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Seasonal Sailing Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Seasonal Sailing Instructor information

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$7

$16

$23

How much do seasonal sailing instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal sailing instructor in the United States is $16.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seasonal sailing instructor?

Seasonal sailing instructors are professionals hired for a specific period, typically during the warmer months, to teach individuals or groups how to sail. They work at sailing schools, camps, or clubs, instructing students on sailing techniques, safety procedures, and boat handling. Their responsibilities include planning lessons, demonstrating maneuvers, supervising on-water activities, and ensuring a safe learning environment. This role requires strong sailing skills, teaching ability, and certifications such as those from the American Sailing Association or U.S. Sailing. Seasonal sailing instructors play a crucial role in helping people develop confidence and competence on the water.

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

To thrive as a Seasonal Sailing Instructor, you need solid sailing knowledge, safety awareness, and typically certifications such as US Sailing or ASA Instructor credentials. Familiarity with sailboats, rescue boats, VHF radios, and first aid equipment is essential. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to motivate and instruct diverse age groups are standout soft skills. These qualifications and skills are crucial for ensuring student safety, effective teaching, and a positive learning environment on the water.

What are some common challenges faced by seasonal sailing instructors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Seasonal sailing instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting lesson plans to varying weather conditions, addressing the diverse skill levels of students, and maintaining safety on the water. Effective communication, flexibility, and strong situational awareness are key to overcoming these challenges. Successful instructors often collaborate closely with other staff to ensure smooth operations and may participate in ongoing training to stay current with best practices in safety and instruction.

What is the difference between Seasonal Sailing Instructor vs Sailing Coach?

AspectSeasonal Sailing InstructorSailing Coach
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Sailing Certifications (e.g., US Sailing Certification)Similar certifications, often including advanced coaching credentials
Work EnvironmentSummer camps, sailing schools, recreational programsPrivate lessons, competitive teams, sailing clubs
Employer & IndustryRecreational and educational sailing programsCompetitive sailing teams, sailing academies

The main difference is that a Seasonal Sailing Instructor typically teaches sailing basics to groups or individuals during specific seasons, focusing on safety and foundational skills. A Sailing Coach often works with competitive sailors, providing advanced training and strategy. Both roles require similar certifications and work in sailing environments, but their focus and target audiences differ.

More about Seasonal Sailing Instructor jobs

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Cities with the most Seasonal Sailing Instructor job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Sailing Instructor jobs?

The most popular types of Sailing Instructor jobs are:

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States with the most job openings for Seasonal Sailing Instructor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Seasonal Sailing Instructor jobs?

For Seasonal Sailing Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Seasonal Sailing Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal Sailing Instructor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,266 per year, or $17 per hour.

Sailing Instructor - School Year 2026-2027

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

OCC Boy Scouts
See more jobs at OCC Boy Scoutsexternal

$16.50 - $18/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Looking for a job that you'll LOVE?
  • Are you looking for a job where you can really make a difference?
  • Want a job that gives you the versatility to teach outdoors, on the water, and in the classroom?
  • Do you have the enthusiasm, work ethic, and presentation confidence to inspire youth ages 5-17? If YES, then this may be the job for you!
  • Also inquire and apply if you are available for Spring School Year Program as well.

Types of Classes
  • Level 1 Small Boat Sailing (Beginner), Level 2 Small Boat Sailing (Intermediate), Keelboat/Big Boat Sailing, Family Learn to Sail, Adventure Sailing Club, Youth Sailing Team & Regattas
  • Types of Sailboats
  • Small Boats: CFJ, RS Quest, RS Tera, Laser
  • Keelboats: Olson 30, Harbor 20

Overview of the Position
Sailing Instructors implement programs in conjunction with the Program Director and Scouting America program standards. An instructor serves with a major responsibility for customer service, classroom instruction, curriculum development, class/activity planning, and classroom behavior management. Adheres to Newport Sea Base health and safety standards. You must be at least 16 years old, be certified in CPR and First Aid, and attain your CA Boater's Card upon being hired. Needs to be enthusiastic, patient, creative, well-prepared, and confident in teaching. Must be able to safely swim and participate in water-based activities, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be comfortable communicating with children, teens, and parents. Reports directly to the Sailing and Aquatics Director.
Sailing Instructors: US Sailing Small Boat Level 1 Instructor certificate required or scheduled to be complete before first workday, American Red Cross Lifeguard certification strongly recommended.
Responsibilities/Duties
The following duties are considered essential functions of this position:
  • Prepare and deliver lesson plans/activities to youth in a well-planned, fun and engaging manner
  • Develop and write program curriculum for new and existing classes
  • Provide active supervision ensuring a safe environment for all youth
  • Take class roll, tracking attendance on a roster that needs to be turned into the lead regularly
  • Ensure proper set-up, usage, and clean-up of the facility, equipment, and docks
  • Report program/equipment concerns to supervisor immediately
  • Teach youth water, boating and paddle craft safety
  • Be a positive role model and mentor to youth participants and coworkers
  • Enforce student-discipline procedures according to Newport Sea Base policy
  • Communicate thoroughly and effectively with other program staff and Lead Coordinators
  • Participate in scheduled staff trainings throughout the year
  • Operate or learn to operate program-related equipment, including small boats
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

The essential functions of this position can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods of time
  • Ability to lift and carry equipment (approximately 25-50 lbs)
  • Ability to safely board, exit, and operate small boats and docks
  • Ability to participate in water-based activities, including swimming
  • Regular exposure to water, sun, and marine environments

Reports to: Program Director
Status: Part Time, Seasonal, Non-Exempt
Pay Scale: $16.90-$18.00
*Also hiring for Spring season
Hours
September-May (School Year)
*Max. 10-20 hours per week (Weekdays and Sat)
Equal Opportunity Employer
Scouting America, Orange County Council is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to disability or any other protected status.

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