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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 24, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,677 per year, or $33 per hour.

PADI Scuba Instructor (OWSI or Higher)

Dive Kauai Scuba Center Inc

Koloa, HI • On-site

$1.0K - $3.0K/mo

Full-time

Medical

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Dive Kauai Scuba Center | Koloa, Kauai

Do you love introducing people to the underwater world?

Dive Kauai Scuba Center has been creating unforgettable ocean adventures for more than 24 years. We're looking for enthusiastic, safety-minded PADI Instructors who are passionate about teaching, guiding, and delivering world-class guest experiences.

Whether you're teaching a guest to breathe underwater for the very first time, leading certified divers along Kauai's spectacular reefs, or inspiring someone to continue their diving education, you'll play an important role in creating memories that last a lifetime.

This is a hospitality position as much as it is a scuba position. Our instructors are educators, tour guides, sales professionals, safety leaders, and ambassadors for both Dive Kauai and the island of Kauai.

What You'll Do
  • Teach PADI scuba courses from Discover Scuba Diving through Divemaster.
  • Conduct pool demonstrations and Discover Scuba Diving experiences at our resort partners.
  • Guide certified shore and boat dives.
  • Lead specialty dives including night, DPV, deep, drift, and other specialty experiences.
  • Deliver exceptional customer service before, during, and after every dive.
  • Promote additional diving experiences, continuing education, and company activities.
  • Prepare equipment, vehicles, classrooms, and paperwork for daily operations.
  • Maintain rental equipment and assist with daily dive shop operations.
  • Work closely with fellow instructors, divemasters, captains, and office staff to create an exceptional guest experience.

    • Minimum Qualifications

    Applicants must:
  • Be a current PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) or higher.
  • Be in good standing with PADI and authorized to teach.
  • Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • Hold current CPR and First Aid certifications.
  • Carry (or be able to obtain before your first day) DAN Professional Liability Insurance.
  • Own a complete set of professional scuba equipment.
  • Pass preemployment and random drug testing.
  • Hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Be comfortable driving company vans and transporting dive equipment.
  • Lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Be available to work weekends, holidays, and peak tourism seasons.
    • Preferred Qualifications
  • PADI Specialty Instructor ratings.
  • Experience teaching highvolume resort diving programs.
  • Underwater photography experience.
  • Experience conducting Discover Scuba Diving programs.
  • Boat diving experience.
  • Customer service, hospitality, or tourism experience.
  • Knowledge of Kauai dive sites.
    • Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive pay
  • Generous gratuities.
  • Health insurance (eligible employees).
  • Employee activity benefits.
  • Professional, supportive team environment.
  • Yearround employment opportunities.
  • Consistent scheduling with opportunities for growth and advancement.
    • Availability Requirements

    We operate seven days a week, year-round.

    Applicants must be available to work:
  • Weekends and holidays
  • June through September
  • December 15 through January 15

    • These are our busiest seasons, and time-off requests during these blackout periods generally cannot be accommodated.

    We're looking for team members who are dependable, positive, professional, and excited to create unforgettable experiences for our guests. If you're ready to join one of Kauai's premier ocean adventure companies, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply