1

Surf Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Surf Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$13

$25

$47

How much do surf instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for surf instructor in Portland, OR is $25.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $25.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surf instructor?

A Surf Instructor teaches individuals or groups how to surf, focusing on water safety, paddling techniques, wave selection, and proper stance. They ensure students understand ocean conditions, surf etiquette, and essential skills for a fun and safe experience. Instructors typically work at surf schools, resorts, or camps and may provide lessons to beginners or advanced surfers. Strong communication, swimming ability, and CPR/first aid knowledge are essential for this role.

How much does a surf instructor earn?

The average salary for a surf instructor ranges from $15 to $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and whether they work seasonally or year-round. Many surf instructors also earn tips from students, which can significantly increase overall earnings, especially in popular surf destinations. Certifications in lifeguarding and first aid can enhance earning potential and job opportunities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a surf instructor?

To thrive as a Surf Instructor, you need expert swimming and surfing abilities, strong knowledge of ocean conditions, and usually a lifesaving or surf instructor certification. Familiarity with safety equipment, surfboards, rescue boards, and sometimes student management platforms is important. Outstanding communication, patience, and motivational skills help instructors effectively teach and encourage students of all levels. These attributes ensure a safe, enjoyable, and successful learning experience for individuals and groups in often dynamic environments.

What does a surf instructor do?

A typical day for a Surf Instructor involves preparing equipment, evaluating ocean and weather conditions, and conducting group or private surf lessons for beginners to advanced students. Instructors spend significant time in the water demonstrating techniques, observing students, and providing personalized feedback while closely monitoring safety. Outside of lessons, they may handle equipment maintenance, liaise with surf school staff, and communicate upcoming schedules to students. This role often involves flexible hours, including early mornings and weekends, and consistent teamwork with other instructors to ensure smooth operations and client satisfaction.

What are popular job titles related to Surf Instructor jobs in Portland, OR? For Surf Instructor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surf Instructor jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Surf Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Surf Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,018 per year, or $25 per hour.

Instructor or Assistant Professor / Speech-Language Pathologist

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR

$101K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

156th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

About OHSULink www.ohsu.eduOHSU's singular focus on improving health starts with Oregonians and has global impact. We are the only academic health center in Oregon, but we're also nationally distinct as a university dedicated solely to advancing health sciences. This allows us to concentrate resources on research to prevent and cure disease, on education that prepares physicians, dentists, nurses and other health professionals to succeed in an evolving health care environment, and on patient care that incorporates the latest knowledge and discoveries. We have 18,000 employees and secure competitive research funding of more than $400 million a year. As a public organization, we provide community outreach and services for Oregon's most vulnerable populations. OHSU's stated mission to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation and leadership in health care, education and research.

About OHSU Doernbecher Children's HospitalLink https://www.ohsu.edu/doernbecherWith a strong tradition of teamwork, diversity and interdisciplinary care, we believe all children deserve the best. At Doernbecher, we built a hospital around that belief. It's why we have more specialists in children's health than anywhere else in the state. We offer the newest and most advanced treatments available, along with innovative collaborations and research opportunities. As Oregon's only academic health center, we strive to offer the best medical care to every child across Oregon, Southwest Washington and beyond.

About The Institute on Development and Disability (IDD)Link https://www.ohsu.edu/institute-on-development-and-disability/about-us

The Institute on Development and Disability within the Department of Pediatrics at OHSU works with patients, families, clinicians, researchers and many other professionals to meet the goal of improving the lives of people with disabilities. We perform research and care to support every patient, from premature babies to older adults, facing changes in life due to the onset of disabling conditions. With more than 100 years of practice, we understand how to best meet the needs of our patients and their families in Oregon and beyond.

About Portland and OregonLink https://www.travelportland.comBisected by the Willamette River, Portland is a vibrant city nestled among green woods and waterways. Only 90 minutes from the spectacular Oregon coast or towering Mount Hood, Portland offers the rare accessibility of snow-to-surf. Portland embraces cyclists, hikers, brewpubs, dogs, climbers, artisan coffee shops, book readers, foodies, professional soccer and basketball fans, award-winning wineries, concertgoers and paddle boarders. It's no wonder Portland constantly ranks as one of America's favorite lifestyle cities.

Function/Duties of Position

The full-time annual base salary range for this position at an Instructor rank is: $101,481 to $135,064; commensurate with experience and rank. Base pay does not include incentive pay, hiring bonuses, or additional benefits such as retirement contributions.

This position is under the administration of the Director of the Institute on Development & Disability and the CDRC Discipline Director of Speech-Language Pathology.  The duties of this position are in support of the missions, goals, and objectives of OHSU and the IDD, inclusive of teaching, research, and service.

The specific duties of this position include: Clinical Service (100%)

Direct Clinical (80%)

The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) provides diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and consultative speech-language pathology services for patients of the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center (CDRC), participating in a variety of interdisciplinary specialty clinics. Responsibilities include conducting comprehensive evaluations, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, providing family-centered diagnostic feedback and recommendations, and delivering follow-up treatment services for CDRC patients. This position also contributes to the clinical education and supervision of graduate practicum students, clinical fellows, interns, and other interprofessional learners completing training within CDRC programs.

Indirect Clinical (20%)

Responsibilities include the timely completion of clinical documentation and responsiveness to clinical requests. The SLP participates in activities that support the mission and goals of CDRC and OHSU, including clinical documentation; consultation with other providers, community providers, and community agencies; service on departmental, agency, and university committees; participation in departmental meetings, quality improvement initiatives, and educational presentations; and other activities that support program development and excellence in clinical care. Additional responsibilities may include participation in collaborative clinical research and other scholarly activities relevant to the field of speech-language pathology.

Required Qualifications
  • The Speech-Language Pathologist must hold, at minimum, a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. 
  • Applicants with experience providing bilingual services are encouraged to apply.
  • Preference will be given to candidates with experience working within interdisciplinary healthcare teams and delivering family-centered, culturally responsive care.
  • The ideal candidate will have at least five years of pediatric clinical experience evaluating and treating children with a range of neurodevelopmental conditions.
  • Experience serving children with diverse developmental and communication needs is required.
  • Depending on the candidate's expertise and programmatic needs, additional clinical opportunities may include participation in other CDRC specialty clinics.
  • Candidates must hold a current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and be licensed, or eligible for licensure, as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the State of Oregon.
Preferred Qualifications
  • A doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) is preferred but not required.
  • Demonstrated expertise in interdisciplinary autism diagnostic evaluation of young children is strongly preferred.
Additional Details

Apply here online:

Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume or CV.

Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Oregon Health & Science University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Oregon Health & Science University logo

About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887