Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Salary in North Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in North Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Carolina Median
$27,310
per year
Hourly Rate
$13.13
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-19% vs US median
US median $33,580
State Rank
#43 of 51
4,850 employed here

How much do Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers make in North Carolina?

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in North Carolina take home a median of $27,310 annually — roughly $13.13 an hour — which runs 19% below the national median of $33,580.

Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $21,830 while the top 10% make $36,390 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $25,140 and $32,380 a year.

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers salary range in North Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$21,830$10.50
25th percentile (early career)$25,140$12.09
50th percentile (median)$27,310$13.13
75th percentile (experienced)$32,380$15.57
90th percentile (top earners)$36,390$17.50

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina ranks 43rd out of 51 states and territories for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$60,400
2Hawaii$52,630
3California$42,720
4Washington$37,770
5Montana$37,750

Working as Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in North Carolina

Nationally, about 158,000 people work as Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare North Carolina pay ($27,310) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers make in North Carolina?
The median Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers salary in North Carolina is $27,310 per year, or about $13.13 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $21,830 at the entry level to $36,390 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the national average?
North Carolina pays Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers about 19% less than the national median of $33,580. North Carolina ranks 43rd out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Carolina a good state for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $27,310 a year. About 4,850 Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers are employed in North Carolina. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in North Carolina include Surgeon, All Other ($398,410), Dermatologist ($367,350), Emergency Medicine Physician ($339,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.