There are currently an estimated 149,700 lifeguards in the United States. The lifeguard job market is expected to grow by 5.8% between 2024 and 2034.
How employable are lifeguards?
CareerExplorer rates lifeguards with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 8,700 lifeguards.
What’s the supply of lifeguards?
The lifeguard industry is concentrated in California, Texas, Florida
Lifeguard job market by state
| State Name | Employed Lifeguards |
|---|---|
| California | 22,620 |
| Texas | 11,320 |
| Florida | 9,460 |
| Virginia | 8,920 |
| New York | 8,740 |
| Ohio | 6,450 |
| Illinois | 5,880 |
| New Jersey | 5,460 |
| Pennsylvania | 5,450 |
| Colorado | 5,430 |
| North Carolina | 4,850 |
| Washington | 4,720 |
| Maryland | 4,160 |
| Arizona | 3,950 |
| Michigan | 3,770 |
| Wisconsin | 3,350 |
| Indiana | 3,290 |
| Missouri | 3,100 |
| Georgia | 2,840 |
| Massachusetts | 2,640 |
| Nevada | 2,630 |
| Utah | 2,550 |
| Tennessee | 2,330 |
| Minnesota | 2,130 |
| South Carolina | 1,900 |
| Oregon | 1,860 |
| Kentucky | 1,820 |
| Kansas | 1,750 |
| Connecticut | 1,510 |
| Iowa | 1,410 |
| Nebraska | 1,250 |
| Alabama | 1,080 |
| New Mexico | 760 |
| Idaho | 750 |
| Hawaii | 720 |
| Louisiana | 660 |
| Oklahoma | 650 |
| North Dakota | 580 |
| Arkansas | 530 |
| Wyoming | 500 |
| South Dakota | 490 |
| West Virginia | 450 |
| Rhode Island | 370 |
| Delaware | 360 |
| Maine | 340 |
| Alaska | 340 |
| Mississippi | 330 |
| Vermont | 310 |
| District of Columbia | 290 |
| New Hampshire | 280 |
| Montana | 270 |