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How much do scuba dive instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for scuba dive instructor in the United States is $21.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectScuba Dive InstructorOpen Water Diver
CertificationsAdvanced certifications, instructor-levelBasic certification (e.g., PADI Open Water Diver)
Work EnvironmentTeaching, guiding students, trainingRecreational diving, personal diving activities
Employer & Industry UsageDiving schools, resorts, training agenciesRecreational divers, travel agencies

The main difference is that a Scuba Dive Instructor is qualified to teach and certify new divers, while an Open Water Diver is certified for personal recreational diving. Instructors have advanced training and work in teaching environments, whereas Open Water Divers focus on their own diving experiences.

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

To thrive as a Scuba Dive Instructor, you need advanced diving proficiency, in-depth knowledge of dive theory, and an instructor-level certification such as PADI or SSI. Familiarity with dive computers, emergency equipment, and digital logbook systems is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership skills help build trust and ensure student safety during training. These competencies are crucial to effectively teach diverse students, promote safe diving practices, and provide memorable underwater experiences.

What are some of the common challenges faced by scuba dive instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Scuba dive instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying student skill levels, managing safety in unpredictable underwater environments, and maintaining equipment reliability. Building strong communication skills and patience is essential for teaching students with diverse backgrounds and abilities. Staying updated with the latest safety protocols and regularly servicing equipment help mitigate risks. Additionally, collaborating closely with other instructors and dive shop staff fosters a supportive environment and ensures smooth class and trip operations.

What are Scuba Dive Instructors?

Scuba Dive Instructors are professionals trained to teach individuals how to safely scuba dive. They guide students through theory lessons, confined water training, and open water dives, ensuring all safety protocols are followed. Instructors are typically certified by recognized organizations such as PADI or NAUI, and they assess students' skills before issuing certifications. Their role also includes planning dives, maintaining equipment, and fostering a safe, enjoyable learning environment.
More about Scuba Dive Instructor jobs
What states have the most Scuba Dive Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Scuba Dive Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Scuba Dive Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Scuba Dive Instructor jobs are:
Scuba Dive Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scuba Dive Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,026 per year, or $21.6 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 9 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

384th of 534 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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