SalaryNode

Average Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area

Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $37,250. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $33,280, indicating a strong local demand for these specialized roles. The unique recreational landscape and seasonal demands of the region likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,250 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,480.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 250 individuals in this sector, and a robust Location Quotient of 2.44, the job market for recreational protective services in Southwest Colorado appears highly concentrated and in demand. This suggests a stable environment for existing professionals and potential opportunities for newcomers, as the concentration far exceeds the national average.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,250

The average Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+11.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.9

Weekly

$716

Monthly

$3,104

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Salary Distribution in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for recreational protective service workers typically scales with experience and specialized certifications. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, supervisory positions, or those requiring advanced first-aid and rescue skills command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career advancement opportunities within this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$30,220$14.5
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$27,938$13.4
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$33,190$16
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$46,563$22.4
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$44,480$21.4

Detailed Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,250

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,250

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $37,250 in Southwest Colorado aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a lifeguard or ski patrol professional in this region is equivalent to that of their national counterpart, making the nominal salary quite competitive within the local economic context.

Job Market Context

250

Total Jobs

2.268

Per 1K Jobs

2.44

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 2.4x 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.

The Location Quotient of 2.44 for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Southwest Colorado is a strong indicator of a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that these roles are significantly more prevalent in this nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average, pointing to a competitive environment where specialized skills are highly valued.

Nearby Job Markets

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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $37,250. This typically ranges from $30,220 for entry-level positions to $44,480 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 11.9% higher than the national median of $33,280.

Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workerss?

Yes, it is a more lucrative place.Professionals in this sector earn approximately $4,000 more annually than the national average, with a cost of living that matches the national average.

Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($33,930) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.

How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?

A local workforce of 250 suggests a focused, albeit not massive, pool of professionals. This can mean less competition for experienced individuals but potentially fewer overall openings compared to larger metropolitan areas.

What does a Location Quotient of 2.44 signify?

A Location Quotient of 2.44 indicates that this region has 2.44 times the concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, highlighting a strong regional specialization.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $37,250 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair compensation relative to expenses.

What are the typical career paths for these roles?

Career paths often involve progressing from entry-level lifeguard or patrol duties to roles such as shift supervisor, head lifeguard, or specialized ski patrol leader, often accompanied by salary increases.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.268 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.