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Lifeguard Salary in the United States

How much does a Lifeguard make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lifeguard in the United States is $27,891 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $13.

However, a Lifeguard's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $31,815
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $25,986 to $29,945
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $24,252
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Lifeguard Salaries

A Lifeguard's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Lifeguard Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Lifeguard's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $27,550
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $27,891
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $28,565
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $28,657
  • Expert (over 8 years): $28,811
Levels Salary
Entry Level Lifeguard$27,550
Intermediate Level Lifeguard$27,891
Senior Level Lifeguard$28,565
Specialist Level Lifeguard$28,657
Expert Level Lifeguard$28,811
View as Graph

How Do Lifeguards Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lifeguards. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $30,881.
  • California: $30,764.
  • Massachusetts: $30,354.

Top Paying Cities for Lifeguard

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $35,179
  • San Francisco: $34,794
  • Oakland: $34,060

Lifeguard Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Lifeguard salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $29,606. While startup companies pay approximate $25,133.

Lifeguard Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $25,133
Growth Stage 51~500 $26,560
Established 501~5000 $28,616
Enterprise 5000+ $29,606

Lifeguard Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Lifeguard roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Hospitality & Leisure, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Lifeguard positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Lifeguard as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Lifeguard

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Hospitality & Leisure$33,469$16.020%

Lifeguard Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Lifeguard's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$25,986
Average $27,891/year
$29,945
$2,166
Average $2,324/month
$2,495
$500
Average $536/week
$576
$12
Average $13/hour
$14
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $29,945 $2,495 $576 $14
Average $27,891 $2,324 $536 $13
25th Percentile $25,986 $2,166 $500 $12

Most common benefits for Lifeguard

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Lifeguard

Here are companies hiring for Lifeguard and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Lifeguard

1. Where can a Lifeguard earn the most?

A Lifeguard's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Lifeguard earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Lifeguard is $35,179.

2. What is the highest pay for Lifeguard?

The highest pay for Lifeguard is $31,815.

3. What is the lowest pay for Lifeguard?

The lowest pay for Lifeguard is $24,252.

4. What are the responsibilities of Lifeguard?

Ensures the safety of individuals in the swimming area. Continuously monitors the designated area to identify potential risks or hazardous behavior. Enforces established safety rules and sanitary protocols. Documents and reports safety incidents. Inspects safety equipment to ensure functionality and may be responsible for basic pool maintenance. Has knowledge of basic first aid. May require a high school diploma. Requires Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification. Requires Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Lifeguard?

The Hospitality & Leisure industry offers the highest average compensation for Lifeguard roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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