As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Swimming Pool Lifeguard in the United States is $36,012 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Swimming Pool Lifeguard's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Swimming Pool 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Swimming Pool 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Swimming Pool Lifeguard | $35,097 |
| Intermediate Level Swimming Pool Lifeguard | $35,600 |
| Senior Level Swimming Pool Lifeguard | $36,448 |
| Specialist Level Swimming Pool Lifeguard | $37,257 |
| Expert Level Swimming Pool Lifeguard | $37,568 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Swimming Pool Lifeguards. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 16.79% |
| Geriatrics | 3.22% |
| Activity Planning | 1.23% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$40,334 |
12%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$39,253 |
9%
|
|
Commitment
|
$38,893 |
8%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$38,893 |
8%
|
|
Leadership
|
$38,533 |
7%
|
|
Therapeutic Recreation
|
$38,533 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Swimming Pool Lifeguards enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Swimming Pool Lifeguard with a Associate's Degree is between $34,819 and $37,156).
Swimming Pool Lifeguard Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.2% |
| High School | 41.0% |
| Associates | 13.0% |
| Bachelors | 41.6% |
| Masters | 2.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how a Swimming Pool 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Swimming Pool Lifeguard can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $48,734 in 2023 to around $49,014 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Swimming Pool Lifeguard salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $48,734 |
| 2024 | $49,204 |
| 2025 | $49,014 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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