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Lifeguards Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lifeguard II

Oakland, CA · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Be part of the founding lifeguard team at Piedmont's stunning new community pool - a brand-new, year-round facility in a beautiful setting, with expansive water area and programs for every kind of ...

Lifeguard

Palm Springs, CA

$21.96 - $28.12/hr

One (1) year of lifeguard/aquatic experience is required; and a YMCA or Ellis and Associates International Lifeguard Training Program Certificate, and the ability to obtain American Red Cross ...

Senior Lifeguard (Part-time)

Malibu, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Ensures adherence of proper safety precautions to lifeguards and pool patrons; keeps close watch on swimmers, bathers, and others using a swimming facility. Interprets, explains, and enforces City ...

Senior Ocean Lifeguard

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Senior Ocean Lifeguards may be required to work extended hours and days to meet operational needs of the City. Examples of Important & Essential Duties (included but not limited to) Essential Duties ...

Senior Ocean Lifeguard

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Senior Ocean Lifeguards may be required to work extended hours and days to meet operational needs of the City. Essential Duties: * Assists in planning, organizing, implementing, and controlling day ...

Senior Lifeguard (Part-time)

Malibu, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Ensures adherence of proper safety precautions to lifeguards and pool patrons; keeps close watch on swimmers, bathers, and others using a swimming facility. * Interprets, explains, and enforces City ...

Pool Lifeguard

Morro Bay, CA · On-site

$18.63 - $19.57/hr

We are now taking applications for Pool Lifeguards for the City of Morro Bay! Want to spend your days by the pool, and positively impact your community? Look no further! The City of Morro Bay is ...

Lifeguard

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Lifeguards must also be able to perform CPR, First Aid, and other rescue procedures, which may involve moderate physical exertion. Work Environment Work is performed in and around the hotel pool area ...

Lead Lifeguard

Modesto, CA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Supervise aquatic staff, including instructors and lifeguards as assigned * Hands on lifeguarding and assisting other aquatic instructional programs as assigned * Supervise swim instructors and ...

Lifeguard

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Lifeguards must also be able to perform CPR, First Aid, and other rescue procedures, which may involve moderate physical exertion. Work Environment Work is performed in and around the hotel pool area ...

Pool Lifeguard

Morro Bay, CA

$18.63 - $19.57/hr

We are now taking applications Pool Lifeguards for the City of Morro Bay! Want to spend your days by the pool, and positively impact your community? Look no further! The City of Morro Bay is hiring ...

Lead Lifeguard

Modesto, CA · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

Supervise aquatic staff, including instructors and lifeguards as assigned * Hands on lifeguarding and assisting other aquatic instructional programs as assigned * Supervise swim instructors and ...

Lifeguard

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$18.89 - $22.96/hr

Lifeguard work is performed under the general supervision of a Recreation Specialist I or above. Incumbents in this class are primarily responsible for performing lifeguard duties and teaching swim ...

Showing results 41-60

Lifeguards information

See California salary details

$6

$15

$23

How much do lifeguards jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lifeguards in California is $15.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to be a lifeguard?

Lifeguards typically need to be at least 15 or 16 years old, hold a valid lifeguard certification such as CPR, first aid, and water rescue, and demonstrate strong swimming skills. Some employers may require a minimum number of hours of training or experience in water safety and rescue techniques.

How much do lifeguards make per hour?

Lifeguards typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and certification level. Higher wages are often available at private pools or resorts, and certifications like CPR and first aid can influence pay rates.

Where do lifeguards get paid the most?

Lifeguards tend to earn the highest wages in regions with a high cost of living and strong tourism industries, such as popular beach destinations and resort areas. Factors like experience, certifications, and the type of facility also influence pay rates, with private clubs and luxury resorts often offering higher wages than public pools or community centers.

What is the difference between Lifeguards vs Swim Instructors?

AspectLifeguardsSwim Instructors
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Swim Instructor Certification
Work EnvironmentPools, beaches, water parksPools, swim schools, community centers
Primary RoleEnsure safety, prevent drowning, respond to emergenciesTeach swimming skills, improve water safety

While both lifeguards and swim instructors work in aquatic environments and require CPR and First Aid certifications, lifeguards focus on safety and emergency response, whereas swim instructors concentrate on teaching swimming techniques. Their roles often overlap but serve different primary purposes within water safety and education.

What cities in California are hiring for Lifeguards jobs? Cities in California with the most Lifeguards job openings:
Infographic showing various Lifeguards job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,950 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Lifeguard II

City of Piedmont

Oakland, CA • On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Be part of the founding lifeguard team at Piedmont's stunning new community pool – a brand-new, year-round facility in a beautiful setting, with expansive water area and programs for every kind of swimmer.Lifeguard II is a great fit if you've logged 250+ hours guarding and are ready to mentor newer guards, open/close, and help lead shifts.STARTING PAY: $21/hour (earning up to $26/hour with annual raises) SCHEDULES: Flexible schedules of 5-15 hours/week (up to 20)What you'll do:All duties of Lifeguard I: Monitor swimmers, enforce safety rules, respond to emergenciesMentor and support newer lifeguardsRespond to patron questions and concerns, assist with opening and closing, and support special eventsHelp ensure smooth operations during busy programs and activitiesRequirements:High School diploma/GED or 250+ hours of lifeguarding experienceCurrent American Red Cross Lifeguard certification (CPR/First Aid/AED)Title 22 (First Aid for Public Safety Personnel) within 6 months of hireFor additional information, please download the complete job description.