The Average Hourly Wages for a Swim Instructor

A swim instructor is not only responsible for teaching participants how to properly swim, but must also ensure the safety of each student in his class during the lessons. Swimming and water safety skills are essential. A swim instructor should possess decision-making, communication, leadership and public relations skills. Swimming instructors are commonly hired by aquatic centers, clubs and schools. Salary varies depending on the employer, geographic location, experience and level of skill required.

As of 2014, at the Rogue Valley YMCA in Oregon, swim instructors earn a minimum of $9.10 an hour, a mid hourly rate of $10.90 and a maximum hourly rate of $12.75. The Chinatown YMCA in New York pays part-time swim instructors between $10.41 and $13.02 an hour. The YMCA of the SunCoast in Florida pays swim instructors a starting base hourly rate of $8.55. In Lynnwood, Washington, the Parks and Recreation department hires certified lifeguards to teach swimming lessons. In 2014, the advertised pay rate was $13.47 to $17.04 an hour for 35 hours a week. In Missouri, the city of Columbia Parks and Recreation started swim instructors out at $7.50 an hour. Some independent instructors, however, charge as much as $30 for a thirty-minute lesson