In Columbia, SC, Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers earn an average annual salary of $28,450. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,280. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the recreational sector in Columbia contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,050.
- Outlook: The job market for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Columbia, SC, appears stable, with a total local workforce of 300 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.84 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Columbia, SC earns-14.5%below the national average.
$13.7
$547
$2,371
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Columbia is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for recreational protective service workers have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This suggests a potentially improving earning landscape for those in this field within the state.
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Career progression for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers typically involves gaining experience and potentially taking on supervisory roles. While entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, senior or lead roles can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps reflecting this advancement in responsibility and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $21,620 | $10.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $21,338 | $10.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $26,550 | $12.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $35,563 | $17.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $36,050 | $17.3 |
Detailed Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Columbia, SC, is at the national average for affordability. This means the nominal salary of $28,450 holds its purchasing power in line with the rest of the country, making the local cost of living a neutral factor when considering the overall financial picture for these workers.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
0.779
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Columbia, SC has 0.84x the national average concentration of Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.84 for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Columbia, SC, indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a balanced competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
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 Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Columbia, SC is $28,450. This typically ranges from $21,620 for entry-level positions to $36,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 14.5% lower than the national median of $33,280.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,450 is below the national average of $33,280, and the cost of living is at the national average, offering no significant advantage in purchasing power.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($26,730) and Florence, SC.
How does the Columbia, SC salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Columbia, SC is $28,450, which is less than the national average of $33,280.
What is the concentration of this job role in Columbia, SC?
The Location Quotient is 0.84, meaning the concentration of these roles in Columbia, SC is slightly below the national average.
How many workers are in this field in Columbia, SC?
There are approximately 300 Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in the local workforce in Columbia, SC.
Is the cost of living high in Columbia, SC for these workers?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average, meaning the cost of living is neither particularly high nor low.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 0.779 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 Columbia, SC