Lifeguard Salaries in Los Angeles Raise Eyebrows
While waves crash along the shores of Los Angeles this July 4th, it’s not just the ocean making a splash. The salary of some lifeguards is also catching attention.
A recent report states that at least one lifeguard in LA County earned over $500,000 last year. Furthermore, in 2024, 34 lifeguards made over $300,000 and 134 took home at least $200,000 when combining base salaries, overtime, and other benefits.
This might be a bit unsettling for taxpayers who are already aware of the city’s ongoing shortages of police and firefighters. It raises a few eyebrows about where money is going, doesn’t it?
Hart, a spokesperson, shared his thoughts with Fox News Digital, stating, “Lifeguards who save lives should be compensated fairly, but over $500,000 can be concerning for taxpayers dealing with debt.” He continued to highlight how Los Angeles, while grappling with its own emergencies, showcases salaries that seem quite extravagant.
According to Openthebooks, last year, the highest-paid 134 lifeguards accumulated a staggering total of $70.08 million in earnings. This figure encompasses not just regular and overtime pay, but also various forms of compensation like health insurance, pension contributions, and more.
The top lifeguard recorded an impressive income of $523,351 that includes both base pay and additional benefits.
With the LA County Lifeguards Division being among the largest professional lifeguard services in the country, it comprises both high-earning individuals and those with lower salaries. There are about 1,500 lifeguards in the Los Angeles area, some less compensated.
Interestingly, Openthebooks had previously reported in 2021 that lifeguards could earn as much as $510,283, with 98 lifeguards crossing the $200,000 mark that year. Notably, in 2024, overtime earnings significantly contributed to the lifeguard income.
Across the nation, cities are grappling with similar debates over excessive overtime pay, especially amid budget constraints. In Seattle, for instance, police officers faced disciplinary actions for flouting overtime regulations, with one officer taking home over $414,000 in 2019.
Concerns over overtime compensation extend beyond Seattle, affecting cities like New York and Chicago, where rising overtime costs are straining budgets. Reports indicated that Chicago is already spending 30% more on police overtime salaries in 2024, while investigations into overtime abuse continue in New York.
In political discussions, Republicans have proposed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which includes advantages for overtime workers, such as a “no tax on tips” clause. The initial House version lacked limits on exemptions from overtime pay, but the Senate revised it to a cap of $12,500.
Attempts to reach the LA County Public Relations Office for comments were unsuccessful.
