cpr instructor salary guide

Earnings vary based on the time and effort an instructor chooses to invest. Many instructors use this as a flexible side opportunity, generating approximately $1,000-$2,000 per month. With increased availability and commitment, monthly earnings can exceed $3,000. Instructors who dedicate multiple days per week to teaching have the potential to earn well over $100,000 annually. 

Earnings per class depend largely on class size. Instructor-to-student ratios are typically limited to 8–12 participants per instructor, depending on the course. For BLS classes, instructors can expect to earn approximately $65 or more per student, with similar margins for AHA Heartsaver and American Red Cross courses. For example, a class of 10 students may generate $650 or more in profit. Course durations typically range from 2.5 to 4.5 hours, in accordance with American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines, which instructors are required to follow. 

Alternatively, you can become a certified instructor and teach classes already offered by your local Training Center or Training Site. Many Centers and Sites typically pay between $25-$35 per hour for instructors. At East Coast Safety Consulting, we pay $40/hour for solo instructors.

Pricing is determined by each instructor; however, it is important to remain aware of the prevailing rates in your area. In New Jersey, our current pricing is $75 for Basic Life Support (BLS) courses and $115 for American Heart Association Heartsaver or American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED courses. We maintain a competitive edge by offering rates that are typically lower than those of comparable providers. 

Aside from the start up costs of your business which we discuss here, there are a few costs associated with each class and each student. First and foremost, the certification cards issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross... this is how they make their money. In order to process a class roster, a card must be purchased. Our training site supplies our instructors with AHA cards at a lower price than most Training Centers or Sites. You can typically expect to pay $12-$15 for a BLS card and $23-$28 for a Heartsaver card, depending on which Training Center or Site you are aligned with. Each student will also need a one-way valve for mouth to mask practice. These typically cost $1 each. Red Cross cards are purchased directly from the Red Cross and are significantly more expensive.

All courses require student materials, which are available in either eBook or paperback format. Instructors may choose to include these materials in the course fee or require students to purchase them separately. Because this is a common question, it is important to clearly outline your policy on your booking or courses page so students understand what is included and what is required prior to attending. 

There are a few classes that most instructors teach. These are AHA Basic Life Support, AHA Heartsaver First Aid, CPR, and AED, and ARC First Aid, CPR, and AED. 

• For AHA BLS classes, your out of pocket expense (with us) is $13/student which includes the certification card and mouthpiece. If the cost to take your class is $90, your profit per student is $77. 8 students = $616 profit.
• For AHA Heartsaver classes, your out of pocket expense (with us) is $25. If the cost to take your class is $115, your profit per student is $90. 10 students = $900 profit.
• For Red Cross, your out of pocket is expense is $43.50 (cards purchased directly from Red Cross). If the cost to take your class is $115, your profit per student is $71.50. 10 students = $715 profit.

Profit margins are strong, and your overall income will depend on how many classes you choose to offer and your ability to fill them. We actively support our instructors by promoting their classes if they choose, helping increase enrollment and accelerate growth as you become established. In addition to CPR training, instructors can expand their offerings to include courses such as Bloodborne Pathogens, Lifeguarding, and Babysitting. Many instructors teach part-time and generate substantial supplemental income, often exceeding what they might earn through limited overtime in a traditional role. As with any business, your results will reflect the time and effort you invest. 

At East Coast Safety Consulting, we are committed to ensuring our instructors are well-prepared, confident, and ready to teach. We provide ongoing support to help instructors succeed, including discounted eCards, assistance with filling classes, guidance on starting and growing a CPR business, and responsive support whenever it’s needed. We also do what no one else does... we offer referral payments to our aligned instructors.

Instructor courses are offered on a limited basis and are not widely advertised. If you are interested, we encourage you to contact us directly or check our schedule for upcoming opportunities. For those located outside of New Jersey, travel arrangements can be coordinated to complete your certification. You may also choose to align with a Training Center closer to your location and transition to us at a later time.

Regardless of your path, the benefits of aligning with our specific Training Site are substantial.