Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA make a median of $45,190 a year, or about $21.73 an hour. The range runs from $38K at the entry level to $54K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $40,926 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 111.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $45K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers (10th percentile) start around $38K. Mid-career wages sit at $45K.Top earners bring in $54K or more - a $16K spread from bottom to top.
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $59K | +74% | 350 |
| Hawaii | $56K | +65% | 620 |
| California | $43K | +26% | 21,730 |
| Washington | $39K | +14% | 3,870 |
| Massachusetts | $37K | +9% | 2,340 |
| Rhode Island | $36K | +7% | 200 |
| New York | $36K | +6% | 7,730 |
| Vermont | $36K | +6% | 280 |
| Alaska | $36K | +6% | 390 |
| Arizona | $35K | +5% | 3,380 |
| New Jersey | $35K | +5% | 4,680 |
| Connecticut | $35K | +4% | 1,330 |
| Florida | $35K | +4% | 10,010 |
| Oregon | $35K | +4% | 1,770 |
| New Hampshire | $34K | +2% | 310 |
Track lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $45,190 a year - that works out to about $21.73 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $37,520, and experienced lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers can clear $53,530. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $45K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,112/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 111.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers salary is worth about $40,926 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.