ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Padi Scuba Diving Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ripley Entertainment Inc

Divers

Gatlinburg, TN · On-site

... diving or narration of various dive shows. This position answers to the Director of Husbandry ... Certified to SCUBA dive by a nationally recognized training organization such as PADI * First Aid ...

Ripley Entertainment Inc

DIVER

Myrtle Beach, SC · On-site

$13.50/hr

... diving or narration of various dive shows. This position answers to the Dive Safety Director and ... Certified to SCUBA dive by a nationally recognized training organization such as PADI * First Aid ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSports and Recreation JobsSports JobsDiving Coach JobsPadi Scuba Diving Jobs

Padi Scuba Diving information

See salary details

$11K

$56.8K

$144K

How much do padi scuba diving jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for padi scuba diving in the United States is $56,841.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25,000.00 and $46,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PADI scuba diver?

A PADI Scuba Diver is a person who has completed the PADI Scuba Diver certification, which is an entry-level recreational diving course offered by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). This certification allows divers to dive under the direct supervision of a PADI professional to a maximum depth of 12 meters (40 feet). The course covers basic diving skills, safety procedures, and theory, making it ideal for beginners or those with limited time. Upon completion, divers can continue their education to become Open Water Divers, which allows for more independence underwater.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PADI scuba diving instructor?

To thrive as a PADI Scuba Diving Instructor, you need strong diving skills, thorough knowledge of dive theory, and must hold a current PADI Instructor certification. Familiarity with dive computers, safety equipment, and online course management systems is also essential. Exceptional communication, patience, and leadership help instructors motivate students and manage group dynamics underwater. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring student safety, delivering effective instruction, and fostering a positive learning environment.

What are some common challenges faced by PADI scuba diving instructors and how can they be managed?

PADI Scuba Diving Instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying student skill levels, ensuring safety in changing water conditions, and maintaining equipment. Instructors must remain patient and flexible, using clear communication and tailored teaching approaches to help students overcome anxiety or difficulty mastering skills. Regularly updating their own training and staying informed about local dive sites help instructors provide a safe, enjoyable learning experience. Collaboration with dive shop teams and dive masters is also crucial for smooth logistics and group management.

What is the difference between Padi Scuba Diving vs Padi Open Water Diver?

AspectPadi Scuba DivingPadi Open Water Diver
Certifications RequiredAdvanced certification, specialty coursesBasic open water certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial, recreational, guided divesRecreational diving, training sessions
Industry UsageProfessional and recreational sectorsRecreational diving certification

While a Padi Open Water Diver certification qualifies individuals to dive recreationally, Padi Scuba Diving often refers to professional or advanced diving activities requiring additional certifications. The main difference lies in the level of training and the scope of work, with Padi Scuba Diving encompassing a broader range of diving experiences beyond basic certification.

What jobs can I do with Padi Scuba Diving?

With PADI scuba diving certification, you can pursue jobs such as scuba instructor, dive guide, dive shop staff, or underwater photographer. These roles typically require strong diving skills, customer service abilities, and sometimes additional certifications or experience in specialized diving areas.
More about Padi Scuba Diving jobs

What cities are hiring for Padi Scuba Diving jobs?

Cities with the most Padi Scuba Diving job openings:

What states have the most Padi Scuba Diving jobs?

States with the most job openings for Padi Scuba Diving jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Padi Scuba Diving jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Padi Scuba Diving jobs are:

Padi Scuba Diving jobs near you
Infographic showing various Padi Scuba Diving job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,841 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

PADI Scuba Instructor (OWSI or Higher)

Koloa, HI • On-site

Dive Kauai Scuba Center Inc
See more jobs at Dive Kauai Scuba Center Incexternal

$1.0K - $3.0K/mo

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 22 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