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Swim Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Swim Instructor

Wheeling, IL ยท On-site

$15.50 - $16.50/hr

Swim Instructor - Group Job Status: Part Time - Non-Exempt Department: Recreation Primary Work Location: Community Recreation Center Reports To: Recreation Services Manager - Aquatics and Athletics ...

New

Swim Instructor

Mundelein, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Swim Instructor Reports to: Deck Supervisor/Pool Operations Manager/AGM/GM FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Summary: Instructs students on water safety and proper swim techniques based on thorough knowledge ...

Swim Instructor

Elmhurst, IL ยท On-site

$17.05/hr

Elmhurst YMCA is now hiring part-time Swim Instructors! Looking for a fun, flexible job where you can stay active, make a difference, and enjoy great perks? Join our team as a Swim Instructor and ...

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Swim Instructor

Highland Park, IL ยท On-site

$16 - $17.50/hr

Job Summary Swim Instructors are responsible for teaching group and private swimming lessons to students of a variety of ages and swimming ability levels while creating a positive, engaging, and safe ...

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Crest Hill, IL ยท On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Swim Instructor

IL ยท On-site

$17 - $19/hr

While we teach swimming to people of all ages and abilities, most of our students are preschool and elementary-aged kids. Our instructors should like working with this age group and be good at making ...

As a Swim Instructor , you'll help members of all ages and skill levels build confidence, safety, and joy in the water - teaching with patience, positivity, and enthusiasm. You'll create a fun and ...

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Showing results 41-60

Swim Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$19

$40

How much do swim instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for swim instructor in Chicago, IL is $19.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a swim instructor?

Swim instructors are professionals who teach individuals or groups how to swim and improve their swimming techniques. They work with people of all ages and skill levels, from beginners learning water safety to advanced swimmers refining their strokes. Swim instructors are responsible for planning lessons, demonstrating techniques, ensuring safety, and providing encouragement and feedback. They often work at pools, recreation centers, or private facilities, and many hold certifications in swim instruction and water safety.

What does a swim instructor do?

A swim instructor teaches swimming lessons and oversees activities in a pool. Your responsibilities in this career are to teach water safety and swimming techniques and assist during an emergency if necessary. Your duties have you working with children and adults in a group setting or one-on-one coaching. The skill levels of your students can range from those looking to learn the basics to athletes looking to improve their performance. You monitor your students and maintain reports on their progress. A swim instructor can work at a swimming facility or provide private lessons at a client's home.

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

To thrive as a Swim Instructor, you need strong swimming proficiency, knowledge of water safety, and usually certifications such as American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or equivalent. Familiarity with pool safety equipment and lesson planning tools is often required. Patience, clear communication, and motivational skills help instructors connect with students of all ages and abilities. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating a safe and effective learning environment, ensuring student progress and confidence in the water.

What are some common challenges swim instructors face when teaching beginners, and how can they be addressed?

Swim instructors often encounter challenges such as managing fear of water, maintaining class engagement, and adapting teaching methods to different learning styles. To address these, instructors use positive reinforcement, break skills into smaller steps, and create a supportive, fun environment. Building trust and clear communication are essential for helping beginners gain confidence and progress safely. Collaborating with other instructors and sharing techniques can also enhance teaching effectiveness and student outcomes.

What is the difference between Swim Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectSwim InstructorLifeguard
CertificationsCPR/AED, Water Safety Instructor certification, swim lesson certificationsCPR/AED, Lifeguard certification, First Aid
Work EnvironmentSwimming pools, swim schools, aquatic centersSwimming pools, beaches, water parks
Primary ResponsibilitiesTeaching swimming skills, water safety, stroke techniquesMonitoring water areas, preventing drownings, emergency response

While both Swim Instructors and Lifeguards work in aquatic environments and hold CPR/AED certifications, Swim Instructors focus on teaching swimming techniques and water safety skills. Lifeguards primarily monitor water areas to prevent accidents and respond to emergencies. The roles often overlap but serve different primary functions within aquatic safety and education.

How much do you get paid as a swim instructor?

Swim instructors typically earn between $10 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and certification level. Many also receive additional pay for private lessons or advanced skills, and some work part-time or seasonal schedules.

What are the most commonly searched types of Swim Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Swim Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Swim Instructor jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Swim Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Swim Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 10% Full Time, 84% Part Time, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,089 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Swim Instructor

Wheeling Park District

Wheeling, IL โ€ข On-site

$15.50 - $16.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Job Title:ย Swim Instructor - Group

Job Status:ย Part Time โ€“ Non-Exempt

Department:ย Recreation

Primary Work Location:ย Community Recreation Center

Reports To:ย Recreation Services Manager - Aquatics and Athletics

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Position Summaryย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย 
The Swim Instructor is responsible for providing safe, engaging, and effective swim instruction while maintaining a professional image and ensuring compliance with all safety rules, procedures, and Park District policies. This position requires strong knowledge of swimming techniques, lesson instruction, and first aid procedures, along with responsibility for facility setup, cleanliness, and preparedness for scheduled classes.ย  ย ย 

Essential Job Dutiesย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย ย ย  ย 
โ€ขย ย  ย Physical ability and endurance to perform the job as required.
โ€ขย ย  ย Maintains a professional image and enforce all rules, regulations, and work to create a safe aquatic environment.
โ€ขย ย  ย Performs the job safely and in compliance with Park District policies, procedures, work and safety rules.
โ€ขย ย  ย Demonstrates a thorough working knowledge of all swimming lessons, and first aid procedures at the pool.
โ€ขย ย  ย Actively participates Swim Instructor Trainings held quarterly.
โ€ขย ย  ย Accept responsibility for the cleanliness of the facility as assigned.
โ€ขย ย  ย Supports and exhibits the established organizational values of respect, communication, integrity, innovation, recognition, continuous learning, fun, empowerment and people.
โ€ขย ย  ย Work as scheduled. Demonstrates consistent attendance and on-time arrival, in swim suit, and prepared to teach lessons.
โ€ขย ย  ย Responsible for set up and clean up the facility prior to opening and after closing, respectively.
โ€ขย ย  ย Participates in required training and safety programs as established by the Wheeling Park District.
โ€ขย ย  ย Supports and exhibits the organizational values of respect, communication, integrity, innovation,
โ€ขย ย  ย recognition and appreciation, continuous learning, fun, empowerment and people.
โ€ขย ย  ย Performs special projects or other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements
Must be at least 16 years of age. CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified.

Skills and Abilities
Demonstrate consistent attendance and on-time arrival.
Ability to work with both kids and adults.
Demonstrated maturity, reliability, initiative and responsibility.
Ability to provide excellent guest service and the ability to positively interact with guests on a daily basis.
CPR/AED certification.
Knowledge
Employee must maintain a positive working relationship with subordinates, co-workers and the general public.
Employee must possess the ability to deal with residents, staff and job responsibilities under stressful conditions.

Physical Requirements
The physical requirements described here 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 of the job.
Required to sit, stand, walk, bend, climb stairs, twist, talk and hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tool, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
Occasionally required to walk on uneven grounds.
Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
Specific vision abilities are required and include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
May occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions
Most activities will be performed indoors.
Driving to other park facilities will require the worker to be outside.
Employee may be exposed to cleaning agents and toner chemicals.