Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

SOC code 33-9092 · O*NET-SOC 33-9092.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Legal and protective services

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$33,580

a year

Hourly

$16.14

per hour

10th$25,780Median$33,58090th$43,970

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$34,470

$16.57 per hour

Middle 50%

$28,880 – $37,520

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$25,780 – $43,970

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

157,550

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $25,780; $12.40/hr
25th percentile: $28,880; $13.89/hr
Median percentile: $33,580; $16.14/hr
75th percentile: $37,520; $18.04/hr
90th percentile: $43,970; $21.14/hr

What do lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers do?

Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.
Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.
Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.
Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.
Maintain quality of pool water by testing chemical levels.
Complete and maintain records of weather and beach conditions, emergency medical treatments performed, and other relevant incident information.
Observe activities in assigned areas, using binoculars, to detect hazards, disturbances, or safety infractions.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 39% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Less than a High School Diploma39%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)21%
Post-Secondary Certificate17%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree16%

Common questions

How much does a lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers earn?

The national median is $33,580 a year. The full range runs from $25,780 at the 10th percentile to $43,970 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Monitoring3.8/5
Speaking3.5/5
Active Listening3.1/5
Learning Strategies3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
Public Safety and Security3.6/5
English Language3.5/5
Education and Training3.1/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.0/5
Psychology3.0/5
Administration and Management2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.