How Much Do Ski Instructors Make? Ski Instructor Salary Guide 2026
It’s the question on every prospective ski instructor’s lips: how much would I earn as an instructor?
Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy answer to this question. Many variables influence the earnings of a ski instructor, such as the country, the resort, the ski school, your qualifications and experience. It is also important to consider the economic factors that affect the overall demand for ski lessons and the strength of a currency.
However, Alltracks Academy is here to give you an idea of what some ski instructors are earning, and the guideline figures you should be aware of:
General overview
Ski instructors can expect to earn anywhere from £10 (€12, $12) to about £55 (€60, $70) per hour. However, you should bear in mind that the hours ski instructors work vary considerably.
For example, during the season, an instructor might work up to 35 hours a week over six to seven days, but if the resort isn’t busy, this number of hours could be halved. As a new instructor, you should be willing to work the peak period and take any hours on, but you should also be aware that there will be quieter times when you earn less.
Below, we show you the average wage per country. However, here at Alltracks Academy, we hope that you go for the jobs that best suit you and your career development, rather than merely chasing the higher wages.
| Country: | France | Switzerland | Canada | UK | Austria | Italy | Norway | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage: | £20 to £53 | £16 to £39 | £8.20 to £23 | from £8.25 | £7.70 to £16 | £20 to £53 | £16 to £25 | £8.20 to £16 |
How much do Ski Instructors make in France?
Ski instructor wage per hour: from £20 to £53 (€25 to €60, $30 to $70)
Working in France as a ski instructor takes more time and patience than some other routes, but in turn, you can expect to be rewarded with higher pay and working conditions.
How much do Ski Instructors make in Switzerland?
Ski instructor wage per hour: from £16 to £39 (€19 to €44, $22 to $51)
The cost of living in Switzerland is high, so Swiss ski schools tend to pay generous hourly rates to their ski instructors. Experienced instructors could earn up to $65 an hour.
How much do Ski Instructors make in Canada?
Ski instructor wage per hour: from £8.20 to £23 (€9 to €26, $10.70 to $30.70)
The wages start low in Canada, but rise considerably with higher qualifications and experience. They offer a transparent payment structure that clearly distinguishes between qualification levels. However, you should remember to consider the North American tipping culture which can have a hugely positive effect on your earnings. There is also often discounted staff accommodation provided meaning your outgoings are reduced.
How much do Ski Instructors make in the United Kingdom?
Ski instructor wage per hour: from £8.25 (€9.25, $11)
UK ski instructors earn some of the lowest salaries in the world. Job sites estimate around £10.30 per hour, but rates fall as low as £8.25. The need for instructors with Level 3 and above is extremely low.
How much do Ski Instructors make in Austria?
Ski instructor wage per hour: from £7.70 to £16 (€8.70 to €18, $10 to $21)
Austrian resorts pay a monthly wage, starting at €875 for a trainee and €1,500 for experienced members of staff. This is guaranteed regardless of the demand for ski school lessons.
How much do Ski Instructors make in Italy?
Ski instructor wage per hour: from £20 to £53 (€25 to €60, $30 to $70)
These rates are similar to those paid to ski instructors in France.
How much do Ski Instructors make in Norway?
Ski instructor wage per hour: from £16 to £25 (€18 to €28.50, $21 to $33)
Norwegian work can be some of the highest paid for ski instructors, just below Switzerland, France and Italy.
How much do Ski Instructors make in New Zealand?
Ski instructor wage per hour: from £8.20 to £16 (€9.20 to €18, $11 to $21)
These are low rates, and it should be mentioned that New Zealand ski resorts are prone to closure when high winds take hold – days off that you will not be paid for.
If you’d like to find out more about gaining qualifications & becoming a ski instructor, see our range of courses here.
FAQs
How much do ski instructors make on average?
Ski instructor pay varies widely by country, resort, and experience level.
On average, ski instructors earn between £8 – £25 per hour, with higher rates possible in countries like France & Italy.
What affects how much a ski instructor makes?
Several factors impact ski instructor pay, including:
- Country and resort location.
- Level of certification.
- Years of experience.
- Group vs. private lessons.
- Seasonal demand and tipping culture.
Can ski instructors make a full-time living?
As Ski instructing is often seasonal, many ski instructors combine winter instructing with summer jobs or work across multiple seasons worldwide.
With more experience and higher qualifications, instructors can make a full-time living from ski instructing and related snow sports roles.
What locations do ALLTRACKS offer?
The locations available are:
Where can I get in touch?
You can contact our team by filling out our contact form or by using the following methods:
Phone
+44 (0)1794 301 777
WhatsApp
+44 (0)7739 285 299
Email
[email protected]
