🛡️ Public Safety ↑ 3% growth · Average

Lifeguard / Aquatics Director

Lifeguards protect swimmers at pools, beaches, and water parks — performing rescues, administering first aid, and maintaining a safe aquatic environment. While entry-level roles are often seasonal, aquatics directors and head lifeguards hold year-round management positions at recreation centers and resorts.

$28,000 Median Salary
140K US Jobs
4–8 days Training
$100–$400 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$22,000
Median
$28,000
Experienced
$50,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

3%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
140K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification + CPR/AED
Required Credential
American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification + CPR/AED

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Lifeguard Training Course
Program Length
4–8 days
Typical Tuition
$100–$400
Work Setting
Public pools, beaches, water parks, country clubs, cruise ships
🏆 Credential Required: American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification + CPR/AED

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Lifeguard / Aquatics Director involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Public pools environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Lifeguard / Aquatics Director by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC