Sports and leisure assistants Salary
Median salary £14,366 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £14,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For sports and leisure assistants, £26,934 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -31% versus the national average. Experienced sports and leisure assistants (top 25%) earn over £25,017.
About this role
Sports and leisure assistants support the operation of sports centres, swimming pools, gyms, leisure facilities and outdoor activity venues. They supervise facilities, ensure safety, assist customers and maintain equipment and environments.
Key responsibilities
- Supervising sports and leisure facilities and equipment
- Ensuring customer safety including poolside lifeguarding
- Setting up equipment and preparing facilities for activities
- Providing customer service and activity information
- Maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in facilities
Qualifications and entry routes
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) for pool-based roles. First aid certification. Relevant fitness or sports qualifications for gym-based roles. CIMSPA registration is the sector professional standard.
Career outlook
Leisure sector recovery post-pandemic. Health and fitness awareness drives continued investment in leisure facilities and staffing.
Key skills
Common industries
- Local authority leisure centres
- Private gyms and health clubs
- Swimming pools
- Outdoor activity centres
- Holiday parks
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£2,797
0-2 years
Mid Level
£6,771
3-7 years
Senior
£25,017
8-15 years
Potential career growth: ▲ +794% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£12,568
Sports and leisure assistants salary: common questions
How much do sports and leisure assistants earn in the UK?
Is £26,934 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for sports and leisure assistants?
Have sports and leisure assistants salaries kept up with inflation?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).