how much do lifeguards make

Lifeguards in the United States make on average about $17.20 per hour as of August 2025. Their annual salaries typically range around $35,774 on average, with top earners making up to around $44,500 per year. Hourly wages vary from around $14 on the lower end to over $20 per hour for higher-paid lifeguards. In California, the average hourly rate is slightly lower, about $16.97 per hour, with similar salary ranges. Other sources report slightly different averages, for example, around $16.25 per hour nationwide. Salaries depend on location, experience, and employer, with some lifeguards earning lower or higher wages within the broad range.