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Open Water Scuba Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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PADI Instructor to teach Open Water through Assistant. Instructor. Summer camps if possible. Company Description A small family-owned dive shop that runs its own charter boat and retail store. We are ...

Be Seen First

PADI Instructor to teach Open Water through Assistant. Instructor. Summer camps if possible. Company Description A small family-owned dive shop that runs its own charter boat and retail store. We are ...

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Open Water Scuba Instructor information

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How much do open water scuba instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for open water scuba instructor in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Open Water Scuba Instructors during training sessions, and how are they typically addressed?

Open Water Scuba Instructors frequently encounter challenges such as managing students' anxiety, adapting to varying skill levels, and ensuring safety in unpredictable underwater conditions. Instructors address these by fostering a supportive learning environment, using clear communication, and providing individualized attention when needed. Additionally, they follow strict safety protocols and conduct thorough pre-dive briefings to prepare students and mitigate risks. Collaboration with dive shop staff and other instructors also helps ensure smooth logistical operations and student progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Open Water Scuba Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Open Water Scuba Instructor, you need strong diving skills, comprehensive knowledge of dive theory, and a recognized instructor certification such as PADI or SSI. Familiarity with dive computers, safety equipment, and course management systems is essential for teaching and supervising students. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership are crucial soft skills for ensuring effective instruction and student confidence. These skills and qualities are vital for creating a safe, enjoyable learning environment and maintaining high training standards.

What are Open Water Scuba Instructors?

Open Water Scuba Instructors are certified professionals who teach individuals how to safely scuba dive in open water environments, such as oceans, lakes, or quarries. They provide instruction on diving theory, safety procedures, equipment use, and underwater skills. Instructors also supervise practice sessions, assess students' abilities, and certify new divers upon successful completion of training. Their role is crucial in ensuring that divers are competent, confident, and prepared for underwater exploration.

What is the difference between Open Water Scuba Instructor vs Dive Master?

AspectOpen Water Scuba InstructorDive Master
Certifications RequiredOpen Water Diver, Divemaster, Instructor CertificationOpen Water Diver, Divemaster
Work EnvironmentTeaching students, leading dives, trainingAssisting instructors, guiding dives, supervising
Industry UsageLeading instructor-led courses worldwideSupporting instructors, leading dives as a guide

While both roles involve diving and require similar certifications, an Open Water Scuba Instructor is qualified to teach and certify new divers, whereas a Dive Master primarily assists instructors and leads dives without teaching certification. The instructor role involves more training responsibilities, making it a step above the Dive Master in the professional hierarchy.

What states have the most Open Water Scuba Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Open Water Scuba Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Open Water Scuba Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Open Water Scuba Instructor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Open Water Scuba Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 47% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,749 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Scuba Instructor II - TEMPORARY

Scuba Instructor II - TEMPORARY

Nova Southeastern University

Davie, FL • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 8 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

386th of 535 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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