What Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers this way: "Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment"; "Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury"; "Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers"; "Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment"; "Instruct participants in skiing, swimming, or other recreational activities and provide safety precaution information".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 162,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 170,800 in 2035, an increase of 8,800 jobs (+5.5%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 45,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 28.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $33,580, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $35,488 in New Jersey to $41,868 in California, a gap of $6,380 (1.18 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $33,580 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 22,280, which is 46.1% of the 48,280 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 13,380.
Highest-paying states
California ($41,868), New York ($35,973) and New Jersey ($35,488) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($35,488) and New York ($35,973) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at -$352. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $10,757 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 0 of the 3 markets and falls short in 3. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 77.0% and 108.7% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Crossing Guards and Flaggers and School Bus Monitors belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (33-9000) include Security Guards.
Frequently asked questions about Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
What is the national median wage for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $33,580. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $35,488 to $41,868.
Which state pays Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $41,868. New York is next at $35,973.
What is the job outlook for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 5.5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 45,400 openings a year.
What education do Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: -$352 on a median wage of $36,600.