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.
Pay Rate Method: 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
Each instructor must meet 4 of 5 requirements to advance to the next payment level. Each of the four RANKS will have its own requirements for instructors to advance. The ranking determines earnings percentage and prospective earnings rate. Your profits depend on a client’s lesson purchase. New instructors must have eight years of experience before starting at the Shining S.T.A.R. Instructor 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 Private Lessons) |
37% -> 40% | 41% -> 45% | 45% -> 50% | 49% -> 55% | 55% -> 60% |
|
Earning Percentage (Shared Pool Private Lessons) |
28% -> 50% | 32% -> 55% | 37% -> 60% | 41% -> 65% | 45% -> 70% |
|
Earning Percentage (Competition Training Lessons) *Restricted to instructors with verified top 3 race placements.* |
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.