How much does a Lifeguard make

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  2. Lifeguard
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Lifeguard

34 500 kr

Other security and protection staff

30 200 - 47 100 kr / month

Women earn 93% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Lifeguard

Average salary 34 500 kr
Males 35 400 kr
Females 32 900 kr
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What does a lifeguard do? – Tasks and work environment

A lifeguard is responsible for safety at swimming pools, aquatic centers, and outdoor swimming areas. Tasks include monitoring pools, preventive safety work, intervening in emergencies, and providing first aid when needed. It is also common for lifeguards to inform visitors about rules and sometimes assist with basic swimming lessons. The work environment is often humid and warm, and the pace may vary depending on the season and visitor numbers. Both physical and mental focus are required to act swiftly in emergencies and maintain a safe environment for all swimmers.

Salary development over time

Lifeguard salaries have shown steady but positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,700 SEK per month, increasing to 32 400 SEK in 2023, representing a growth of about 5.5%. In 2024, the average salary further increased to 34 500 SEK, which is an increase of just over 6% compared to the previous year. This salary trend reflects increased demand for trained safety personnel at swimming facilities and a greater awareness of the importance of professional supervision. Employers' higher requirements for certifications and training may also have contributed to the positive salary development.

Lifeguard salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 34 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 47,100 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education 3 years or more)
  • Hourly wage: 207 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Women's average salary: 32 900 SEK/month
  • Men's average salary: 35 400 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 93% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary slightly depending on location and employer type, but large deviations are uncommon within the profession.

Education and qualifications

To work as a lifeguard, a combination of training in rescue techniques and basic first aid skills is usually required. Many employers also require swimming proficiency at a high level and documented experience working with people. The educational path can vary depending on the workplace, but often a specific lifeguard training course and sometimes practical training are necessary.

  • Lifeguard training: 1–2 week course with theory and practice
  • Certification in CPR and rescue: Mandatory for most employers
  • Swimming proficiency: Approved swimming test, often 200 meters continuously
  • Experience: Previous work in service, sports, or swimming instruction is meritorious
  • Prerequisites: Often at least secondary education and physical tests

Working as a lifeguard involves great responsibility but also the opportunity to create safety and comfort for many people every day. Many lifeguards report a unique camaraderie that often develops within the team, especially during busy summer months.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Lifeguards are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, free swimming and training opportunities, and the possibility of ongoing training in rescue and safety. Overtime pay and extra compensation for weekend and evening work are common, especially at indoor pools and aquatic centers with extended opening hours. Some employers also provide work clothing and staff discounts on facility services.

Competition and challenges

Competition for lifeguard positions varies depending on the season and location. During summer, the need for outdoor pool lifeguards increases, leading to more temporary employment and some increased competition. The work environment can be physically demanding and requires constant vigilance, which can be challenging during busy periods. Maintaining safety while engaging professionally with visitors demands high social skills. At the same time, the job is often appreciated for its meaningfulness and the opportunity to make a difference in emergency situations.

Tips for aspiring lifeguards

To succeed as a lifeguard, it is good to combine strong swimming skills with high stress tolerance, as unpredictable situations can arise at any time. Initiative is also crucial – the ability to act quickly and independently can be vital for safety. Being communicative and clear in interactions helps both in preventive work and collaboration with colleagues. Patience and service orientation are important when dealing with different types of visitors, from children to adults. It is recommended to regularly practice rescue skills and stay updated on first aid. Being thorough and attentive to details helps in quickly identifying potential risks. Finally, being flexible and adaptable is advantageous, as working hours can vary and tasks shift depending on the season and workplace.

Key facts about Lifeguards

  • Education level: Lifeguard training and certification in CPR/rescue
  • Work environment: Swimming pools, aquatic centers, outdoor swimming areas
  • Typical work pattern: Shift work, often weekends and evenings
  • Demand: High, especially during summer months
  • Special skills: Swimming proficiency and rescue experience

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a lifeguard, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as coordinator of swimming staff or rescue instructor. Some choose to further train as swimming teachers, safety coordinators, or sports pedagogues. The prognosis from the Employment Service indicates that demand for lifeguards and similar safety personnel remains high, with 191 job openings in Sweden within the profession. Particularly during the summer season, there are good chances for employment, but also year-round at larger pools and aquatic centers. Digitalization and increased awareness of swimming safety are expected to broaden the role further in the future.

Frequently asked questions about Lifeguards

  • What is the average salary of a Lifeguard?
    - The average salary for a lifeguard is 34 500 SEK per month.
  • What do salary differences between men and women look like?
    - Men earn an average of 35 400 SEK and women 32 900 SEK, which means women earn 93% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a lifeguard?
    - A lifeguard training course and certification in CPR and rescue are usually mandatory.
  • What does the job market look like for lifeguards?
    - Demand is high, especially during the summer. Currently, there are 191 job openings in the profession.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a lifeguard?
    - The highest salary is 47,100 SEK and the lowest is 30,200 SEK per month, depending on education, sector, and gender.
  • What personal qualities are important for lifeguards?
    - Stress resistance, initiative, good communication, and service orientation are especially important qualities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-09 13:27:13

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Lifeguard is 47100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 41700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Lifeguard is 30200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 30600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 95% 27200 kr 30600 kr
25-34 96% 30500 kr 33000 kr
35-44 93% 33900 kr 36400 kr
45-54 94% 34100 kr 36600 kr
55-64 91% 33700 kr 35700 kr
Snitt 93% 32000 kr 34500 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Lifeguard has the SSYK code 5419, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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