How the national numbers differ
1Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers has the edge on projected growth
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers is at 5.5% projected growth, compared with 0.9% projected growth for Security Guards.
Security Guards has the edge on annual openings
Security Guards is at 156,000 annual openings, compared with 45,400 annual openings for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers.
Security Guards has the edge on median pay
Security Guards is at $38,020, compared with $33,580 for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers.
57.1/ 100Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
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Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers vs Security Guards
| Dimension | Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | Security Guards |
|---|
| Median pay (2025) | $33,580 | $38,020 |
|---|
| Pay percentile | 0.9 percentile | 8.3 percentile |
|---|
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | 5.5% | 0.9% |
|---|
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 45,400 | 156,000 |
|---|
| 2025 employment | 162,000 | 1,294,300 |
|---|
| How you qualify | No formal educational credential; One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing | High school diploma or equivalent; One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 2 | Job Zone 2 |
| Related work experience | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| On-the-job training | One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. | One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.
