Average Lifeguard Hourly Pay - Payscale

United StatesJobLifeguardAverage Lifeguard Hourly PayPayJob DetailsSkillsJob ListingsEmployersHow should I pay?Price a JobWhat am I worth?Find market worth$13.98/ hourAvg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)10%$10.42MEDIAN$13.9890%$18.35

The average hourly pay for a Lifeguard is $13.98 in 2026

Hourly Rate$10 - $18Bonus$2 - $4kTotal Pay$21k - $39kBased on 428 salary profiles (last updated Dec 05 2025)Is Average Lifeguard Hourly Pay your job title? Find out what you should be paidUse our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?Location:United States (change)Years in Field/Career:How it works:1Enter city & years of experience2Add pay factors like skills & education3Find your market worth with a report tailored to youEXPLORE BY:CityNew York, NYLas Vegas, NVOrlando, FLHouston, TXRaleigh, NCAustin, TXDallas, TXBaltimore, MDAtlanta, GAChicago, ILSee All CitiesDon't see what you are looking for?Get A Free Custom Salary Report »ExperienceEntry LevelEarly CareerMid CareerExperiencedLate CareerDon't see what you are looking for?Get A Free Custom Salary Report »SkillEmergency ResponseCardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)FOCUSOral / Verbal CommunicationEquipment MaintenanceEmergency Medical Services (EMS)SchedulingSafety ComplianceSee All SkillsDon't see what you are looking for?Get A Free Custom Salary Report »EmployerYMCALifetime Fitness CorporationGreat Wolf Lodge, Inc.Central YMCAJewish Community CenterThe Walt Disney CompanyThe Salvation ArmyYMCA-YWCASee All EmployersDon't see what you are looking for?Get A Free Custom Salary Report »JobAdministrative AssistantMedical AssistantProject Manager, (Unspecified Type / General)Executive AssistantMaintenance TechnicianField Service TechnicianConstruction SuperintendentCase ManagerHeavy / Tractor-Trailer Truck DriverMedical Assistant (Certified)Don't see what you are looking for?Get A Free Custom Salary Report »

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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Lifeguards?

Entry Level▼12%Early Career▼0%Mid Career▲13%Late Career▲22%Experienced▲19%

An entry-level Lifeguard with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of $12.37 based on 84 salaries. An early career Lifeguard with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $13.97 based on 310 salaries. A mid-career Lifeguard …Read more

What Do Lifeguards Do?

A lifeguard is responsible for ensuring swimmers' safety and well being in swimming environments such as public pools and beaches. Lifeguards hold a physical job that requires the ability to swim and perform rescues for individuals in distress. Proper knowledge of AED, CPR and similar life-saving techniques is needed; proper first aid skills are mandatory, as is lifeguard certification. The lifeguard's environment is predominantly outdoors with the exception of indoor swimming pools. Coworkers …Read more

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How do Lifeguards Rate Their Jobs?

3.8 out of 5(17)Highly Satisfied30ReviewsBased on 17 responses, the job of Lifeguard has received a job satisfaction rating of 3.76 out of 5. On average, Lifeguards are highly satisfied with their job. See all reviews

Common Health Benefits for a Lifeguard

Medical17%Dental15%Vision10%None82%

Gender Breakdown for Lifeguards

Male50.0%Female47.8%Prefer to self-define1.1%This data is based on 90 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.

FAQs About Lifeguards

What is the highest pay for Lifeguards?

Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Lifeguard is $18.35 / hour

What is the lowest pay for Lifeguards?

Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Lifeguard is $10.42 / hour

How can Lifeguards increase their salary?

Increasing your pay as a Lifeguard is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Lifeguard that oversees more junior Lifeguards, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.

WHAT AM I WORTH?What your skills are worth in the job market is constantly changing.Job Title:Location:United States (change)