Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Salary in West Virginia (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
West Virginia Median
$24,670
per year
Hourly Rate
$11.86
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-27% vs US median
US median $33,580
State Rank
#49 of 51
450 employed here

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

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers working in West Virginia earn a median salary of $24,670 per year, or about $11.86 per hour. That is 27% below the national median of $33,580 for this occupation.

Within West Virginia, entry-level pay starts around $20,570 while the top 10% make $30,160 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $21,760 and $28,270 a year.

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers salary range in West Virginia

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$20,570$9.89
25th percentile (early career)$21,760$10.46
50th percentile (median)$24,670$11.86
75th percentile (experienced)$28,270$13.59
90th percentile (top earners)$30,160$14.50

How West Virginia compares

West Virginia ranks 49th 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 West Virginia

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 West Virginia pay ($24,670) 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 West Virginia?
The median Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers salary in West Virginia is $24,670 per year, or about $11.86 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $20,570 at the entry level to $30,160 for the top 10% of earners.
How does West Virginia pay compare to the national average?
West Virginia pays Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers about 27% less than the national median of $33,580. West Virginia ranks 49th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is West Virginia a good state for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $24,670 a year. About 450 Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers are employed in West Virginia. 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 West Virginia?
The highest-paying occupations in West Virginia include Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($597,740), Emergency Medicine Physician ($491,230), Radiologist ($471,650), 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.