← All careers

Law & Government

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.

Median salary (BLS)

$33,580

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$26k – $44k

Job outlook

+6% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

Education

Typical entry: No degree required

Plan my path to this →

How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$200–$5,150

Time to qualify

1 yr

Renewal

  1. 1

    High school diploma or GED

    Course

    Expected by most employers; if you need the GED, test fees run $0–$150 depending on the state.

    $0–$150 · 3 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    On-the-job training

    Experience

    Employer-provided and typically paid — days to a few months for most no-degree roles.

    Cost varies · 3 months source

  3. 3

    Bar exam / state licensure / academy

    License

    Lawyers: the state bar exam. Public-safety roles: a training academy plus state certification.

    $200–$5,000 · 6 months · varies by state source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

    Entry / Junior

    $25,780

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

    Established

    $33,580

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

    Senior

    $38,775

Key skills

A typical day

  • Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.
  • Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.
  • Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.
  • Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
  • Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Law & Government

Explore all

Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.