Salary comparison

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers vs. Security Guards: Salary Comparison (2026)

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workerss earn a median salary of $33,720/year, while Security Guardss earn $38,370/year - a difference of $4,650. Security Guardss earn more on average. Both salaries are based on national BLS data.

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

Security Guards

Median salary

$33,720

$38,370

Hourly rate

$16.21/hr

$18.45/hr

Entry level (10th %)

$24,860

$29,800

Senior level (90th %)

$44,600

$59,580

Education required

Varies

U.S. employment

143,590

1,241,770

Job growth (10-year)

N/A