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Climbing Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STEAM instructors need to be highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals that can engage well with elementary through high school students. Instructors will teach and demonstrate various workstations.

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Climbing Instructor information

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How much do climbing instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for climbing instructor in the United States is $21.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 17 too late to start climbing?

Climbing instructors can start training and gaining experience at 17, and many begin their careers in their late teens or early twenties. Age is less important than skill development, certifications, and safety knowledge, which can be acquired at any age with dedication.

Is rock climbing good for dyspraxia?

Climbing instructors often work with individuals with dyspraxia, and rock climbing can help improve coordination, motor planning, and confidence. The controlled environment and focus on movement make it a beneficial activity, especially when tailored with appropriate support and instruction.

What are some common challenges faced by Climbing Instructors when teaching beginners, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge Climbing Instructors encounter is helping beginners overcome fear of heights and build confidence on the wall. Instructors often address this by introducing basic safety procedures, using gradual progression in difficulty, and fostering a supportive environment. Communication is key, as instructors must clearly explain techniques while offering encouragement and reassurance. Patience and adaptability are essential, since each climber learns at their own pace. Regularly checking equipment and maintaining safety standards is also crucial to building trust with new climbers.

How do you become a rock climbing instructor?

To become a rock climbing instructor, you typically need to obtain relevant certifications such as the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Single Pitch Instructor or Certified Climbing Instructor (CCI) from the Professional Climbing Instructors Association (PCIA). Additionally, gaining experience in climbing, first aid certification, and strong communication skills are important for teaching and ensuring safety in climbing environments.

What are climbing instructors?

Climbing instructors are trained professionals who teach people how to climb safely, whether indoors at climbing gyms or outdoors on natural rock formations. They provide instruction on climbing techniques, equipment use, safety protocols, and belaying. Instructors often tailor their guidance to suit different skill levels, from beginners to advanced climbers. They may also hold certifications from recognized climbing organizations to ensure they meet industry safety and teaching standards.

How much does a climbing instructor earn?

Climbing instructors typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and certification level. Full-time positions may offer annual salaries ranging from $30,000 to $50,000, often supplemented by tips and bonuses, especially in outdoor or recreational settings.

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

To thrive as a Climbing Instructor, you need technical climbing skills, knowledge of safety protocols, and relevant certifications such as those from the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) or similar organizations. Familiarity with climbing equipment, belay devices, and safety systems is essential, along with first aid or wilderness medicine certification. Effective communication, patience, and the ability to motivate and reassure clients are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are important to ensure client safety, promote learning, and create a positive and supportive environment for climbers of all abilities.
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Youth Climbing Instructor- Arlington Heights

Youth Climbing Instructor- Arlington Heights

First Ascent LLC

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

ABOUT FIRST ASCENT CLIMBING & FITNESS:

FA is focused on growing a vibrant community that shares a passion for climbing and fitness. For more information, please visit www.faclimbing.com, or facebook.com/faclimbing.

Our mission at First Ascent Climbing and Fitness is to share our love of climbing, connect people through movement, and create welcoming, supportive spaces that strengthen minds, bodies, and communities. We offer indoor rock climbing, high-end fitness equipment, classes, personal training, and yoga at each of our locations. FA Climbing & Fitness is a growing company, and we are looking for people that will help us continually get better at what we do as we discover how to best serve our members and visitors. We will look to you to help us be creative, think outside the box, evaluate what works and what does not, and implement changes effectively—and have a blast in the process.

OVERVIEW

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is seeking a friendly, caring, and fun youth climbing instructor. First Ascent has a robust and ever expanding youth program that includes 4-week youth rec classes or 8-week youth rec classes (ages 6-14), youth camps and a strong competitive youth team program.
Between our changing 4-week or 8-week session offerings (classes are often added throughout the year), our youth camps and group events, we are always looking to add quality youth instructors that will help us grow and develop our world class youth program.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Independently run 1 to 1.5 hour classes with 4-6 students (depending on age).

  • Implement a structured curriculum, but also be creative and flexible when necessary to maintain maximum student engagement at all times, and adapt to individual student needs.

  • Communicate with parents regarding their child’s progress.

  • Coordinate and communicate with our Youth Rec Director on a regular basis.

  • Contribute ideas for new teaching exercises or games.

  • Opportunity to work private lessons and group events that pay a premium rate

REQUIREMENTS AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

  • Applicants must have availability during the 5pm-7pm time-slot on weekdays, and/or 1am-6pm timeslot on weekends.

  • The ideal applicant will have previous experience teaching rock climbing to children.

  • 1 year or more of experience working with children, preferably in sports, is strongly preferred.

  • 1 year or more of personal climbing experience is preferred, but not required.

  • High level of energy to match the energy of kids who are always “climbing the walls!”

  • Be safety focused and vigilant.

  • Possess good communication skills with both children and adults.

  • Be dependable and timely.

  • Upstanding reputation in the climbing community.

PERKS & BENEFITS:

  • Part time, hourly role with competitive compensation

  • Free membership to all First Ascent locations

  • Access to pro-deals

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • Predominantly in a climate controlled indoor environment

  • Noise level ranges from moderate to loud

  • Employee must be able to concentrate through distraction and communicate effectively

EEO STATEMENT:

FA Climbing and Fitness is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. FA does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, military status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. FA prohibits harassment of any individual on any of the protected characteristics listed above.