Ski Resort Workers

Salaries for ski resort workers vary depending on the resort, the region where it is located, and the type of position the worker holds. Large, well-established resorts, especially those located in the mountain states and Northeast, tend to pay higher hourly rates. One should bear in mind that most ski resorts operate only seasonally, so many jobs are not available the entire year. Earnings for jobs common among many hospitality or recreational industries tend to be roughly equivalent at ski resorts.

According to glassdoor, average earnings for some key positions in 2024 were reported as ski instructors, $88,000, and ski lift operators, $47,000. Ski patrol members earned median annual salaries of $30,380 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Most ski resort employees are given complimentary full- or partial-season ski passes. Some companies also provide their employees with housing at or near the resort. Full-time employees receive the standard benefits package including paid vacation and health insurance.