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$26

How much do surfing instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for surfing instructor in the United States is $17.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Surfing Instructor job?

A Surfing Instructor teaches individuals or groups how to surf, including water safety, paddling techniques, wave selection, and standing on the board. They ensure students understand ocean conditions and proper etiquette while fostering confidence in the water. Instructors may work at surf schools, resorts, or independently, catering to beginners and advanced surfers alike. The role requires strong swimming skills, patience, and a passion for surfing.

Is 40 too late to learn surfing?

Surfing instructors often start learning at various ages, and 40 is not too late to learn surfing or pursue a career as an instructor. Many people successfully learn and teach surfing later in life, especially with proper instruction, physical fitness, and dedication.

How do you become a Surf Instructor?

To become a surfing instructor, you typically need to complete a recognized surf instructor certification course, such as those offered by the International Surfing Association or similar organizations. Additionally, strong surfing skills, knowledge of safety procedures, and first aid certification are often required; some employers also prefer prior teaching or lifeguarding experience.

How much money do surf instructors make?

Surf instructors typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and whether they work seasonally or year-round. Tips and private lessons can also supplement income, and certifications like lifeguard or surf instructor courses may improve earning potential.

What are some common challenges faced by Surfing Instructors on the job?

Surfing Instructors often face challenges such as adapting lessons for students of varying skill levels, responding quickly to changing ocean and weather conditions, and ensuring everyone remains safe in potentially unpredictable environments. Managing group dynamics—especially with larger classes or nervous beginners—requires patience and clear communication. Additionally, instructors may need to work early mornings, weekends, or holidays, especially during peak surf seasons. Overcoming these challenges builds resilience, fosters strong teaching skills, and contributes to a rewarding and dynamic work experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Surfing Instructor position, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Surfing Instructor, you need strong swimming ability, mastery of surfing techniques, and an in-depth knowledge of ocean safety, commonly backed by lifeguard certification and first aid/CPR credentials. Familiarity with surfboards, rescue equipment, and scheduling or booking systems is also beneficial. Patience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to motivate and connect with students are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and effective learning experience for all participants.

How much does a Surf Instructor earn?

The average salary for a surfing instructor varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $15 to $30 per hour or $25,000 to $50,000 annually. Factors such as certifications, skill level, and the employer influence earnings, and many instructors work seasonally or part-time.
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Surfing Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surfing Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,252 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Part-Time Psychology Instructor (Pool)

West Valley-Mission CCD

Saratoga, CA

$36K - $52K/yr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Part-Time Psychology Instructor (Pool) Position ID Campus Mission College
Position Summary Information
Definition
PART-TIME, ASSOCIATE FACULTY POOL
Applications for Part-Time, Associate Faculty pools are continually accepted (unless otherwise specified) by the District and will be added to the application pool for review by hiring authorities on an as-needed basis. Should you be invited for an interview, you will be contacted by a District representative.
Assignment
This position is a part-time position as an Associate Instructor in Psychology. The teaching assignment may require teaching lecture-discussion courses during day, evening or on Saturday and/or in an on-line/distance education format. The assignments are as needed, during Spring, Summer, and/or Fall semesters. This position is represented by the West Valley-Mission Federation of Teachers (WVMFT), AFT 6554.
Work location: Mission College, Santa Clara, CA
Salary and Benefits
Salary is based on a percentage of workload, up to a maximum of 67% of a full-time load. Salary is prorated based on an initial hiring salary range of $36,191 - $52,297 per semester; and is based on academic achievement, teaching and related experience.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Education - Possess one of the following:
  • Master's degree in psychology; OR
  • Bachelor's degree in psychology AND master's degree in counseling, sociology, statistics, neuroscience, or social work; OR
  • A valid California Community College Instructor's Credential in Psychology; OR
  • The equivalent of the above.

