Outdoor rock climbing instructor

Beginners, friend groups, families, school and youth groups, and climbers who want to move from the gym to real rock.

A set price per person for a half-day or full-day session, with higher rates for private instruction and multi-week skills courses.

• Solid climbing and rope skills
• Clear, patient teaching
• Safety judgement and calm under pressure

• Commercial activity permits for national parks and state forests, check with the land manager and your state's park authority
• Specialist insurance, as many standard policies exclude climbing instruction, so get quotes early as premiums can be a major yearly cost
• A Working with Children Check if you teach under-18s, check your state's requirements
• Weather, rock conditions and seasons can cancel sessions and affect income
• Risk assessments, first aid training and keeping gear inspected and replaced on schedule

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $15,000, depending on your gear, insurance, training and marketing. These are estimates only, and specialist insurance premiums can be a major yearly cost, so get quotes early.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many sessions you run, group sizes and the season. Weather and rock conditions can cancel sessions and affect income.

Check commercial activity permits for national parks and state forests with the land manager and your state's park authority. Also check specialist insurance, a Working with Children Check if you teach under-18s, risk assessments and first aid training.