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Padi Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

T3i, Inc.

Dive Master

Spokane, WA · On-site

Support instructors and training cadre during aquatic training evolutions, including resistance ... g., PADI, NAUI, SSI, or equivalent) * Experience supporting military training programs or ...

houstonzoo

Dive Safety Officer

Houston, TX

An active Dive Master certification from a recognized agency (PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI) required. An active Dive Instructor certification preferred. Hold a current oxygen provide instructor certification ...

houstonzoo

Dive Safety Officer

Houston, TX

An active Dive Master certification from a recognized agency (PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI) required. An active Dive Instructor certification preferred. Hold a current oxygen provide instructor certification ...

Houston Zoo

Dive Safety Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

An active Dive Master certification from a recognized agency (PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI) required. An active Dive Instructor certification preferred. Hold a current oxygen provide instructor certification ...

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How much do padi instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for padi instructor in the United States is $20.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do you earn as a Padi instructor?

PADI instructors typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and the number of courses they teach. Many instructors supplement their income through tips, private lessons, and working at busy dive shops or resorts.

How do I become a Padi instructor?

To become a PADI Instructor, you must first be a certified PADI Divemaster or Assistant Instructor, complete the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC), and pass the Instructor Examination (IE). This process includes training in teaching skills, rescue techniques, and knowledge development, often requiring a minimum number of logged dives and current CPR and first aid certifications.

How much do PADI scuba instructors make?

PADI scuba instructors typically earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per month, depending on location, experience, and the type of employment (such as dive shops, resorts, or freelance work). Many instructors supplement their income through tips, equipment sales, and teaching multiple courses or guiding dives.

What is a PADI Instructor job?

A PADI Instructor is a professional scuba diving teacher certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Their primary role is to train and certify new divers, ensuring they learn proper scuba skills, safety protocols, and environmental awareness. PADI Instructors work in dive shops, resorts, and liveaboards worldwide, leading courses, guiding dives, and sometimes maintaining equipment. They must have strong communication skills, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to underwater safety.

What does a typical workday look like for a PADI Instructor?

A typical day for a PADI Instructor often involves leading confined and open water training sessions, conducting classroom briefings, and ensuring equipment is well-maintained and ready for student use. Instructors also spend time assessing student progress, managing safety protocols, and assisting with dive shop operations such as equipment rental or sales. Collaboration with other instructors and dive center staff is common, especially when coordinating group lessons or guided dives. You’ll have the opportunity to work in dynamic, often scenic environments, interacting with people from all over the world while helping them achieve their diving goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Padi Instructor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PADI Instructor, you need extensive diving knowledge, strong instructional abilities, and must hold a current PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) certification or higher. Familiarity with dive equipment, safety protocols, and PADI educational materials and standards is crucial. Outstanding communication, patience, and leadership skills help build student confidence and ensure a positive learning environment. These competencies are essential for delivering safe, engaging diving instruction while upholding organizational and industry standards.

What do dive instructors get paid?

Dive instructors typically earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, location, and the dive shop. Many also receive tips from clients, which can significantly increase overall income, and some positions include accommodations or commissions on dive sales.
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Padi Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Padi Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,997 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Dive Master

Dive Master

T3i, Inc.

Spokane, WA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time, Contractor

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Summary: The Dive Master supports aquatic training activities associated with Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) programs conducted at Fairchild AFB. This role provides professional diving supervision, water safety oversight, and technical support for training events conducted in aquatic environments in accordance with approved Programs of Instruction (POIs), safety standards, and governing directives.
The Dive Master ensures the safe conduct of water-based training by maintaining strict compliance with dive safety protocols, equipment readiness standards, and operational risk management procedures. Duties may include supervising diving activities, supporting underwater training evolutions, maintaining dive equipment, and coordinating with instructors and safety personnel during aquatic training events. This position operates in demanding training environments where safety, attention to detail, and sound judgment are critical to supporting realistic SERE training while protecting the well-being of students and instructors.
Responsibilities:
  • Provide dive supervision and water safety support for SERE aquatic training activities conducted in accordance with approved course materials and safety procedures
  • Monitor diving operations to ensure compliance with established dive safety standards and risk management protocols
  • Inspect, maintain, and manage dive equipment, life-support systems, and associated safety gear used during training operations
  • Support instructors and training cadre during aquatic training evolutions, including resistance laboratory water events and related water-based training scenarios
  • Conduct pre-dive safety checks, equipment inspections, and briefings as required
  • Monitor student performance and safety during aquatic training events and respond to potential hazards or emergencies
  • Coordinate with safety personnel, instructors, and medical support staff to ensure safe execution of water-based training activities
  • Maintain required dive logs, equipment records, and documentation associated with aquatic operations
  • Support concurrent or consecutive course iterations in high-tempo environments; training schedules may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and extended training days
  • Maintain required clothing, equipment, and personal readiness standards necessary to safely conduct aquatic training support
Required Skills and Experience:
  • DoD Diver First Class certification and qualification as a Naval Enlisted Classification (NEC) M1DV Diver First Class (Legacy NEC 5342) or equivalent
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Diver First Class
  • Minimum three 3 years experience with U.S. Navy recompression chamber operations and familiarity with recognition and treatment of diving emergencies as outlined in the U.S. Navy diving Manual
  • Minimum three 3 years experience with high-pressure air systems and underwater breathing equipment maintenance
  • Minimum three 3 years experience with the implementation and employment of the US Navy Dive/Jump Reporting System, U.S. Navy Planned Maintenance System, and the 3M system as it applies to diving for near, mid, and long-term equipment requirements
  • Knowledge of USAF and MAJCOM dive program regulatory guidance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance
  • Ability to support extended duty days and non-standard work schedules as required by training cycles
  • American Red Cross CPR and First Aid or equivalent
  • Current lifeguard certification and be physically capable of swimming in turbulent water in an environmental tank
Desired Skills and Experience:
  • Current professional-level dive certification such as Divemaster or equivalent from a nationally or internationally recognized diving organization (e.g., PADI, NAUI, SSI, or equivalent)
  • Experience supporting military training programs or Department of Defense operational environments
  • Experience supporting SERE training, water survival instruction, or aquatic resistance laboratory training events
  • Experience with dive equipment maintenance, inspection, and operational readiness procedures
  • Current certifications such as CPR, First Aid, Rescue Diver, or Emergency Oxygen Administration
  • Experience supporting safety oversight during high-risk training environments
  • Experience working with instructor cadre or training teams in structured instructional environments
Required Background Check: Must have a T3, T3R or National Agency Check with Law and Credit (NACLC)
Type of Employment: Full-Time
T3i Drug Free Workplace Statement:
As a Federal Government Contractor, T3i is required to strictly adhere to federally mandated drug-free workplace standards. To ensure compliance with this requirement, T3i conducts pre-employment drug screening for all new hire personnel (full-time, part-time, and independent contractor) and annual random drug screening for all current T3i personnel. All drug screening includes testing for the following drugs, at a minimum: Marijuana (CBD, hemp oil, and other cannabidiol use may result in a positive result), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, 6-monoacetylmorphine, and PCP. Personnel who cannot pass drug screening are not eligible for employment with T3i.
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About T3i

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2014

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