The amount a ski instructor gets paid depends on the ski school. Each sets
its own rate of pay. For instance, some pay instructors according to their
level of certification. Those with less experience and training may only get
paid 40 percent of the lesson fees, rather than the 60 percent more experienced
instructors get.
At other resorts, instructors are paid according to how many students there
are.
At the larger, prestigious resorts, the per-person pay is much higher and
tips are common. Some instructors have been contracted by one person for a
week of lessons and then tipped $500 on top of the fees, says Jim Sickler,
who spent a couple of years teaching in Colorado.
"You have to go into this because you love to ski and enjoy people, not
because you want to get rich. If you're looking for money, you'll probably
be gravely disappointed," says ski instructor Arden Thompson.
In spite of the financial drawbacks, ski instructors say they definitely
have some perks.
"You get a free lift ticket, which means you can ski whenever you want.
And you also get paid for being out on the mountain, teaching people what
you love to do," says Thompson.
The outlook is good, since there is a strong interest in outdoor recreation.
Earnings and employment information from the U.S. Department of Labor is
not available for this field at this time.