AQUA S.T.A.R. Earning Potential & Selection Overview:
We understand you desire a happy, memorable life, but everyone gets there differently. AQUA S.T.A.R. offers several options to improve your financial future.
Earnings & Schedule Availability
— Finding out the earning potential and how to manage your schedule availability.
Dream big, anything is possible now.
Earnings Growth Through Rank Advancement
Instructor earnings are calculated as a percentage of the net lesson fee, based on rank and location. Rates range from 48–61%. Pool rental fees and promotions are deducted first. Simple, competitive, and among the highest pay rates in the swim industry—even before bonuses.
Advancement Requirement
Instructors move up in pay levels by meeting 3 out of 5 required qualifications. Each instructor title has its own advancement criteria. Your rank determines your earning percentage based on client lesson purchases.
New instructors must have at least 8 years of experience to begin at the Shining S.T.A.R. Tier.
Pay Rate Method: Rank Advancement
| Title | Little S.T.A.R. | Rising S.T.A.R. | Shining S.T.A.R. | Brilliant S.T.A.R. | Super S.T.A.R. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Years of Experience | Under 3 Years < | 3 Years + | 8 Years + | 15 Years + | 20 Years + |
| Earning Percentage - Mobile Lessons | 37% -> 40% | 41% -> 45% | 45% -> 50% | 49% -> 55% | 55% -> 60% |
| Earning Percentage - Shared Lessons | 28% -> 50% | 32% -> 55% | 37% -> 60% | 41% -> 65% | 45% -> 70% |
|
Earning Percentage - Mobile / Shared Autism Funding / Disability Clients *instructors with previous experience ONLY* |
55% | 60% | 65% | 55% | 55% |
|
Earning Percentage - Competition Training Lessons *Instructors with verified top 3 race placements ONLY* |
55% | 60% | 65% | 70% | 75% |
| Earning Percentage - Lifeguarding Service | 30% -> 39% | 33% -> 42% | 36% -> 46% | 39% -> 50% | 42% -> 55% |
|
Additional Bonuses Mobile / Shared Private Lessons |
Check out our "AQUA S.T.A.R. - 7 Ways of Additional Income & Bonuses" for more details | ||||
|
Earning Rates Approximately Mobile / Shared Private Lessons |
Before: $16 - $56 Now: $15 - $61 |
Before: $18 - $62 Now: $18 - $68 |
Before: $20 - $68 Now: $21 - $76 |
Before: $23 - $77 Now: $24 - $83 |
Before: $26 - $89 Now: $26 - $91 |
| Requirement to Level Up | |||||
| Year of Experience | Under 3 Years < | 3 Years + | 8 Years + | 15 Years + | 20 Years + |
| Number of Lessons | 3500 < | 3500+ | 8500+ | 12,000+ | 18,000+ |
| Number of Clients | 150 < | 150+ | 400+ | 600+ | 800+ |
| Number of Referrals | 60 < | 60+ | 100+ | 200+ | 300+ |
| Number of Reviews | 25 < | 25+ | 50+ | 150+ | 250+ |
| Rating from Clients | 4 < | 4 | 4.5+ | 4.7+ | 4.9+ |
As an independent contractor, your lesson pay is based on a percentage of the net revenue per lesson—after deducting applicable taxes (e.g., 5%), facility rental fees, and any promotional discounts. Commission rates range from 48% to 61%, depending on your instructor’s title. For example, a $100 lesson minus tax and a $30 pool rental may leave $65 in net revenue; a “Shining Star” instructor at 52% would earn $33.80. Actual earnings may vary and are not guaranteed. Your income depends on your performance, sales activity, adherence to company policies, and participation in promotions.
AQUA S.T.A.R. does not guarantee earnings, and success is based on consistent effort, professionalism, and contract compliance.