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Lifeguard Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Lifeguard-In Training

Forest Lake, MN

$16.50/hr

A typical shift is about 3 to 4 hours long The salary for this position starts at $13.92 hourly (in-training rate. Once certified, team member transitions to Lifeguard salary of $16.50 hourly). We ...

New

City of Palm Springs

Lifeguard

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are made at the range ... Six (6) months of lifeguard/aquatic experience is preferred; and/or possession of a current ...

Gilroy Gardens Inc

Aquatics Lifeguard

Gilroy, CA · On-site

$17/hr

Aquatics Lifeguard Salary Range $17.00 - $17.00 Hourly Description Our Aquatics team is looking for dynamic individuals who will diligently monitor our Water Oasis play areas and perform all duties ...

City of Tracy

Lifeguard

Tracy, CA · On-site

$17.02 - $20.69/hr

Lifeguard Print ( Apply  Lifeguard Salary $17.02 - $20.69 Hourly Location 333 Civic Center Plaza, Tracy, CA Job Type Part Time Department Parks & Recreation Opening Date 02/13/2026 FLSA Non-Exempt ...

ymcametrowash

YMCA Reston - F/T Lifeguard

Reston, VA

$15.20/hr

Position: Full Time Lifeguard Salary: $15.20 per hour The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a leading nonprofit organization that has a strong commitment to nurturing the potential of kids ...

City of Pittsburgh

Lifeguard

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$18 - $20.76/hr

Lifeguard Print ( Apply  Lifeguard Salary See Position Description Location Pittsburgh, PA Job Type CS Exempt, Part Time - Temporary Job Number 26-LG1A-01 Department Parks & Recreation Opening ...

Indy Gov

Krannert Year Round Lifeguard

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$16.62/hr

Krannert Year Round Lifeguard Print ( Apply  Krannert Year Round Lifeguard Salary $16.62 Hourly Location Krannert Park, IN Job Type Part-time Limited Benefits Job Number 09873 Department DPR ...

City of Las Cruces, NM

Lifeguard

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$17.40/hr

Lifeguard Print ( Apply  Lifeguard Salary $17.40 Hourly Location 700 N. Main St., Las Cruces, NM Job Type Contract Job Number N014 05-26 DM Department Parks and Recreation Opening Date 05/21/2026 ...

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Lifeguard Salary information

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How much do lifeguard salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for lifeguard salary in the United States is $24.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there demand for lifeguards?

There is consistent demand for lifeguards, especially during the summer season and in areas with public pools, beaches, and water parks. Employers often seek certified lifeguards with CPR and first aid training, and job availability can vary based on location and seasonality.

How much do lifeguards make in NY per hour?

Lifeguards in New York typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. Higher wages are often available for those with advanced certifications or additional responsibilities.

What is the difference between Lifeguard Salary vs Swim Instructor Salary?

AspectLifeguard SalarySwim Instructor Salary
Required CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Swim Instructor Certification
Work EnvironmentPublic pools, beaches, water parksSwim schools, community centers, private lessons
Employer & IndustryRecreation, hospitality, public safetyEducation, fitness, recreation

Both lifeguards and swim instructors require CPR and First Aid certifications and work in aquatic environments. Lifeguards focus on safety and rescue at pools and beaches, while swim instructors teach swimming skills. Salary differences depend on experience, location, and employer, but both roles are essential in aquatic safety and education.

What is the average salary of a lifeguard?

The average salary of a lifeguard in the United States typically ranges from $11 to $16 per hour, depending on location, employer, and experience. Full-time lifeguards can expect annual earnings between $22,000 and $33,000, while part-time or seasonal lifeguards may earn less. Wages may be higher in metropolitan areas or for those with additional certifications and responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Lifeguard, you need strong swimming ability, knowledge of water safety, and current certification in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding. Familiarity with rescue equipment, emergency response protocols, and pool management systems is essential. Excellent observation, quick decision-making, and clear communication skills help lifeguards excel in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of swimmers and responding effectively to emergencies.

How much do lifeguards make?

Lifeguard salaries vary depending on experience, location, and employer, but the average hourly wage in the United States is around $12 to $15. Full-time lifeguards with certifications such as CPR and first aid may earn higher wages, and seasonal positions often pay more per hour due to the temporary nature of the work.

What are some common challenges lifeguards face on the job and how can they be managed?

Lifeguards often face challenges such as maintaining constant vigilance during long shifts, responding quickly to emergencies, handling difficult or non-compliant patrons, and working outdoors in various weather conditions. These challenges can be managed by taking regular breaks as allowed, staying hydrated, participating in ongoing training and drills, and communicating effectively with both team members and facility management. Building strong teamwork and practicing stress-management techniques also help lifeguards remain alert and effective throughout their shifts.
More about Lifeguard Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Lifeguard Salary jobs? Cities with the most Lifeguard Salary job openings:
What states have the most Lifeguard Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Lifeguard Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lifeguard Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lifeguard Salary jobs are:
Lifeguard Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lifeguard Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,458 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Lifeguard-In Training

YMCA

Forest Lake, MN

$16.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,987 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

571st of 771 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Lifeguard In-Training | Forest Lake YMCA | Opener + Week days | Paid Trainings

At a glance:

We are seeking Lifeguards - In Training, age 15+. Paid training + Lifeguard certification! Flexible schedule, free Y membership and more with this fun role at the Y!

Must be an experienced swimmer with the ability to pass a swim skills assessment. We are looking for someone who can work mornings and during the day on weekdays. Openers would start at 4:40am, weekday shifts run until 3:00. A typical shift is about 3 to 4 hours long.

Schedule:

    • Mornings - Opener start 4:40 am (3-4 hour shifts)
    • During the day on weekdays - weekday shifts run until 3:00
    • A typical shift is about 3 to 4 hours long


The salary for this position starts at $13.92 hourly (in-training rate. Once certified, team member transitions to Lifeguard salary of $16.50 hourly). We take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.

1. Job Summary:

This Lifeguard (In Training) will shadow certified lifeguards while working to obtain required certification up to but no longer than 90 days of hire date. The incumbent will provide excellent customer service in a safe, enjoyable, and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and satisfaction in accordance with the YMCA policies and procedures.

2. Essential Functions:

  • Shadow and assist lifeguards and learn programming and emergency procedures.
  • Know, understand, and consistently communicate policies and procedures for the pool, body of water and whirlpool.

3. Relationships:

This position reports to the Aquatics Director/Aquatics Supervisor who reports to Senior Aquatics Management. The incumbent interacts regularly with their supervisor, staff, volunteers, and participants.

4. Qualifications:

Required

  • Minimum age of 15.
  • Certification required within 90 days of hire.
  • Patience and the ability to communicate with all ages and levels of swimmers.
  • Demonstrated ability to swim in shallow and deep water, and tread water (Stage 5 level swimming skill) or physically able to perform all skills required for a lifeguard.
  • Dedicated to member safety and the mission and philosophy of the YMCA

5. Work Conditions:

  • Must remain in the pool area at all times.
  • Ability to support child or adult body weight in the water.
  • Must be able to remain alert with no lapses of consciousness in a warm environment with air temperatures of 80 degrees or higher.
  • Demonstrated ability to recognize and remedy hazardous/dangerous situations.
  • Ability to recognize and react calmly and effectively in hazardous/dangerous situations.
  • Communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations.
  • Perform all physical aspects of the position, including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds at a time in a warm pool environment.

6. Additional Notes:

This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from branch representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the branch or Association's success.

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