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Professional Scuba Diving Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DAN

Safety Services Specialist

Durham, NC · On-site +1

Certified scuba diver - a professional scuba diving rating is desired. * Hyperbaric facility safety officer, operator or technician * DAN First Aid Instructor or appropriate equivalent * Dive safety ...

DAN

Safety Services Specialist

Durham, NC · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Certified scuba diver - a professional scuba diving rating is desired. * Hyperbaric facility safety officer, operator or technician * DAN First Aid Instructor or appropriate equivalent * Dive safety ...

Nova Southeastern University

Divemaster - TEMPORARY

Davie, FL · On-site

$14/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

The Divemaster adds supervision and support for the NSU Academic Diving Program's scuba diving ... Professional Liability Insurance. 4. Must hold Diving Accident Insurance at the Master Level or ...

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Professional Scuba Diving information

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How much do professional scuba diving jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional 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.

Can professional scuba diving be a profession?

Yes, professional scuba diving is a recognized occupation that involves activities such as underwater inspection, research, photography, and commercial diving. It requires specialized training, certifications like PADI or NAUI, and adherence to safety standards, often involving work in challenging environments and irregular schedules.

What is the difference between Professional Scuba Diving vs Commercial Diver?

AspectProfessional Scuba DivingCommercial Diver
CertificationsPADI, NAUI, SSI certificationsIMCA, ADCI certifications
Work EnvironmentRecreational, research, underwater filmingIndustrial, construction, underwater welding
Industry UsageTourism, research, mediaOil & gas, infrastructure, salvage

Professional Scuba Diving typically involves recreational, research, or media work with certifications like PADI or NAUI. Commercial Diver work is more industrial, requiring specialized certifications like IMCA, and involves high-risk tasks such as underwater welding or construction. While both roles involve underwater work, their environments, certifications, and industries differ significantly.

What jobs can I do with professional scuba diving?

With professional scuba diving certification, you can work as a dive instructor, commercial diver, underwater photographer, marine researcher, or dive guide. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, and knowledge of safety procedures, and they typically involve working in aquatic environments for extended periods.

What challenges do professional scuba divers face while working underwater, and how are they managed?

Professional scuba divers often encounter challenges such as limited visibility, strong currents, and varying water temperatures, which can impact both safety and efficiency. To manage these conditions, divers rely on thorough pre-dive planning, proper equipment checks, and strong communication protocols with their surface support teams. Additionally, ongoing training in emergency procedures and situational awareness is crucial to adapt to unexpected circumstances while underwater.

What is a professional scuba diver?

Professional scuba divers are individuals who are trained and certified to dive underwater for work-related purposes. They may perform a variety of tasks including underwater inspections, welding, photography, marine research, search and rescue, or guiding recreational divers. Unlike recreational divers, professionals often require advanced certifications and specialized training to safely operate in challenging conditions. Their work environments can range from tropical reefs to cold or deep waters, depending on the job requirements. Safety, technical skills, and strong physical fitness are essential qualities for professional scuba divers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a professional scuba diver?

To thrive as a Professional Scuba Diver, you need advanced diving skills, comprehensive safety knowledge, and certifications such as PADI Divemaster or Instructor level. Familiarity with dive computers, underwater communication devices, and specialized equipment maintenance is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication abilities help divers manage underwater challenges and interact effectively with clients or teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring safety, delivering high-quality service, and adapting to diverse underwater environments.

How much money do professional scuba divers make?

Professional scuba divers' earnings vary widely based on experience, specialization, location, and employment type. Entry-level divers may earn around $20,000 to $40,000 annually, while experienced commercial or technical divers can make $50,000 to over $100,000 per year, especially if working in specialized fields or offshore environments. Certifications, skills, and the ability to work in challenging conditions influence income levels.
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Professional Scuba Diving jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Scuba Diving job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,841 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Scuba Instructor II - TEMPORARY

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site

$19/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Nova Southeastern University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

546th of 618 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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