Lifeguard: what the job is, what it pays, and how to get hired.

Median pay

$33,580

BLS May 2025

Employed in the U.S.

157,550

BLS May 2025

Preparation

Job Zone 1-2 of 5

very little to some preparation

Most common education

Less than a High School Diploma

39% of workers

Data Government data groups this job as Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers (O*NET-SOC 33-9092.00). Figures on this page are for that occupation.

1. Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.
2. Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.
3. Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.
4. Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
5. Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.
6. Maintain quality of pool water by testing chemical levels.
7. Complete and maintain records of weather and beach conditions, emergency medical treatments performed, and other relevant incident information.
8. Instruct participants in skiing, swimming, or other recreational activities and provide safety precaution information.

Telework available

less than 0.5%

of workers had the ability to telework

Workday sitting

46.8%

mean share of the day required to sit

Most common strength level

Medium

45.8% of workers

Can pause work

less than 5%

of workers could take short, unscheduled breaks

Self-paced workload

less than 0.5%

of workers set their own workload

Employer-changed schedules

88.2%

of workers had schedules changed by the employer week to week

On TryHired lists: Jobs that don't require experience.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey. Estimates are preliminary; ranges are shown as published.

1. Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals36.0% of all jobs in this occupation · +3.8% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $36,770
2. Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries34.8% of all jobs in this occupation · +8.0% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $33,190
3. Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations13.2% of all jobs in this occupation · +4.4% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $31,330
4. Educational services; state, local, and private5.7% of all jobs in this occupation · +2.6% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $34,260
5. Accommodation4.0% of all jobs in this occupation · +6.7% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $35,550
6. Administrative and support services2.1% of all jobs in this occupation · +3.5% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $32,060

Sources: BLS 2025–35 National Employment Matrix (share of the occupation's jobs, projected change) and BLS OEWS May 2025 industry estimates (mean wage). Different industry estimates are not a pay forecast for any person.

Knowledge areas: Customer and Personal Service, Public Safety and Security, English Language, Education and Training, Medicine and Dentistry.

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Also called: Beach Attendant, Beach Lifeguard, Marine Safety Officer, Ocean Lifeguard, Ocean Lifeguard Specialist.