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Red Cross Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Gold's Gym Washington

Lifeguard Swim Instructor

Camas, WA · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Lifeguard/Swim Instructor The Lifeguard/Swim Instructor is responsible for providing a safe and ... The ideal candidates will possess American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR for the Professional Rescuer ...

Gold's Gym

Lifeguard / Swim Instructor

Camas, WA · On-site

$17.13 - $22/hr

Lifeguard/Swim Instructor The Lifeguard/Swim Instructor is responsible for providing a safe and ... The ideal candidates will possess American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR for the Professional Rescuer ...

Gold's Gym

Lifeguard / Swim Instructor

Camas, WA · On-site

$17.13 - $22/hr

Lifeguard/Swim Instructor The Lifeguard/Swim Instructor is responsible for providing a safe and ... The ideal candidates will possess American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR for the Professional Rescuer ...

BETHANY ATHLETIC CLUB LLC

Swim Instructor

Portland, OR · On-site

Our Swim Instructors provide a fun, relaxing, and welcoming pool experience, while ensuring a safe ... Lifeguarding certification from Red Cross * WSI Certification Required * This position requires ...

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All JobsRed Cross Instructor JobsRed Cross Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR

Red Cross Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$35.5K

$63.2K

$126.2K

How much do red cross instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for red cross instructor in Portland, OR is $63,173.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,700.00 and $68,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do CPR instructors make per class?

CPR instructors typically earn between $20 and $50 per class, depending on factors such as location, experience, and the organization they work for. Pay may also vary based on whether they are independent contractors or employed by a training provider, and classes usually last about 2-4 hours. Instructors often need certification in CPR and first aid, and some organizations offer additional pay for advanced certifications or group training sessions.

Is a CPR instructor a good side hustle?

A CPR instructor role can be a good side hustle for individuals with certification in CPR and first aid, as it often offers flexible scheduling and the opportunity to teach classes on evenings or weekends. It provides a way to earn extra income while helping others develop life-saving skills, though income varies based on location, experience, and the number of classes taught.

How do I become a Red Cross instructor?

To become a Red Cross instructor, you must complete a prerequisite course in the relevant discipline, such as CPR or first aid, and then attend a Red Cross instructor training course. Successful completion of the training and passing any required assessments qualify you to teach Red Cross courses independently.

What is the difference between Red Cross Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectRed Cross InstructorLifeguard
Required CertificationsRed Cross First Aid, CPR, AED Instructor certificationsLifeguard certification, CPR, AED
Work EnvironmentClassroom, training facilities, community centersPool, beach, aquatic facilities
Employer & Industry UsageRed Cross, community organizations, training providersPublic pools, beaches, water parks

Red Cross Instructors focus on teaching first aid, CPR, and AED skills, often working in classroom settings. Lifeguards primarily supervise aquatic environments to ensure safety. While both roles require CPR and first aid certifications, Instructors specialize in training others, whereas Lifeguards focus on direct water safety and rescue. They often work together in aquatic safety programs but serve different functions within the industry.

What are Red Cross Instructors?

Red Cross Instructors are certified professionals who teach lifesaving skills such as first aid, CPR, AED use, water safety, and disaster preparedness to individuals and groups. They are trained by the American Red Cross or affiliated organizations to deliver standardized courses and ensure participants gain the knowledge and confidence needed to respond to emergencies. Instructors are responsible for leading classes, demonstrating techniques, evaluating student performance, and maintaining certification through ongoing training.

How much do you get paid working for the Red Cross?

Red Cross instructors typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on location, experience, and certification level. Pay rates may vary for different training programs and whether the instructor is part-time or full-time.

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

To thrive as a Red Cross Instructor, you need expertise in first aid, CPR, and emergency response, typically backed by certification as a Red Cross Instructor. Familiarity with instructional materials, audiovisual equipment, and online learning platforms is commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and organizational skills help instructors effectively teach diverse groups and adapt to various learning styles. These skills ensure participants gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to respond effectively in emergency situations.

What are some common challenges Red Cross Instructors face when teaching classes, and how can they be addressed?

Red Cross Instructors often encounter students with varying skill levels and learning styles, which can make it challenging to ensure everyone grasps essential lifesaving techniques. Managing larger class sizes and keeping participants engaged during hands-on activities is also common. To address these challenges, instructors are encouraged to use interactive teaching methods, provide individualized feedback, and create a supportive learning environment. Collaboration with co-instructors and ongoing professional development can further help instructors adapt and improve their teaching strategies.
What are popular job titles related to Red Cross Instructor jobs in Portland, OR? For Red Cross Instructor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Red Cross Instructor jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Red Cross Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:
Red Cross Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Red Cross Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 28% Full Time, 63% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,173 per year, or $30.4 per hour.
Private Swim Lesson Instructor - Aquatics (Part-Time)

Private Swim Lesson Instructor - Aquatics (Part-Time)

