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Scuba Certified Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Scuba Certified information

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$16

$28

$95

How much do scuba certified jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for scuba certified in the United States is $28.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Scuba Diving Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scuba Diving Instructor, you need in-depth knowledge of diving theory, strong swimming ability, and a recognized scuba instructor certification (such as PADI or NAUI). Familiarity with dive computers, underwater navigation tools, and emergency oxygen kits is essential. Outstanding communication, patience, and leadership skills help instructors effectively teach and ensure student safety. These skills are critical for delivering safe, engaging instruction and managing risks in underwater environments.

What jobs can you get with scuba diving certification?

Scuba diving certification qualifies individuals for jobs such as commercial diver, underwater photographer, marine researcher, dive instructor, and underwater welder. These roles often require specialized training, physical fitness, and the ability to work in aquatic environments, sometimes involving travel and irregular schedules.

What are some common challenges scuba-certified professionals face when working in commercial diving roles?

Scuba-certified professionals in commercial diving often encounter challenges such as working in low-visibility or hazardous underwater environments and managing physical fatigue from long hours submerged. Safety is paramount, so divers must remain vigilant about equipment checks, decompression schedules, and potential marine life encounters. Collaboration with topside teams, such as supervisors and support crew, is essential for coordinating operations and responding to emergencies. Adapting to unpredictable underwater conditions and effectively communicating with colleagues are key aspects of succeeding in these roles.

What jobs can I do with scuba diving?

Scuba-certified individuals can pursue jobs such as commercial diver, underwater photographer, marine biologist, dive instructor, or underwater welder. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, and comfort working in aquatic environments, and may involve tasks like underwater inspection, research, or teaching diving skills.

What does it mean to be Scuba Certified?

Being Scuba Certified means you have completed a training program, typically through an accredited organization like PADI or NAUI, that teaches you the necessary skills and safety procedures for recreational scuba diving. Certification involves both classroom instruction and practical, in-water training. Once certified, you are allowed to rent scuba gear, join guided dives, and dive independently within your certification limits. Most dive shops and tour operators require proof of certification before allowing you to participate in dives. The most common entry-level certification is the Open Water Diver certification.

What is the highest paying scuba diving job?

The highest paying scuba diving jobs are often in commercial diving, such as underwater welding, inspection, or construction, which require advanced certifications and specialized skills. These roles can pay six-figure salaries due to their technical nature and risk level, often involving work in challenging environments and extended hours.

What is the difference between Scuba Certified vs Dive Instructor?

AspectScuba CertifiedDive Instructor
Required CredentialsOpen Water Diver certification or equivalentDivemaster certification + instructor training
Work EnvironmentRecreational diving, training sessions, dive shopsLeading dives, teaching students, supervising dives
Industry UsageEntry-level certification for recreational divingProfessional role in diving industry

Being Scuba Certified means you have completed basic training to dive safely, while a Dive Instructor is a professional who teaches and supervises divers. Certification is the foundation for a diving career, with the instructor role requiring advanced credentials and experience.

What can I do with my scuba certification?

A scuba certified individual can pursue jobs such as underwater photographer, dive instructor, marine researcher, or commercial diver. Scuba certification also allows participation in recreational diving, underwater inspections, and conservation projects, often requiring additional training or experience for specialized roles.
More about Scuba Certified jobs
What cities are hiring for Scuba Certified jobs? Cities with the most Scuba Certified job openings:
What states have the most Scuba Certified jobs? States with the most job openings for Scuba Certified jobs include:
Infographic showing various Scuba Certified job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,257 per year, or $28.5 per hour.
Scuba Instructor II - TEMPORARY

Scuba Instructor II - TEMPORARY

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site

$19/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 12 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

387th of 536 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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