To the surprise of many, lifeguards in LA County earned up to $500,000 per year in 2021. According to the 2021 report, the county's lifeguard captain earned $510,283 in 2021, making him the highest-paid in the region, with nearly $250,000 in overtime compensation.
According to Open The Books, more than 90 lifeguards in Los Angeles County earned at least $200,000, with another 20 earning between $300,000 and $510,283. According to the investigation, 37 lifeguards earned between $50,000 and $247,000 in overtime alone. Of the 20 highest-paid lifeguards, only two women were among the top earning between $307,664 and $303,518.