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Entry Level Diving Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

TEMP-Campus Recreation-Dive Master

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$36K - $44K/yr

The complex is a unique expansion of the existing swimming and diving venue built for the 1996 ... Supporting instructors in teaching scuba courses, particularly entry-level programs. * Safety ...

Entry Level Diving information

See Georgia salary details

$14K

$35.6K

$65.4K

How much do entry level diving jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level diving in Georgia is $35,585.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26,065.00 and $38,124.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to start a career in diving?

To start a career in diving, obtain a recognized open water diver certification from a reputable agency such as PADI or NAUI, which involves completing training and practical skills. Gaining experience through additional certifications, developing physical fitness, and understanding safety procedures are essential steps to pursue professional opportunities like dive instructor or commercial diver.

Can saturation divers earn over $300000 with years of experience?

Saturation divers, an advanced type of commercial diver, can potentially earn over $300,000 annually with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries such as oil and gas. However, such earnings are typically achieved after many years of training, certifications, and working in demanding environments, and are not common for entry-level positions.

What are entry level diving jobs?

Entry level diving jobs are positions for individuals who are new to professional diving. These roles typically involve basic underwater tasks such as inspections, cleaning, maintenance, or assisting more experienced divers on projects. Entry level divers often work in industries like commercial diving, scientific research, underwater construction, or marine conservation. These jobs usually require completion of a recognized diving certification and a focus on safety protocols. Starting in an entry level position allows divers to gain valuable experience and advance to more specialized or senior roles over time.

Can I go scuba diving with no experience?

Entry level diving jobs typically require candidates to complete scuba certification courses, such as Open Water Diver, which provide the necessary skills and knowledge. While no prior experience is needed to start training, certification is essential before working or diving professionally in most cases.

What is the difference between Entry Level Diving vs Commercial Diver?

AspectEntry Level DivingCommercial Diver
CertificationsOpen Water Diver, Advanced Open WaterCommercial Diving Certification, OSHA compliance
Work EnvironmentRecreational, training, light underwater tasksIndustrial, underwater construction, inspection
Employer & IndustryRecreational diving centers, training agenciesConstruction companies, oil & gas, maritime industry

Entry Level Diving typically involves recreational or training dives with basic certifications, focusing on learning and light underwater activities. Commercial Divers perform industrial underwater work requiring specialized certifications and work in more hazardous environments. While both roles involve diving skills, Commercial Divers operate in more complex, high-risk settings compared to Entry Level Divers.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry-level divers when starting out in the industry?

Entry-level divers often encounter challenges such as adapting to rigorous physical demands, managing underwater communication, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols in varied environments. New divers may also need to quickly learn how to handle specialized equipment and work effectively within a team, often under pressure or in challenging weather conditions. Building confidence and experience through on-the-job training and mentorship is key to overcoming these initial hurdles and progressing in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Diver, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Diver, you need basic scuba diving certification (such as Open Water Diver), physical fitness, and a strong understanding of underwater safety procedures. Familiarity with diving equipment, dive computers, and adherence to safety protocols are crucial for this role. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help ensure safe and efficient dive operations. These skills and qualifications are vital to minimize risks, maintain safety standards, and support successful underwater tasks.

What is the 120 rule in diving?

The 120 rule in diving is a safety guideline stating that a diver should not ascend more than 120 feet per minute during a safety stop or ascent to reduce the risk of decompression sickness. It is used alongside other dive tables and dive computers to ensure safe ascent rates, especially during recreational or professional dives. Proper training and certification are essential to understand and apply this rule effectively in diving operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Diving jobs in Georgia? The most popular types of Diving jobs in Georgia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Diving jobs in Georgia? For Entry Level Diving jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Diving jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Diving jobs in Georgia are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Diving job openings in Georgia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,585 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Dive Master Apprentice, Dive Immersion

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


Georgia Aquarium rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 36 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

Position Title: Dive Master Apprentice
Department: 3380 - Dive Immersion
Classification: PTNOEX - Part-Time Non-Exempt
Employee Type: PTS - PT Team Spec
Direct Report: Assistant Manager, Dive Immersion
Position Summary:
This entry-level position is responsible for the delivery of the Dive Immersion Programs, which includes but are not limited to the SCUBA dive, Swim, and Shark Cage Dive experiences. The Dive Master Apprentice ensures the programs are run safely, efficiently, and provides exceptional guest experience. They will be asked to provide in-water or top-side support for the Dive Immersion Programs in accordance with Georgia Aquarium's Dive safety standards and protocols
Responsibilities:
  1. Conducts the daily delivery of Dive Immersion Programs and guest experiences.
  2. Maintains the highest level of safety and quality of the Dive Immersion Programs possible.
  3. Participates in training and developmental classes.
  4. Fulfill assignments of program roles on rotational basis; includes guest representative, ride operator, in-water guide/safety, and surface support.
  5. Set up and inspects open circuit dive equipment to ensure all are within proper operating parameters.
  6. Meets all applicable requirements as outlined in Georgia Aquarium's Diving Operations and Procedures Manual.
  7. Adheres to all dive safety policies and procedures as set by GAI and the Dive Control Board.
  8. Regularly performs guest experience dives in support of the program mission to include the SCUBA dive, Swim, & Shark Cage Dive programs.
  9. Regularly demonstrates a comprehensive and advanced knowledge of recreational diving methods and techniques.
  10. Regularly demonstrates a broad technical and recreational expertise in diving.
  11. Always maintains the highest standards of professionalism, proper appearance, and work area cleanliness.
  12. Regularly interacts on behalf of Dive Immersion with guests, media, and other departments within Georgia Aquarium.
  13. Performs other functions for Dive Operations such as filling cylinders, tending/diving presentations, data entry, buddy diving, other duties for Zoological Operations as needed.

Qualifications:
  1. High School Diploma required. Bachelor's Degree preferred.
  2. Present evidence of all dive training and diving history.
  3. Hold a current advanced open water certification or higher.
  4. Pass Georgia Aquarium's Dive Physical.
  5. Pass Georgia Aquarium's Swim and SCUBA Test.
  6. Pass an Open Water checkout dive with Diving Safety Officer or Designee.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Commitment:
I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:
Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.
Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.
Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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