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How to become Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

Typical education
No formal educational credential
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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)

Career path and how to earn more as Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.