeguards here receive training and support to ensure the safety of swimmers.


  10. Manatee County Government
    Average Salary: $44,184
    Manatee County Government offers Lifeguard positions with a focus on public safety. They operate in Manatee County, FL. Lifeguards here receive training and support to ensure the safety of swimmers.

How to earn more as a Lifeguard?

Becoming a lifeguard is a rewarding career, but earning more requires dedication and the right strategies. To increase earnings, consider these key factors:

  • Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and Lifesaving. These skills make a lifeguard more valuable to employers.
  • Experience: Gain experience by working at different pools or beaches. More experience can lead to higher-paying positions.
  • Specialization: Specialize in areas like aquatics instruction or water safety. These skills can open up opportunities for higher pay.
  • Education: Pursue higher education in fields like emergency medical services or sports management. This can lead to better-paying positions.
  • Networking: Connect with other professionals in the field. Networking can lead to job opportunities that pay more.

By focusing on these factors, a lifeguard can enhance their skills and increase their earning potential. Each step taken towards professional development can lead to better pay and more job opportunities.

Currently 2,000 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
2,000 Job Openings