In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers earn an average annual salary of $26,190. This figure falls below the national average of $33,280, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a lower demand contribute to this compensation. The specific economic conditions and industry prevalence within the Des Moines-West Des Moines area shape the earning potential for these roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,140.
- Outlook: The job market for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, shows a concentration quotient of 0.71, suggesting a slightly lower presence of these roles compared to the national average. With a total local workforce of 270 in this sector, the demand appears moderate, implying a stable but not rapidly expanding job landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-21.3%below the national average.
$12.6
$504
$2,183
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Des Moines-West Des Moines is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for recreational protective service workers have likely seen incremental growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for safety services, and evolving wage standards would typically drive modest upward adjustments in compensation.
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or supervisory roles. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect to see their salaries increase, with higher percentiles reflecting greater responsibility and expertise. The gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies a clear path for career advancement and earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $22,250 | $10.7 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $19,643 | $9.4 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $26,520 | $12.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $32,738 | $15.7 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $30,140 | $14.5 |
Detailed Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,190 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by more affordable living expenses.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
0.657
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.71x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.71, the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, market has a slightly lower concentration of Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers than the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, they are not as prevalent as in other regions, potentially leading to a less competitive environment for job seekers but also indicating a smaller overall job pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $26,190. This typically ranges from $22,250 for entry-level positions to $30,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 21.3% lower than the national median of $33,280.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workerss?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $26,190 is significantly below the national average, although this is balanced by a cost of living that is also at the national average.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($24,870) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is $26,190, which is lower than the national average of $33,280.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The cost of living index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is 100, which is exactly at the national average.
How concentrated are these jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates that these jobs are slightly less concentrated in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, compared to the national average.
What is the total number of these workers in the local workforce?
There are approximately 270 Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.657 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA