Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Wilmington, NC earn an average annual salary of $27,780. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,280, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially seasonal demand influence compensation in this coastal city. The specific economic landscape of Wilmington plays a key role in shaping these pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,690.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC supports a local workforce of 200 individuals in recreational protective services. The Location Quotient of 1.17 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly robust, demand for these specialized positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Wilmington, NC earns-16.5%below the national average.
$13.4
$534
$2,315
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Wilmington isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for safety services, and evolving wage expectations likely contribute to a gradual upward movement in compensation for these vital workers.
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Salary progression for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, those with specialized certifications, or supervisory responsibilities command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $17,280 | $8.3 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $20,835 | $10 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $24,740 | $11.9 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $34,725 | $16.7 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $33,690 | $16.2 |
Detailed Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $27,780 in Wilmington, NC 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 locally is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
1.091
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Wilmington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.17, Wilmington, NC shows a slightly higher concentration of recreational protective service workers than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where employers may have a slightly larger pool of candidates, potentially influencing negotiation leverage for both employers and employees.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
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 Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in Wilmington, NC is $27,780. This typically ranges from $17,280 for entry-level positions to $33,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 16.5% lower than the national median of $33,280.
Is Wilmington, NC 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 $27,780 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national index. This indicates that while expenses are average, the earning potential is somewhat diminished.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC ($30,230) and Fayetteville, NC.
How does the local workforce size impact lifeguard salaries in Wilmington?
A local workforce of 200 suggests a moderate supply of these professionals. While not a massive pool, it's sufficient to meet local demand without driving salaries significantly higher than the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.17 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.17 indicates that Wilmington has a slightly higher proportion of these jobs than the national average, suggesting a marginally better opportunity for finding employment in this specific sector compared to other regions.
How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 affect the value of a lifeguard's salary in Wilmington?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the $27,780 salary has the same purchasing power in Wilmington as the national average salary has nationally. Your money will stretch as far locally as it would on average across the country.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for Wilmington lifeguards?
Yes, experience is a key factor. Entry-level positions will likely pay closer to the lower end of the spectrum, while experienced lifeguards with advanced certifications or supervisory roles can expect to earn considerably more than the stated average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 1.091 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 Wilmington, NC