Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers?AI replacement risk 8% and how the work is changing

United States Protective Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$33,580
25th–75th pct. $28,880–$37,520
Top pay (est.)
$57,200
Top 10% $43,970
Pay in 5 years
$39,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$46,900est.
$40,300–$54,400
Outlook score
64/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
8%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.5%
45K openings / yr

Will AI replace Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers? AI replacement risk

8%
Very low
Ranked #14 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

Key skills

Monitoring
3.5
Social Perceptiveness
3.2
Active Listening
3.1
Service Orientation
3.1
Learning Strategies
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Judgment and Decision Making
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.8
Public Safety and Security
3.5
Education and Training
3.3
Psychology
3.2
Chemistry
3.0
English Language
2.9
Administration and Management
2.9
Medicine and Dentistry
2.6

What the work involves

Performing General Physical ActivitiesAssisting and Caring for OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsCoaching and Developing OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicTraining and Teaching Others

Important abilities

Problem SensitivityOral ExpressionFar VisionOral ComprehensionFlexibility of ClosureStatic Strength

Education of workers

Less than high school
39%
High school diploma
21%
Post-secondary certificate
17%
Associate's degree
16%
Some college
5%
Bachelor's degree
1%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
44%
1–3 months
43%
None / short demo
12%

Related work experience

None
50%
2–4 years
15%
1–2 years
8%
Up to 1 month
6%
3–6 months
1%
1–3 months
1%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.