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Scuba Diving Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Travel Program Director, Diventures Travel, LLC Role Profile The Travel Program Director leads Diventures Travel, LLC's wholesale and retail scuba diving travel business, driving growth through ...

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Scuba Diving information

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$11K

$56.8K

$144K

How much do scuba diving jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 Are Scuba Diving Jobs?

Scuba diving jobs include a variety of positions, including teachers and professional divers. In this field, you may help study marine life, research the effects of scuba gear on the human body, or dive into interesting parts of the ocean. Scuba diving jobs are available in a variety of fields, ranging from the entertainment industry to maritime search and rescue operations. Regardless of whether you're diving in a controlled environment or the open sea, professional scuba diving positions usually require certification and intimate familiarity with the health and safety aspects of diving. Some scuba diving positions require training with additional equipment, such as motorized transport vehicles or underwater cameras.

Can you scuba dive on pregabalin?

Scuba diving with pregabalin is generally not recommended because the medication can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination, which increase the risk of accidents underwater. It is important for certified divers to consult a healthcare professional before diving while on any medication, including pregabalin. Safety precautions and medical advice should always be prioritized in diving activities.

What are some common challenges scuba diving professionals face while leading group dives?

Scuba diving professionals often encounter challenges such as managing divers with varying experience levels, ensuring everyone's safety, and adapting to changing underwater conditions. Communication can be difficult underwater, so dive leaders must be adept at using hand signals and monitoring group cohesion. Additionally, professionals must be prepared to handle unexpected situations, such as equipment malfunctions or changes in weather, while maintaining a calm and supportive environment for all participants.

Can I get a job as a scuba diver?

Yes, you can get a job as a scuba diver, often in roles such as commercial diver, underwater technician, or dive instructor. These jobs typically require certification from recognized agencies, physical fitness, and sometimes specialized training or experience in underwater tasks.

What is scuba diving?

Scuba diving is an underwater swimming activity where divers use a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) to breathe while exploring beneath the surface of the water. This allows divers to stay underwater for extended periods and observe marine life, shipwrecks, and underwater landscapes. It is both a recreational sport and a professional activity, requiring proper training and certification for safety. Scuba diving can be done in oceans, lakes, rivers, and even purpose-built pools. Safety protocols and equipment maintenance are essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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 strong swimming ability, mastery of diving techniques, and certification from accredited organizations like PADI or NAUI. Familiarity with dive planning software, underwater navigation tools, and emergency equipment like dive computers is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership skills help ensure student safety and create a positive learning environment. These competencies are essential for teaching effectively, managing risks, and fostering confidence in new divers.

What jobs can you get scuba diving?

Scuba diving offers various job opportunities such as commercial diver, underwater photographer, marine biologist, dive instructor, and underwater welder. These roles typically require certifications like PADI or NAUI, specialized training, and comfort working in aquatic environments.

What is the highest paying scuba diving job?

The highest paying scuba diving jobs are often commercial diving roles, such as underwater welders or inspection divers, which can earn six-figure salaries due to the specialized skills, certifications, and hazardous environment involved. These positions typically require advanced training, certifications, and physical fitness, and often involve working in challenging conditions for extended periods.

What is the difference between Scuba Diving vs Marine Biologist?

AspectScuba DivingMarine Biologist
Required CertificationsOpen Water Diver, Advanced Open Water DiverBachelor's or Master's in Marine Biology, research permits
Work EnvironmentUnderwater, recreational or commercial settingsResearch labs, fieldwork at sea, marine protected areas
Industry UsageRecreational, tourism, commercial divingScientific research, conservation, academia

While scuba diving involves underwater exploration primarily for recreation or commercial purposes, marine biologists study marine life and ecosystems, often using diving skills for field research. Both roles require diving certifications, but marine biologists typically have advanced degrees and focus on scientific research, whereas scuba divers may not need formal scientific credentials.

What cities are hiring for Scuba Diving jobs? Cities with the most Scuba Diving job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Scuba Diving jobs? The most popular types of Scuba Diving jobs are:
What states have the most Scuba Diving jobs? States with the most job openings for Scuba Diving jobs include:
Infographic showing various Scuba Diving job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,841 per year, or $27.3 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 3 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

397th of 544 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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