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

Minimum 16 years of age and American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (includes CPR/First AID/AED for the Professional Rescuer); or * Minimum 18 years of age and American Red Cross Adult and ...

Minimum 16 years of age and American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (includes CPR/First AID/AED for the Professional Rescuer); or * Minimum 18 years of age and American Red Cross Adult and ...

Minimum 16 years of age and American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (includes CPR/First AID/AED for the Professional Rescuer); or * Minimum 18 years of age and American Red Cross Adult and ...

Minimum 16 years of age and American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (includes CPR/First AID/AED for the Professional Rescuer); or * Minimum 18 years of age and American Red Cross Adult and ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for red cross instructor in Portland, OR is $63,164.00, 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.

Is a CPR instructor a good side hustle?

A CPR instructor can be a good side hustle for individuals with certification in CPR and first aid, as it offers flexible scheduling and the opportunity to earn additional income. The role involves teaching life-saving skills to various groups, often on evenings or weekends, making it suitable for those seeking part-time work. However, income varies based on location, experience, and the number of classes taught.

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.

Does Red Cross pay well?

Red Cross instructors typically earn modest wages that vary by location and experience, often supplemented by certifications and training. Compensation is generally considered average for part-time or volunteer roles, with some paid positions offering higher pay based on responsibilities and hours worked.

How much do CPR instructors get paid 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. Payment may also vary based on whether the instructor is certified in additional skills or teaches multiple classes daily.

How do I become a Red Cross instructor trainer?

To become a Red Cross instructor trainer, you must first be a certified instructor in the relevant discipline, such as CPR, first aid, or lifeguarding. Then, you need to complete the instructor trainer course offered by the Red Cross, which includes training on teaching skills and program requirements, and pass the associated assessments.

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:
Infographic showing various Red Cross Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,164 per year, or $30.4 per hour.
Instructor - Water Exercise (Part-Time)

Instructor - Water Exercise (Part-Time)

Mt. Hood Community College

Gresham, OR โ€ข On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities/Duties Work hours are variable, with classes being offered in the morning 7:15AM-12Noon and again in the evenings 6:45PM-7:30PM. Job Summary Teaches water exercise classes to maximize participants' personal physical exercise goals. Ensures patron safety, and performs patron surveillance; responds quickly and renders aid in an emergency.

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 Duties Conducts classes and maintains vigilance.

Greets, introduces, and welcomes participants. Provides constant control of the class and emphasizes safety at all times. Responds or assists in emergencies.

Arrives to class well prepared and organized with routine and music. Educates participants concerning safe exercise techniques and monitors for safety using positive reinforcement. Uses exercise equipment and/or music appropriately for class participants.

Communicates effectively with other water exercise instructors as well as pool management personnel regarding classes, participants, equipment, space, and cancelations. Assists with housekeeping duties as needed, ensuring pool and deck area is functional for the next activity. Promotes classes and assists with advertising the water exercise program at health fairs and similar community events.

Attends required in-service trainings for both lifeguards and instructors. Minimum and Desired Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Experience working with adults Experience teaching aquatic or land-based exercise classes Commitment to embracing and advancing access and diversity American Red Cross Lifeguarding or Shallow Water Lifeguarding certification. Must be maintained throughout employment Water Fitness certification from an accredited organization or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.

Must be maintained throughout employment Preferred Qualifications Experience leading water exercise classes Experience working with senior adults Additional Qualifications and/or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) Ability to react quickly and effectively in emergencies and activates 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 Ability to maintain full and complete attention to patron surveillance while on duty Ability to problem-solve and seeks assistance when needed Knowledge of and ability to understand the skills for different levels of water exercise Knowledge of and ability to identify the basic health and mobility issues that may arise with patrons of different ages and fitness levels Working Conditions and Important Information Working Conditions Physical Requirements Must have sufficient physical fitness to instruct multiple water exercise classes; must possess sufficient swimming ability to reach a patron within 30 seconds within the class environment; 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 teach on deck and in the water; must be able to demonstrate and describe specific exercises/movements and adapt exercises or movements as needed to accommodate different levels of fitness and mobility. Environment Works variable schedule and exhibits regular and predictable attendance. Work may be performed in an office and recreation facility.

Work may be performed in an outdoor or indoor facility during variable weather conditions. 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.