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Safety Instructor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Swim Instructor III Starting Hourly Rate: $19.15 Instructs swimming and water safety skills for children and adults according to City of Ann Arbor standards. Responsible for the supervision of ...

The College of Arts and Sciences is currently accepting applications for the position of Instructor ... The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Clery Act, the University ...

Swim Instructor III Starting Hourly Rate: $19.15 Instructs swimming and water safety skills for children and adults according to City of Ann Arbor standards. Responsible for the supervision of ...

Demonstrate complete knowledge of emergency and safety procedures and confidence communicating with ... Instructor certification is preferred. • USA Swim Coaching level 1 preferred. • Must possess ...

Water Safety Instructor certification is preferred. * USA Swim Coaching level 1 preferred. * Must ... possess excellent inter-personal and communication skills, and the ability to work with members in ...

Lifeguard

Holland, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

With valid Water Safety Instructor certification, teach swim lessons according to the expectations of Water Safety Instructor. * Attend and participate in regular Service Game training sessions as ...

Lifeguard

Rockford, MI · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

With a valid Water Safety Instructor certification, teach swim lessons according to the expectations of a Water Safety Instructor. * Attend and participate in regular Service Game training sessions ...

Swim Instructor

Adrian, MI · On-site

$13.73/hr

This role focuses on developing stroke competency, water confidence, and safety awareness while fostering positive relationships with students and families. Swim Instructors must maintain constant ...

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Safety Instructor information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$24

$49

How much do safety instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for safety instructor in Michigan is $24.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a safety instructor?

Safety Instructors are professionals who educate individuals or groups on safety protocols, procedures, and regulations in various environments such as workplaces, schools, or industrial settings. They design and deliver training sessions on topics like emergency response, equipment use, and hazard prevention. Safety Instructors ensure that trainees understand and can apply safety standards to minimize risks and prevent accidents. Their role is crucial in fostering a culture of safety and compliance within organizations.

What does a safety instructor do?

As a safety instructor, you teach people how to comply with OSHA workplace standards. As part of your responsibilities and duties, you may review potential threats in a given area, help create countermeasures to minimize potential risks, and assess the training needs of employees. You often attend meetings, must keep up with changing safety laws, evaluate employee compliance, and otherwise help make each work area as safe as possible. Many details of this job vary based on the work environment. For example, medical laboratories often have very different safety needs than construction sites, so it’s essential to adapt your techniques with each employer.

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

To thrive as a Safety Instructor, you need thorough knowledge of safety regulations, risk assessment, and instructional design, often supported by certifications such as OSHA or First Aid/CPR instructor credentials. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), presentation software, and safety equipment is commonly required. Strong communication, public speaking, and the ability to engage diverse learners are vital soft skills that distinguish effective instructors. These skills and qualifications ensure safety instructors can deliver impactful training, promote compliance, and create safer work environments.

What are some common challenges safety instructors face when training diverse groups, and how can they effectively address them?

Safety Instructors often work with trainees from various backgrounds, experience levels, and learning styles, which can make it challenging to ensure everyone understands and retains critical safety information. To address this, instructors should use a mix of teaching methods—such as demonstrations, hands-on activities, and visual aids—to cater to different learning preferences. Creating an inclusive environment, encouraging questions, and checking for understanding through practical assessments help ensure all participants are engaged and competent. Regularly updating training materials to reflect current regulations and industry best practices is also essential.

What is the difference between Safety Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectSafety InstructorLifeguard
Required CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Safety Instructor CertificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentSchools, training centers, corporate safety programsPools, beaches, water parks
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, safety training providersPublic pools, beaches, aquatic facilities

Safety Instructors and Lifeguards both require CPR and First Aid certifications, but Safety Instructors focus on teaching safety protocols in various settings, while Lifeguards primarily monitor water areas to prevent and respond to emergencies. Their work environments and employer types overlap somewhat, but their roles differ in scope and focus.

How much do safety instructors make?

Safety instructors typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry they work in. Full-time safety instructors may have annual salaries ranging from $30,000 to $70,000. Compensation can vary based on location, specialization, and whether they work for private companies or government agencies.

What job categories do people searching Safety Instructor jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Safety Instructor jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Safety Instructor jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Safety Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Safety Instructor job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,389 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

$15.75 - $21/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

    

Position:  Aquatic Center Swimming Instructor (WSI)
Position Purpose: 

Provide swim lessons/ private or group to children and adults of all levels and abilities based on American Red Cross (ARC) standards and program requirements.  Following the American Red Cross creed of Ensure Patron Safety and Protect lives.
Essential Functions:  

  • Represent Kentwood Public Schools and the KPS Aquatic Center by maintaining a professional attitude in keeping with the department's mission.
  • The swim instructor is responsible for instructing swim lesson participants.
  • Maintain the safety of participants in and around the class.
  • Work with other instructors in co teaching certain classes.
  • Evaluates students participating in swim lessons.
  • Submits completed report cards, skills sheets on time.
  • Attends mandatory meetings and training sessions as scheduled.
  • Communicate effectively with the lifeguards on duty, Manager, Director of Aquatics, and act as a team in an emergency.
  • Deliver excellent customer service to all that utilize the facility and serve our diverse population.
  • Handle all incidents in a manner appropriate to your training.  First Aid is to be handled by the Lifeguard UNLESS it is LIFE THREATENING. Recommend that all injured patrons seek professional medical attention.
  • Assist the Swim Lessons Coordinator in keeping the community informed of pool activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Thorough knowledge and application of teaching swimming and water safety skills per the standards of the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Manual.
  • Ability to work in an economically, culturally and racially diverse environment.
  • Patience and ability to help all students progress at own pace.
  • An understanding of facility characteristics, rules, policies and procedures.
  • Leadership and public relations skills.
  • Communication skills.
  • Decision-making skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:  
  • Ada Requirements:  The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Physical Demands:   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment), taste and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.
  • Work Environment:  The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate.  
  • Mental Functions:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile and negotiate.

Qualifications:
CPR Certified.
Current certification as American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or other equivalent aquatic teaching/swim lessons certificate (but will need to cross over to Red Cross).
Lifeguard Certification strongly recommended, but not required.
APPLICATIONS:   SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, INDIVIDUAL COVER LETTER AND RESUME THROUGH THE ONLINE  APPLITRACK APPLICANT CENTER, NO HARD COPY APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED VIA MAIL OR HAND DELIVERY.
Visit the district website:  Click kentwoodps/employment.org
Kentwood Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in its employment decisions or the provision of services.