Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $37,640, significantly outpacing the national average of $33,280. This higher compensation is largely driven by Colorado's robust recreational industry and the specialized skills required for roles in its unique environment, from high-altitude ski resorts to numerous aquatic facilities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,430.
- Outlook: Colorado boasts a substantial workforce of 5,220 individuals in recreational protective services, with a Location Quotient of 1.94 indicating a strong concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy and robust job market for these professionals within the state, reflecting consistent demand for their specialized skills.
Salary Overview
The average Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Colorado earns+13.1%above the national average.
$18.1
$724
$3,137
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that over the past four years, salaries for lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers in Colorado have seen steady growth. This trend is likely influenced by increasing demand for recreational activities, a rising cost of living, and the need to attract and retain qualified personnel in these vital safety positions.
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Salary Distribution in Colorado
Career progression for recreational protective service workers in Colorado typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, such as lead ski patroller or head lifeguard, command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $30,780 | $14.8 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $28,230 | $13.6 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,290 | $17.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $47,050 | $22.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $44,430 | $21.4 |
Detailed Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,678
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
While the average annual salary of $37,640 in Colorado is attractive, it's important to consider the local cost of living, which stands at 105.5 (5.5% above the national average). This means that while the nominal salary is higher, the purchasing power of that income is slightly diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living, requiring careful budgeting for residents.
Job Market Context
5,220
Total Jobs
1.805
Per 1K Jobs
1.94
Location Quotient
Colorado has 1.9x the national concentration of Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.94, Colorado has nearly double the national concentration of lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers. This indicates a highly specialized and competitive market where these roles are in significant demand, potentially offering more opportunities but also requiring professionals to stand out with certifications and experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Comparing salaries near Colorado
Hiring Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Colorado is $37,640. This typically ranges from $30,780 for entry-level positions to $44,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 13.1% higher than the national median of $33,280.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workerss?
Yes, Colorado offers a lucrative environment for these roles.The average salary of $37,640 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.94) points to strong demand and competitive compensation.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($33,930) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does Colorado's average salary compare to the national average for this profession?
Colorado's average annual salary for lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers is $37,640, which is notably higher than the national average of $33,280.
What is the concentration of these jobs in Colorado compared to the rest of the country?
Colorado has a concentration, measured by Location Quotient, of 1.94, meaning these jobs are nearly twice as common in Colorado as they are nationwide.
How does the cost of living in Colorado affect the salary for these roles?
Colorado's cost of living index is 105.5, slightly above the national average. This means the $37,640 salary offers slightly less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost-of-living area, though the higher nominal wage helps offset this.
What does the total local workforce number signify?
The total local workforce of 5,220 indicates a substantial number of professionals in this field within Colorado, suggesting a well-established industry and consistent employment opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,220 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 1.805 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado