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Belay Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provide climbing and belay test-outs to Climb customers with a strict adherence to Climbs policies ... AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor certification (SPI Certification preferred) * Wilderness First Aid ...

Provide climbing and belay test-outs to Climb customers with a strict adherence to Climbs policies ... AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor certification (SPI Certification preferred) * Wilderness First Aid ...

Hospitality Staff - Block 37

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$16.60 - $19/hr

Adult Instructor: Lead group classes on climbing and/or belay technique. * Youth Instructor: Independently run 1 to 1.5 hour classes with 4-6 students (depending on age) in 8 week cycles. * Guide:

Climbing Gym Instructor Department: Fitness/CRE Reports to: Site Director Job Type: Non-Exempt Arch ... Provides instruction to new climbers, including shoe fitting, harness use, auto belay operation ...

Hospitality Staff - Peoria

Peoria, IL ยท On-site

$12.25 - $16.75/hr

Adult Instructor: Lead group classes on climbing and/or belay technique. * Youth Instructor: Independently run 1 to 1.5 hour classes with 4-6 students (depending on age) in 8 week cycles. * Guide:

Complete and pass an in-branch training by Climbing Wall Instructor, First Aid and Initial and ... Verifying those who belay at Climbing Wall are YMCA belay certified and wearing their YMCA belay ...

Complete and pass an in-branch training by Climbing Wall Instructor, First Aid and Initial and ... Verifying those who belay at Climbing Wall are YMCA belay certified and wearing their YMCA belay ...

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Belay Instructor information

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How much do belay instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for belay instructor in the United States is $23.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Belay Instructors face when working with new climbers, and how can they address them?

Belay Instructors often encounter new climbers who are nervous or unsure about safety procedures. A key challenge is building trust and clear communication so that participants feel comfortable and confident. Instructors must be patient and attentive, offering thorough demonstrations and hands-on guidance while adapting their teaching style to various learning speeds. Addressing these challenges effectively requires strong interpersonal skills, a focus on safety, and the ability to foster a supportive environment for all skill levels.

What is the difference between Belay Instructor vs Climbing Gym Staff?

AspectBelay InstructorClimbing Gym Staff
Required CertificationsBelay Certification, CPR/First AidBasic Gym Operations, Safety Training
Work EnvironmentIndoor climbing gyms, teaching and supervising climbersIndoor climbing gyms, assisting customers and maintaining safety
Employer & Industry UsageClimbing gyms, outdoor adventure centersClimbing gyms, recreation centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Belay Instructors specialize in teaching climbers how to belay safely and hold certifications like belay and CPR. Climbing Gym Staff support overall gym operations, assist climbers, and ensure safety but may not have specific belay instruction certifications. While both roles work indoors in climbing environments, Belay Instructors focus on teaching skills, whereas Gym Staff handle customer service and safety support.

What are Belay Instructors?

Belay Instructors are trained professionals responsible for supervising and assisting climbers in using belay systems safely, typically at climbing gyms or outdoor climbing areas. They teach climbers proper belaying techniques, ensure that safety protocols are followed, and often check harnesses, knots, and equipment before climbs. Their role is crucial in preventing accidents by managing the rope systems that protect climbers from falls. Additionally, Belay Instructors may lead instructional courses and assess climbers' readiness to belay independently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Belay Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Belay Instructor, you need comprehensive knowledge of climbing safety, belaying techniques, and first aid, often supported by certifications like CPR/First Aid and climbing instructor credentials. Familiarity with equipment such as harnesses, belay devices, ropes, and safety systems is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership skills help build trust with climbers and effectively teach proper techniques. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the safety and confidence of participants while fostering a positive climbing environment.
More about Belay Instructor jobs
Infographic showing various Belay Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Full Time, and 86% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,145 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) Climbing Instructor