AND
2. Demonstrated ability to effectively teach, counsel or work with persons of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds.
Desired Qualifications
Not Applicable
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
Instructional duties and assignments may consist of one or more of the following:
  • Provide instruction for assigned courses. This includes preparation for in-class or on-line/distance education activities, evaluation of students' work, consultation with students outside of class and/or on-line, maintenance of currency in the subjects taught.
  • Maintain accurate class and other records required by the college.
  • Submit, when due, attendance rosters and grade reports.
  • Follow course outlines as filed in the instruction offices.
  • Maintain office hours each week, at .5 hours per week per section.
  • Observe, support and enforce the regulations, policies and programs of the District and college.
  • Provide each student with a written course syllabus at the beginning of the course, as per instructions in the Faculty Handbook.
  • Refer students to appropriate college sources for information on counseling and other student services.
  • Assist students by providing advice on requirements for successful achievement in the members' area of expertise.
  • Work cooperatively within the college community.
  • Foster an environment that protects academic freedom within the college community.
  • Foster a positive working environment that is free from harassment, prejudice and/or bias.
  • Demonstrate a respect for the dignity of each individual.
Other Duties Application Information
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
  • Interested applicants must submit online all materials requested, including: (1) A completed online West Valley-Mission Community College District application; (2) Resume; (3) Transcripts - (unofficial or official copies) for stated degrees having the degree confer/award dates circled. Official transcripts will be required prior to employment start date should a position be offered; (4) Cover letter, if requested; (5) District Request for Equivalency application, if applicable; and (6) Any requested licenses or certificates, if applicable.
  • All sections of the online application, including Education and Educational Work History, must be completed thoroughly.
  • Supervisor(s) name(s) and telephone numbers must be included in the application.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Do NOT send unrequested materials. Unrequested materials will not be used for consideration of employment.
  • The employment application and supporting documents represent you; it is to your advantage to fill out the application form carefully and completely.

ABOUT TRANSCRIPTS:
  • Degrees must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Candidates with degrees earned outside of the United States must provide official certification of equivalency to U. S. degrees by a certified U. S. credential review service, must have a U.S. evaluation (course by course of the transcripts) and must be submitted with this online application.
  • If you do not have an electronic version of the transcript, you can get it scanned at an office supply or copy store, then attach the electronic version of your transcript to this online application.
  • Copies of diplomas, grade reports, graduation petitions, transcript evaluations requests, or similar documents WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of transcripts.
  • When uploading transcripts, please ensure they are NOT encrypted, secured, or password-protected or they will be rejected by the system

EQUIVALENCY INFORMATION:
Applicants applying under equivalency bear the responsibility of submitting the District's Equivalency Application form with details and evidence of the factors (academic preparation and/or experience) that they believe to be equivalent of the required qualifications for this position. Application(s) for equivalency are required if degrees are not in exact discipline required. The Equivalency Application is included in the online application as an OPTIONAL form to complete.
  • ONLY complete the Request for Equivalency application if degree does not match discipline(s) stated in the Minimum Qualifications.
  • List accurately and completely the courses taken that match requirements of the required degree.
  • Do NOT attach documents such as course evaluations.

FOR ASSISTANCE, CONTACT:
Office of Human Resources, Attn: Recruitment
14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
Phone: (408) 741-2174 Fax: (408) 741-2564
Email: Jobs@wvm.edu
Selection Process
SELECTION PROCESS INFORMATION:
  • Applications will be screened by appropriate department representatives on an as-needed basis. Qualified applicants who best meet the needs of the division will be contacted for an interview.
  • Travel expenses to attend the interview are the responsibility of the candidate.
  • Applications will remain in our online system for 1 year. Each year, part-time pools will be refreshed and applicants will be notified of the opportunity to re-submit application.
  • Application materials become the property of the District and will not be returned or duplicated.
  • The district reserves the right to contact former, current, the most recent employers, and others to investigate past employment records of applicants.
  • Upon hire the successful candidate must provide the required documents of identity and authorization to work and attest he/she is authorized to work in the United States.
  • The district does not provide visa sponsorship.

EEO STATEMENT:
West Valley-Mission Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks to employ a diverse workforce who will contribute to an inclusive and welcoming educational and employment environment. The District is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, physical disability, mental disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, language, accent, citizenship status, transgender status, parental status, marital status, economic status, veteran status, and medical condition consistent with applicable federal and state laws.
Special Instructions to the Applicant
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number FY13/14-087POOL Open Date 06/20/2024 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes

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