Lifeguards in blue city cash in six-figure salaries on taxpayers’ dime
Lifeguards in Los Angeles County have been making headlines for their sky-high paychecks, with some lifeguards earning over half a million dollars in 2024. A report by OpenTheBooks revealed that at least one L.A. County lifeguard took home more than $500,000 last year, while 34 lifeguards earned $300,000 or more, and 134 received at least $200,000 in total compensation.
The hefty paychecks of L.A. County lifeguards have raised eyebrows, especially as the city grapples with shortages in essential services like firefighters and police officers. John Hart, CEO of OpenTheBooks, expressed concerns about the lavish pay of lifeguards in a city facing challenges like wildfires and rising crime rates. While lifeguards play a crucial role in protecting the public, the exorbitant salaries may be unsettling for taxpayers burdened by debt.
The top-paid lifeguards in L.A. County earned a combined $70.8 million in 2024, averaging over $500,000 in total compensation per person. This figure includes base pay, overtime, and various benefits such as health insurance, pension contributions, and leave time payouts. The highest-paid lifeguard received $523,351 in base pay, other pay, and benefits last year.
The lifeguard division in L.A. County is renowned as one of the largest professional lifeguard services in the country, with around 1,500 lifeguards patrolling the Los Angeles-area beaches. While higher-paid lifeguards handle tasks ranging from supervising swimmers to conducting maritime rescues, there are also lower-paid lifeguards contributing to the team.
Overtime pay has played a significant role in boosting lifeguard earnings in Los Angeles, with some lifeguards making over $500,000 due to overtime in 2024. This trend of excessive overtime pay has sparked debates in other cities facing budget shortfalls, such as Seattle, New York, and Chicago. In some cases, police officers have earned more in overtime than top city officials, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility.
Republicans’ proposed “big beautiful bill” aims to benefit overtime workers by exempting their earnings from taxes. While the House initially had no limit on the exemption, the Senate capped it at $12,500. This provision could potentially impact lifeguards and other workers who rely on overtime pay to supplement their incomes.
As questions surrounding the generous pay of L.A. County lifeguards persist, taxpayers and officials alike are considering the implications of such high salaries in a city facing various challenges. The debate over fair compensation for essential workers like lifeguards continues, as cities strive to balance fiscal responsibility with ensuring public safety and services.
