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Diving Instructor Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

Issaquah, WA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Set up ropes, ladders, pool lift, diving boards, and other equipment for different types of swim ... Water Safety Instructor Certification preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities * Knowledge of swim ...

Lifeguard/Water Safety Instructor

Everett, WA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Water Safety Instructor Instructs various levels of swimming including various strokes (e.g., front ... Instructs basic diving, safety and survival skills to students. Works with lifeguards to ensure ...

Swim Coach

Sumner, WA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards. Experience ... YMCA Lifeguard and Principles of Competitive Swimming and Diving certification (preferred). * Able ...

Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards. Experience ... YMCA Lifeguard and Principles of Competitive Swimming and Diving certification (preferred). * Able ...

Swim Coach

Silverdale, WA · On-site

$19.08 - $25.17/hr

Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards. Experience ... YMCA Lifeguard and Principles of Competitive Swimming and Diving certification (preferred). * Able ...

Swim Coach

Silverdale, WA · On-site

$19.08 - $25.17/hr

Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards. Experience ... YMCA Lifeguard and Principles of Competitive Swimming and Diving certification (preferred). * Able ...

Head Swim Coach

Sumner, WA · On-site

$19.61 - $24.76/hr

... Diving certification. • Must have an active recreational coaching style. • Positive attitude and previous experience with diverse populations. • Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor ...

Head Swim Coach

Sumner, WA · On-site

$19.61 - $24.76/hr

... Diving certification. Must have an active recreational coaching style. Positive attitude and previous experience with diverse populations. Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in ...

Diving Instructor information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$6

$16

$19

How much do diving instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for diving instructor in Seattle, WA is $16.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges diving instructors face when leading groups of students with varying skill levels?

Diving Instructors often encounter the challenge of managing groups with mixed abilities, ranging from complete beginners to more experienced divers. Ensuring everyone's safety while providing personalized instruction requires strong observation skills and adaptability. Instructors must be able to quickly assess each student's comfort and ability underwater, adjusting their teaching style and pace accordingly. Open communication, patience, and effective group management help create a supportive learning environment for all participants.

What is a diving instructor?

Diving Instructors are certified professionals who teach individuals how to safely scuba dive and explore underwater environments. They provide instruction on diving techniques, safety procedures, equipment usage, and emergency protocols. Diving Instructors also supervise training sessions, conduct certification courses, and often guide recreational dives. Their primary responsibility is to ensure students gain the skills and confidence needed to dive responsibly and enjoyably.

What is the difference between Diving Instructor vs Scuba Diving Instructor?

AspectDiving InstructorScuba Diving Instructor
CertificationsOpen Water Diver, Dive Instructor certifications (e.g., PADI, SSI)Open Water Diver, Dive Instructor certifications (e.g., PADI, SSI)
Work EnvironmentFrequent diving sessions, training in pools and open water, travel to dive sitesSimilar to Diving Instructor, often working at dive shops, resorts, or liveaboards
Industry UsageGeneral term for diving trainersSpecific term emphasizing scuba diving instruction

Both roles involve training divers and require similar certifications. The term "Scuba Diving Instructor" specifically highlights instruction in scuba diving techniques, often used interchangeably with "Diving Instructor." The main difference lies in terminology rather than job duties or environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a diving instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Diving Instructor, you need certified dive training (such as PADI or SSI), in-depth knowledge of diving safety protocols, and experience in underwater navigation and rescue. Familiarity with dive computers, underwater communication devices, and first aid/CPR certifications is typically required. Exceptional communication, patience, and leadership skills help instructors teach students of varying abilities and respond effectively to emergencies. These competencies are vital for ensuring student safety, delivering quality instruction, and fostering confidence in underwater environments.
Infographic showing various Diving Instructor job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,088 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

City of Issaquah

Issaquah, WA • On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Aquatics Team Member

Looking for a part-time job? Are you a swimmer or have been in the past? We would love to have you join our Aquatics team! This is a great opportunity for you to teach others what you know about swimming and water safety. You'll get to interact with community members as they exercise, learn how to swim, or just have fun at the Julius Boehm Pool. Our goal is for all staff to both lifeguard and teach, but you can start with teaching and work towards your lifeguarding certification along the way. We offer lifeguard classes throughout the year, so there will be many opportunities to get lifeguard certified. Come join our team! Our mission? We enhance lives through public service.

Equity Statement The City of Issaquah strives to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We value a variety of perspectives and life experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state and local laws. We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to the success of our City operations

Essential Functions
  • Lead and instruct program participants in the rules and proper participation in swimming related activities.
  • Serve as a swim class instructor
  • Ensure proper procedures are followed in program activities, both with regard to safety and program guidelines.
  • Perform lifeguard responsibilities on a regular basis.
  • Attend work on a regular, reliable, and punctual basis.
  • Rescue persons in distress, in danger of drowning or incurring an injury.
  • Ensure proper behavior on the part of swim or other assigned class participants and respond quickly to potentially hazardous situations and accidents.
  • Teach and mentor new swim instructors and lifeguards.
  • Maintain relevant program records and prepare related reports.
  • Set up ropes, ladders, pool lift, diving boards, and other equipment for different types of swim lessons, including drop-in swim, water exercise classes, and occasional swim meets.
  • Administer first aid in the event of an injury, participate in all first aid and safety drills.
  • Perform deck cleaning and some pool maintenance.
  • May be responsible for teaching CPR, First Aid, and/or Lifeguard Training.
Qualifications
  • Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certification preferred (City will provide training)
  • CPR for the Professional Rescuer Certification preferred (City will provide training)
  • Water Safety Instructor Certification preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Knowledge of swim instruction and lifeguard methods and techniques.
  • Knowledge of effective safety standards and precautions related to swimming, swim instruction, and responsibilities of a lifeguard.
  • Knowledge of swim exercise instruction methods.
  • Ability to assist in instructional tasks.
  • Ability to perform administrative tasks, such as record keeping, report preparation, and similar tasks.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to prepare and maintain detailed program records.
  • Ability to work some weekends, or other irregular hours as necessary.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, agencies, and the public.
  • Ability, with assistance, to lift a person weighing 200 pounds while the person is secured to a backboard up onto the deck while standing in the water or treading water.
  • Ability to stand on cement floor for up to 8 hours per day.
  • Ability to sit in a lifeguard tower for up to 2 hours at a time.
  • All staff are required to pass bi-monthly critical skills assessment, which consists of swimming 200 yards in 3:45, retrieving a 10 lb brick from a pool depth of 12 ft., and treading water for 2 minutes using legs only.
  • Ability to actively participate in program activities, requiring varying degrees of physical exertion; this includes lifting children weighing between 30 and 80 lbs. during swim lessons.
  • Instruct swim lessons which require lifting, twisting, bending, and performing swimming skills needed to demonstrate skill to participants.