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Scuba Dive Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Unclassified

$120K/yr

Deep knowledge of scuba equipment, including regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, drysuits, dive computers ... Professional diving certifications (Divemaster, Instructor, Technical Diver, or equivalent) are a ...

NARCOSIS INC

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PADI Scuba Instructor

Tarpon Springs, FL · On-site

$1.0K - $2.0K/wk

Company Description A small family-owned dive shop that runs its own charter boat and retail store. We are also a full-service shop.

NARCOSIS INC

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PADI Scuba Instructor

Tarpon Springs, FL · On-site

$1.0K - $2.0K/wk

Company Description A small family-owned dive shop that runs its own charter boat and retail store. We are also a full-service shop.

US Department of Commerce

Training Specialist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$83K/yr

Providing guidance as a dive instructor or trainer and supporting a variety of dive operations; and ... SCUBA Instructor qualification from a nationally recognized training agency. If you do not meet the ...

US Department of Commerce

Training Specialist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$83K/yr

Providing guidance as a dive instructor or trainer and supporting a variety of dive operations; and ... SCUBA Instructor qualification from a nationally recognized training agency. If you do not meet the ...

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Scuba Dive Instructor information

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How much do scuba dive instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 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 a scuba dive instructor?

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.

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 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.

Is it worth becoming a scuba dive instructor?

Becoming a scuba dive instructor can be a rewarding career for those passionate about diving and teaching, offering opportunities to work in diverse locations and environments. It requires certifications such as the Open Water Diver and Instructor certifications, along with strong communication skills and physical fitness. The job often involves irregular hours, travel, and seasonal work, but provides the chance to share a love of the ocean with others.
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What states have the most Scuba Dive Instructor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Scuba Dive Instructor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Scuba Dive Instructor jobs?

For Scuba Dive Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Scuba Dive Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scuba Dive Instructor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,026 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Dive Coordinator

Corpus Christi, TX • On-site

Texas State Aquarium
Museums and Historical Sites • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Texas State Aquariumexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The Texas State Aquarium is seeking an experienced and collaborative Dive Coordinator to lead our Dive Department and oversee the Aquarium's dive program.
This is a working dive leadership position that combines active participation in aquarium diving with responsibility for dive operations, safety, training, staff and volunteer development, equipment, and emergency preparedness. The Dive Coordinator leads Dive Department staff and volunteers while working closely with Animal Care and other departments to support animal care, exhibit maintenance, underwater inspections, and other operational needs.
The Dive Coordinator also serves as the Aquarium's appointed Dive Safety Officer, with the responsibility and authority to assess diver competency, oversee dive safety, and ensure operations are conducted in accordance with applicable regulatory, accreditation, and institutional requirements.
The ideal candidate is an experienced professional diver who enjoys remaining active in the water while leading and developing others, managing a comprehensive institutional dive program, and promoting a strong and collaborative safety culture.
Dive Program & Operations
The Texas State Aquarium maintains an active institutional dive program supporting daily operations across its aquatic habitats. Divers work in a variety of aquarium environments using scuba and surface-supplied diving systems, full-face masks, and underwater communications.
The Dive Coordinator oversees diver training and qualification, dive equipment and breathing-air systems, emergency preparedness, and the staff and volunteer dive programs. The position also works collaboratively with Animal Care, Animal Health, Life Support, Facilities, and other departments to support safe and effective underwater operations.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and coordinate the Aquarium's dive program and Dive Department
  • Serve as the Aquarium's appointed Dive Safety Officer
  • Participate regularly as a working diver in aquarium dive operations
  • Supervise, train, develop, schedule, and evaluate Dive Department staff and volunteers
  • Evaluate diver knowledge and in-water competency and provide or coordinate training and remediation
  • Plan and supervise dive operations and exercise authority to modify or suspend operations when safety concerns arise
  • Develop and maintain dive policies, procedures, training programs, and emergency response protocols
  • Oversee dive equipment, breathing-air systems, inspections, maintenance, testing, inventory, and associated records
  • Conduct and evaluate dive emergency drills and response training
  • Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA requirements, accreditation standards, and institutional policies
  • Collaborate with Animal Care and other departments to support animal care, exhibit maintenance, underwater inspections, repairs, and projects
  • Manage departmental personnel, goals, budget, equipment needs, purchasing, and other resources
  • Support occasional open-water or field diving operations as needed

Qualifications
Required
  • Minimum five years of professional diving experience, with significant experience in aquarium, zoo, scientific, commercial, or comparable institutional diving operations
  • Minimum two years of experience supervising divers, managing dive operations, or providing leadership within a professional dive program
  • Demonstrated experience evaluating diver knowledge and in-water skills and providing training, coaching, or remediation
  • Experience with dive equipment, maintenance programs, emergency preparedness, and dive safety
  • Current scuba certification with training and professional diving experience appropriate to the scope of the Aquarium's dive program
  • Current First Aid, CPR, AED, and emergency oxygen administration certification
  • Ability to pass and maintain required professional diving medical clearance
  • Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record

Preferred
  • Scuba Instructor certification from a nationally recognized training agency
  • Experience within an accredited aquarium or zoo
  • Experience supervising staff and volunteer dive programs
  • Experience with aquarium diving, surface-supplied diving, full-face masks, and underwater communications
  • Experience with breathing-air compressors, cylinder filling systems, and dive equipment maintenance
  • Experience developing dive procedures, training programs, and emergency response protocols

SCUBA Instructor certification is preferred but is not required. Candidates who are not certified instructors must possess equivalent diving credentials, training, knowledge, and experience sufficient to fulfill the responsibilities of the Aquarium's appointed Dive Safety Officer, including the ability to evaluate and remediate diver skills in an in-water setting.
Professional Development
The Texas State Aquarium supports continued professional growth through continuing education, professional training, conferences, specialized dive and safety training, and other development opportunities relevant to the position.
Living & Working in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a mid-sized South Texas city located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. The Coastal Bend is particularly well suited for those who enjoy a coastal lifestyle, warm climate, and easy access to beaches, bays, fishing, boating, birding, and other outdoor activities.
Benefits
This position offers an attractive benefits/vacation package including health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan with a 100% match of the first 5% contributed.

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