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Entry Level Scuba Diving Instructor information

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$35.5K

$68.7K

$103.5K

How much do entry level scuba diving instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level scuba diving instructor in the United States is $68,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a scuba diving instructor?

To become a scuba diving instructor, you must first obtain a certification such as the Open Water Diver and then complete the Divemaster certification. After gaining experience, you can enroll in a professional instructor training course, such as the Instructor Development Course (IDC), and pass the certification exams to become qualified to teach scuba diving courses.

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

Saturation divers, who work in specialized underwater environments using complex life support systems, can potentially earn over $300,000 with extensive experience and high-risk assignments. However, such earnings are typically reserved for highly experienced divers working in offshore oil and gas industries, not for entry-level roles. Entry-level saturation diving instructors generally earn significantly less, with higher salaries possible as they gain certifications and experience in the field.

Is it hard to become a scuba diving instructor?

Becoming a scuba diving instructor requires completing open water and advanced certifications, gaining experience as a certified diver, and passing instructor training courses that include skills assessment and safety procedures. The process demands physical fitness, strong swimming skills, and knowledge of diving equipment and safety protocols. It typically takes several months to a year to qualify, depending on individual progress and training program availability.

What is the 120 rule in diving?

The 120 rule in diving states that a diver should not exceed 120 minutes of total bottom time at depths shallower than 60 feet (18 meters) without mandatory decompression stops. For entry-level scuba diving instructors, understanding this rule helps ensure safe dive planning and adherence to no-decompression limits, especially when guiding new divers. Proper training and dive computers are essential tools to monitor these limits during dives.

What is the difference between Entry Level Scuba Diving Instructor vs Open Water Scuba Instructor?

AspectEntry Level Scuba Diving InstructorOpen Water Scuba Instructor
Certifications RequiredBasic instructor certification (e.g., PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor)Advanced instructor certification, including specialty and instructor ratings
Work EnvironmentBeginner-focused classes, introductory dives, resort or dive shop settingsLeading open water courses, supervising dives, teaching new divers
Industry UsageEntry-level teaching roles, assisting senior instructorsFull instructor roles, responsible for training divers in open water

The main difference is that an Entry Level Scuba Diving Instructor is typically a beginner instructor focusing on introductory courses, while an Open Water Scuba Instructor is qualified to teach open water courses independently and handle more advanced training. Both roles require instructor certifications, but the Open Water Instructor has more experience and responsibilities in the industry.

More about Entry Level Scuba Diving Instructor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Scuba Diving Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Scuba Diving Instructor jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Scuba Diving Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Scuba Diving Instructor jobs are:
Entry Level Scuba Diving Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Scuba Diving Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,677 per year, or $33 per hour.
Scuba Instructor II - TEMPORARY

Scuba Instructor II - TEMPORARY

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site

$19/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

Nova Southeastern University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

397th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

We are excited that you are considering joining Nova Southeastern University!
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) was founded in 1964, and is a not-for-profit, independent university with a reputation for academic excellence and innovation. Nova Southeastern University offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including tuition waiver, retirement plan, excellent medical and dental plans and much more. NSU cares about the health and welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors and is a tobacco-free university.
We appreciate your support in making NSU the preeminent place to live, work, study and grow. Thank you for your interest in a career with Nova Southeastern University.
Primary Purpose:
The Scuba Instructor teaches and adds support to the NSU Academic Diving Program's scuba diving classes and scuba diving trips. Temporary employment is of limited duration, and under the terms of NSU's benefits plan and policies, not eligible for company benefits.
Job Category: Non-Exempt
Hiring Range: $19.00
Pay Basis: Hourly
Subject to Grant Funding? No
Essential Job Functions:
1. Prepares lesson plans.
2. Instructs and leads various scuba courses in the classroom and in the pool.
3. Utilizes multi-media and training aids.
4. Leads/assists with dive trips of both courses and recreational dives.
5. Administers course paperwork.
6. Conducts dive briefings.
7. Prepares, organizes, and closes the dive locker.
8. Distributes and collects equipment from students.
9. Tags equipment for repair and inspects safety equipment.
10. Works with divemasters.
11. Responsible for topside and underwater supervision of students.
12. Responds to student inquiries.
13. Fills scuba cylinders and rinses equipment.
Job Requirements: 1. You must be a non-smoker. Due to the fact that smoking increases the risk of decompression sickness or the bends and dramatically reduces proper gas exchange in the lungs causing reduction in Nitrogen elimination (susceptible to decompression sickness) and reduction in carbon dioxide elimination (leading to exhaustion underwater and panic) smoking (on and off campus) is prohibited in this role.
2. At least one semester experience as an NSU Scuba Instructor I
3. Issued 25 certifications.
Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 1. Excellent communication skills.
2. Ability to instruct various scuba courses.
3. Proficient in dive rescue and in the demonstration of standard scuba skills.
4. Ability to carry diving equipment.
Required Certifications/Licensures: 1. Must hold active certification status as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.
2. Current CPR and First Aid Instructor certification (EFR Instructor).
3. Current Emergency Oxygen Provider or Instructor certification (DAN or EFR).
4. Must hold active Scuba Instructor Professional Liability Insurance or join our group policy, if hired.
5. Must hold DAN Diving Accident Insurance at the Master Level or higher.
6. Must be trained through the NSUADP PADI Instructor Development Course or complete an NSUADP semester-long practicum prior to consideration for hire.
Required Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
Major (if required:
Required Experience:
Preferred Qualifications:
Is this a safety sensitive position? Yes
Background Screening Required? Yes
Pre-Employment Conditions:
To ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff, as a condition of employment the selected candidate will need to provide proof of a completed COVID-19 vaccination prior to commencement of employment or an approved exemption and reasonable accommodation.
Sensitivity Disclaimer: Nova Southeastern University is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodation when necessary.
NSU considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.

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