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Climbing Wall Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Livonia, MI

Parks & Rec - Level 6

Livonia, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $19.25/hr

Archery Range Coordinator, Building Supervisor I, Climbing Wall Coordinator, Fitness/Wellness Instructor, Garden Supervisor, Greenmead Tour Coordinator, Lead Swim Instructor, Pool Supervisor, and ...

YMCA

Martial Arts Instructor - Northwest Y

Wichita, KS · On-site

$29K - $39K/yr

Must be able to frequently perform the following physical activities at a certification-level required for climbing wall instructors; climb, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach with hands, sit, stand ...

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How much do climbing wall instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for climbing wall 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 challenges do climbing wall instructors face when teaching beginners, and how can they be addressed?

Climbing Wall Instructors often encounter challenges such as helping beginners overcome fear of heights, ensuring proper safety practices, and adapting instruction to various skill levels. Effective communication, patience, and the ability to create a supportive environment are key to addressing these challenges. Instructors typically use progressive teaching methods, clear demonstrations, and encouragement to help new climbers build confidence and develop essential skills safely.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a climbing wall instructor?

To thrive as a Climbing Wall Instructor, you need a strong understanding of climbing techniques, safety protocols, and typically a certification such as the Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) credential from reputable organizations. Familiarity with climbing wall equipment, harnesses, belay devices, and incident reporting systems is essential. Excellent communication, patience, and motivational skills help instructors effectively teach and support climbers of all levels. These skills ensure a safe, engaging, and educational experience for participants while minimizing risks and fostering a positive climbing environment.

What is the difference between Climbing Wall Instructor vs Rock Climbing Guide?

AspectClimbing Wall InstructorRock Climbing Guide
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Climbing Instructor CertificationCPR, First Aid, Wilderness or Climbing Guide Certifications
Work EnvironmentIndoor climbing gyms, recreation centersOutdoor climbing areas, crags, mountains
Employer & IndustryIndoor recreation facilities, gymsOutdoor adventure companies, guiding services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Climbing Wall Instructor and a Rock Climbing Guide lies in their work environment and scope. Climbing Wall Instructors typically work indoors at gyms, focusing on teaching climbing skills and safety. Rock Climbing Guides operate outdoors, leading clients on climbs in natural settings. Both roles require similar certifications, but Guides often need additional outdoor-specific training. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right position based on their skills and preferences.

What is a climbing wall instructor?

Climbing wall instructors are professionals who supervise and guide individuals or groups at indoor climbing facilities. They teach proper climbing techniques, ensure safety protocols are followed, and often lead introductory or advanced classes. Instructors are trained to assist climbers of all skill levels, monitor equipment usage, and respond to emergencies. Their role is crucial in creating a safe and supportive environment for recreational and learning activities at climbing gyms.
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Climbing Wall Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Climbing Wall Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,145 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Associate Director - University Recreation

Centers

Birmingham, AL • On-site

$65K/yr

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Overview
CENTERS, LLC is a professional management firm specializing in facility, operation, and program management for higher education. CENTERS' management approach is customized for each client yet retains our uniform quality. Our firm unites site staff with a centralized administrative team, each contributing to the firm's goals and client needs. The CENTERS team is innovative, entrepreneurial, trail-blazing, and ambitious for both CENTERS and our clients.
Commitment to the well-being, security, and future of our employees is a priority. View the comprehensive information about the competitive benefits package on our careers page then scroll down to CENTERS Benefits (click link to view).
Responsibilities
Job Summary
The Associate Director - University Recreation is a member of the department's senior leadership team and actively engages in department management, leadership, and visioning. The position is responsible for delivering programmatic outcomes to the client related to student life activation, student learning, and revenue generation through an effective recreation programming plan. The position supervises professional staff responsible for recreation programming and collaborates with campus units. This role also plays a key part in staff development, providing mentorship and direction to professional and student staff. At our University of Alabama - Birmingham client location the Associate Director will serve as the department leader in the director's absence and contributes to operational decisions for the facility.
This position will work on-site at our UAB location in the heart of this urban campus. University Recreation (URec) provides fitness, wellness, and recreational opportunities for the UAB community and beyond. The Campus Recreation Center gives UAB Students and URec members the opportunity to access a large aquatic center, fitness center, studio space, indoor 36-foot-high climbing wall, four gym courts, multipurpose gym, four racquetball courts, squash court, and indoor track.
Essential Functions
  • Provide strategic oversight of all program areas, including fitness, intramural sports, club sports, aquatics, and youth programs.
  • Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive program strategy focused on participation growth, engagement, and program quality.
  • Ensure program success, manage risk and lead policy and procedure development.
  • Assist in the development, forecast, and management of annual budget. Set financial targets for areas of responsibility.
  • Foster and maintain relationships with clients and stakeholders. Immerse themselves and the operation into the client community.
  • Contribute to the annual operating business plan to deliver client objectives and CENTERS standards. Develop an annual comprehensive program plan that includes programs, finances, and participation targets.
    Manage budget, strategic planning, and assessment for areas of responsibility. Set financial targets.
  • Prepares and delivers required and requested reports and data to the client and CENTERS central office.
  • Direct assessment initiatives, including data collection, analysis, and reporting on participation, satisfaction and program outcomes.
  • Utilize data and trends to inform decisions, improve programs, and communicate impact to campus stakeholders.
  • Adjudicate participation violations of program policies.
  • Assist with additional areas of program delivery dependent on individual competency and program needs.

Staff Supervision
  • Supervise and support program area professional staff, ensuring alignment, accountability, and consistent execution across all areas.
  • Select, train, manage, develop, and evaluate staff.
  • Plan department staffing levels in conjunction with Human Resources.
  • Act as a backup in the management of department-wide bi-weekly payroll.

Site-Specific Responsibilities
  • Assist with purchasing capital items including fitness equipment.
  • Lead department's involvement with all of UAB's Health Promoting University initiatives.

Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum 5+ years of progressive professional experience working in recreation programs.
  • Knowledge of standard practices in recreational sports. Preferred instructional/operational certifications: Climbing Wall Instructor, Certified Pool Operator, CPR-AED Instructor.
  • Demonstrated experience developing/managing comprehensive risk management and emergency response action plans.
  • Supervision and leadership experience.

Skills and Abilities
  • Familiarity with recreation/membership software. Strong computer skills.
  • Ability to navigate, collaborate, and work alongside other university departments.
  • Entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm.
  • Ability to motivate and lead employees and hold them accountable.
  • Proven track record of developing and maintaining strong, lasting relationships with relevant stakeholders.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
Work Environment
  • Office environment/fitness center environment
  • Moderate to loud noise
  • Occasional evening or weekend work
  • Non-smoking environment

Physical Demands
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 60% of the day.
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment.
  • Must be able to traverse throughout the facility and campus. Regularly ascending/descending building levels and occasionally ladders or stools.
  • Must be able to lift, move, and set up items weighing as much as 30 lbs.
  • Must be able to discuss, converse with, and exchange accurate information with arena patrons, staff, stakeholders, etc.

Travel Required
  • Local, regional, and national travel as required.

Apply