Eastern Oregon University

La Grande, OR โ€ข On-site

$16.06 - $21.20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) Climbing Instructor
Full or Part Time
Part Time
FTE
.49 FTE
Position Type
Regular
Posting Number
20110508C&A
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
The climbing instructor assists the Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) Director in accomplishing programmatic goals and objectives in accordance with the University's established core themes and set forth in the University's strategic plan. The staff member works to promote alignment of the OAP mission with the University's mission to ensure student learning with high-quality programs that foster lifelong success. The staff member assists the OAP Director in ensuring campus recreation programming meets or exceeds the established goals and objectives of the Division of Student Affairs' annual plan and key performance indicators (KPI's).
The Outdoor Adventure Program mission is committed to the process of creating and facilitating exceptional recreation and educational experiences to foster both student and community physical, mental, and emotional development. To that end, the OAP provides outdoor equipment rentals, instructional courses, clinics in a wide range of outdoor activities, guided trips, an indoor climbing facility, and an extensive resource library to all EOU students and community members. The program is dedicated to community outreach, engaging school groups from rural, disadvantaged areas, as well as international cohorts. The OAP strives to inspire future generations of outdoor stewards by providing low-cost, extensive, and inclusive recreational opportunities.
The climbing instructor for the duration of work shift will be exposed to, and be expected to perform, duties inherent to an indoor climbing wall facility. Such work requires the ability to demonstrate advanced climbing techniques. This typically involves the stamina to exercise vigorously, as well as continuous walking, climbing, jumping, and bending. Work involves being suspended to heights of 35 feet. This position requires repetitive foot, arm, shoulder, hand, and back movements while performing instruction. The climbing instructor must adhere to all safety procedures and protocols set forth by the university and designated industry best practices.
This position will work variable hours and there is no guarantee of hours.
Responsibilities
  • Route set and change out climbing holds.
  • Create a variety of boulder and wall problems for climbers of different experience levels.
  • Be comfortable working on ladders with tools at heights of up to 35'.
  • Support and be involved with competitions and events.
  • Conduct belay certification and climbing clinics
  • Solid working knowledge of climbing equipment and their proper and safe use: belay devices, harnesses, knots etc.
  • Introduce risk management best practices to clients at the start of their session.
  • Clinics focus on developing solid and safe belay skills and developing sound lead sport climbing skills in both small and large group settings.
  • Belay for large group events (Church groups, school classes, birthday parties, etc).
  • Ensure visitor compliance with risk management protocols and safety procedures.
  • Maintain climbing wall equipment and gear.
  • Maintain climbing walls, including t-nut replacement, re-painting, and general repairs.
  • Assist with wall stripping, washing, and sorting holds when necessary.
  • Manage payments and memberships.
  • Able to operate a Point-of-Sale (POS) payment system.
  • Handle cash transactions in-person, over the phone, and through online payment system.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Three (3) years of extensive experience in all relevant facets of rock climbing (indoor, outdoor, bouldering, sport, traditional).
  • Must be able to easily climb indoor routes of at least 5.10 grade rating.
  • Solid working knowledge of climbing equipment: belay devices, harnesses, knots, etc.
  • CPR/First Aid certifications must be achieved before start of employment or have current certifications.
  • Demonstrate a high level of rock climbing knowledge and skill proficiency. This includes being able to lead sport climb 5.10 grade routes and has, at minimum, two years of indoor and outdoor climbing experience including bouldering, sport, and traditional.
  • Demonstrate ability to conduct belay certification exams for clients according to a checklist of protocols established by the OAP to ensure all systems and techniques are safe, redundant, and adhered to.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of Google products (Sheets, Drive, etc) and Microsoft Office suite including Word and Excel.
  • Must have experience working with hand-held power tools (Impact driver, angle grinder, etc).

  • Must satisfactorily complete EOU criminal and credential background check. Having a criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment.
  • In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Eastern Oregon University will not sponsor applicants for employment visas.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Degree from a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation or an internationally recognized accrediting organization.
  • Ability to breakdown, teach, and critique climbing techniques to climbers of all abilities.
  • Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) Certification.
  • Have experience route-setting in an indoor climbing gym.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicant must provide:
1) Letter of application (which should include why this position is attractive to the applicant, how it meets the applicant's professional goals, and what attracts the applicant to EOU);
2) Resume/Curriculum vitae;
3) Submit names, emails, and phone numbers for at least three references in the reference section of the application.
Candidates are encouraged to review the values and principles of Eastern Oregon University.
Only complete files of qualified applicants will be reviewed.
Eastern Oregon University - Oregon's Rural University! - is a respected public, higher education institution of academic excellence. Brilliant faculty and staff thrive and together fulfill their career ambitions to serve students from all walks of life.
EOU is a beautiful, quaint campus nestled in a remarkably scenic, high elevation valley populated by wonderful, community-minded citizens that have balanced work-life flexibility. Take a virtual tour of Eastern Oregon University.
Eastern Oregon University is an EEO Employer and welcomes applications from women, members of historically underrepresented minority groups, US Veterans, and persons with disabilities. EOU is committed to providing equal opportunity in its recruitment, admissions, educational programs, activities and employment without illegal discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any status as protected by state or federal law.
Salary
$16.06 - $21.20 hourly DOE
Posting Detail Information
Open Date
08/07/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Day of Application Review
Quick Link to Posting
https://eou.peopleadmin.com/postings/2585