Not every summer camp job looks the same — and neither does the paycheck. Pay varies by role, responsibility level, and the specific skills or certifications a position requires. Below is a breakdown of 10 common camp staff roles, what each one typically involves, and what it pays at a typical sleepaway camp, based on weekly cash wages on top of included room, board, and meals.
For a broader look at how camp compensation works overall, including seasonal totals and included benefits, see our guide to camp counselor pay and benefits. Disclaimer: American Summer Camps does not negotiate pay or recommend or guarantee any specific salary.
1. General Counselor
The backbone of every camp — general counselors live in the cabin or bunk, supervise daily routines, run activities, and are the primary point of contact for a group of campers. It’s the most common entry-level role and the one most first-time staff apply for. Typical pay: $400–$600 per week.
2. Specialty or Activity Instructor
These counselors run a specific program — anything from archery to theater to robotics — often across multiple cabin groups throughout the day rather than living with one group full-time. Camps generally pay a premium for a relevant skill, certification, or coaching background. Typical pay: $375–$700 per week.
3. Division Head or Group Leader
Division heads oversee a cluster of cabins or an entire age group, managing the counselors assigned to that division and troubleshooting issues before they reach the camp director. It’s usually a role held by a returning staff member with at least one or two prior summers of experience. Typical pay: $550–$900 per week.
4. Head Counselor or Activity Director
One level up from a division head, this role often sits just below the camp director in the org chart, helping manage staff scheduling, training, and day-to-day operations across the whole camp. Typical pay: $600–$1000 per week.
5. Camp Nurse or Health Center Staff
Because this role requires an active nursing license (or, for larger camps, additional physicians or EMTs), it’s consistently one of the highest-paid seasonal positions at camp. Health center staff manage everything from daily medications to minor injuries to coordinating with local urgent care when needed. Typical pay: $650–$1500+ per week, depending on licensure and experience.
6. Waterfront Staff and Lifeguards
Lifeguard certification (and often additional credentials like WSI or lifeguard instructor status) is required for this role, which covers swim periods, boating, and other waterfront activities. Because certification is non-negotiable, camps typically pay above general-counselor rates. Typical pay: $400–$700 per week.
7. Kitchen and Dining Hall Staff
Camps feed hundreds of people three times a day, and kitchen staff — from prep cooks to dining hall supervisors — keep that running. Experience in food service is a plus but not always required for entry-level dining roles. Typical pay: $325–$800 per week.
8. Maintenance and Facilities Staff
Maintenance crews handle everything from plumbing and electrical issues to grounds upkeep and equipment repair across a property that can span dozens or hundreds of acres. Camps with a maintenance background or trade experience are especially valued here. Typical pay: $350–$700 per week.
9. Program Director
Program directors design and oversee the camp’s overall activity schedule and specialty programming, managing the specialty instructors underneath them. It’s typically a returning-staff or career-camp-professional role. Typical pay: $650–$1200+ per week.
10. Media, Photography, and Marketing Staff
Nearly every camp now runs a daily photo and video operation to keep parents connected to their kids’ summer, and staff with a photography, videography, or social media background fill that role. Typical pay: $300–$650 per week.
What These Numbers Have in Common
Across every role on this list, the cash wage is only part of the picture. Nearly all of these positions come with free room and board, meals, and access to camp facilities for the entire season — and for staff traveling from abroad, many camps also include a travel stipend or reimbursement. That’s why it’s worth thinking in terms of full-season value rather than the weekly number alone: for most general and specialty roles, total seasonal compensation typically lands somewhere between $1,500 and $3,500 for a full 7-10 week summer, plus the value of everything included.
Curious what a counselor-in-training pathway into these roles looks like? See our guide to Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do camp staff get paid weekly, or all at once at the end of the summer?
This varies by camp, but most pay on a regular schedule throughout the season (weekly or biweekly) rather than in one lump sum at the end.
Which camp jobs pay the most?
Roles that require a license or certification — camp nurses, waterfront/lifeguard staff, and senior leadership positions like program director or assistant director — consistently pay above general counselor rates.
Do I need experience to apply for a specialty instructor role?
Not always, but relevant experience, a certification, or a coaching/teaching background will make you a stronger candidate and can affect starting pay.
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