Mt. Hood Community College

Gresham, OR • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 6 hours ago

Job description

Salary: $20.00 - $24.00 Hourly
Location : Gresham Campus, OR
Job Type: Part-time Hourly
Job Number: 2025-00091
Division: Instruction
Department: HPE, Athletics, Aquatics, and Recreation
Opening Date: 04/15/2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities/Duties
Job Summary
Conducts private and semi-private swim lessons for ages eight months to adults and ensures participant safety in, on, and around the water during lessons. Completes reports and required record keeping. Promotes and cultivates an environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and engages in evidence-based decision-making, while supporting the mission, goals, and values of the department and college.
Essential Functions
  1. Conducts private and semi-private swim lessons in accordance with American Red Cross and program guidelines.
  2. Collaborates with the coordinator and participants or caregivers, as applicable, to create individualized lessons and plans for each student assigned. Follows up to ensure plans remains effective.
  3. Ensures safety of participants during class time.
  4. Provides general assistance to and respectfully engages with participants, staff, and general public.
  5. Assists other instructors as necessary.
  6. Provides positive motivational and corrective feedback to participants.
  7. Attends required in-service trainings for both lifeguards and instructors.

Additional Duties
  1. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Must be at least 17 years of age.
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate at a level sufficient to perform the functions of the position.
  • Six (6) months of experience teaching swim lessons .
  • Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification .
  • Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire AND ability to demonstrate four of the six strokes taught in the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim progression.
  • Commitment to embracing and advancing access and diversity .
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience teaching swim lessons to patrons of all ages and all levels, from water adjustment to pre-competitive swimming, in a recreational program setting.
  • Ability to demonstrate all six strokes taught in the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim progression.
  • Experience and/or training in adaptive swim lessons, or experience teaching in an adaptive learning environment in the classroom, day care, preschool or in physical education.
  • Experience as an aquatic athlete.

Additional Qualifications and/or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
  • Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with participants, parents, staff and supervisor(s).
  • Ability to react quickly and effectively in emergencies and activate the facility's Emergency Action Plan.
  • Knowledge of and ability to understand water safety best practices at a commercial facility, including the role and duties of a professional lifeguard and of a professional swim instructor.
  • Ability to maintain full and complete attention to each student and understands the management requirements for each individual and their skill level.
  • Ability to problem-solve and seek assistance when needed.

Working Conditions and Important Information
Physical Requirements
Must be able to swim 300 yards continuously, tread water for two minutes, and swim 20 yards to retrieve a 10-pound object off the bottom of the largest pools at any time; must have sufficient physical fitness and swimming ability to reach a patron within 30 seconds within the zone of coverage, which may be over 30 yards from guard station; must be able to deliver emergency equipment poolside (automated external defibrillator, bag-vale masks, backboard) within 30 seconds of emergency notification; must be able to move equipment reels on deck and move equipment into and out of the pools; must be able to tolerate teaching in the water, at water temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees, for up to three hours per shift.
Environment
Works variable schedule and exhibits regular and predictable attendance. Work may be performed in an office and recreation facility. Work will be performed in an indoor facility and in the water; work may also be performed outdoors during variable weather conditions in the summer.
Salary Placement
Initial salary placement will be within the posted range or pay rate of the position, and is based on applicable education and/or years of relevant full-time equivalent experience at the sole discretion of the College and in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws. Please include all relevant education and full and part-time experience (including unpaid and volunteer experience) in your application that you want the College to review towards potential placement. Hired employees will not have an opportunity to update past education and/or experience or appeal initial placement after the time of hire.
About our Benefits
Mt. Hood Community College offers an exceptional benefits package for part-time employees that includes access to a Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Sick Leave, retirement through Oregon PERS based on meeting eligibility requirements, and a tuition waiver for Tuition Based classes. For more information about our benefits and wellness offerings, please visit
01
Are you at least 17 years old?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have six (6) months of experience teaching swim lessons?
  • Yes
  • No

03
This position requires a swim test. Are you able to swim 150 yards demonstrating a regular breathing pattern, and also tread water for 2 minutes?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Are you able to demonstrate at least four of the six swim strokes taught in the Red Cross Learn-to-Swim progression?
  • Yes
  • No

05
This position requires a current Red Cross Lifeguarding Certificate. Do you have this certification?
  • Yes
  • No

06
If you do not have a current Red Cross Lifeguarding Certificate, do you possess a current Lifeguarding certification issued by another agency? If yes, which agency?
07
If you do not currently possess the Red Cross Lifeguarding Certificate, are you able to obtain this certification within 30 days of hire?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Do you have a current or expired Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification OR are you able to obtain the Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certificate within six-months of hire?
  • Yes
  • No

09
Please list any experiences you have with aquatics (for example: swim lessons, recreational swimming, swim team, water polo, artistic swimming).
10
Have you ever taught private swim lessons? If so, please list any experience you have.
11
Do you have a commitment to embracing and advancing access and diversity?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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