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How much do scuba diving instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for scuba diving instructor in the United States is $22.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can thyroid patients do scuba diving?

Scuba diving instructors with thyroid conditions can generally dive if their condition is well-managed and they have medical clearance. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before diving, as thyroid issues can affect energy levels and overall health, which are critical for safe diving. Proper certification and health assessments are essential for ensuring safety in the diving environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Scuba Diving Instructors during training sessions?

Scuba Diving Instructors often encounter challenges such as working with students who have varying levels of comfort and ability in the water, adapting lesson plans for different group sizes, and responding quickly to changing underwater conditions. Ensuring safety for all participants is a primary responsibility, which requires constant vigilance and adaptability. Instructors may also need to manage equipment logistics and provide additional support for nervous or inexperienced divers. Balancing these tasks while maintaining a supportive, encouraging learning environment is key to both student success and job satisfaction.

What is the 120 rule in diving?

The 120 rule in diving, relevant for scuba diving instructors and divers, states that a diver should not exceed 120 minutes of total bottom time at depths shallower than 60 feet (18 meters) without a mandatory safety stop or decompression procedures. It helps ensure safe dive planning and adherence to no-decompression limits, which are critical for preventing decompression sickness. Proper training and use of dive computers or tables are essential for monitoring these limits during dives.

What is a Scuba Diving Instructor job?

A Scuba Diving Instructor teaches others how to safely scuba dive, covering skills, equipment use, and emergency procedures. They conduct training sessions, guide dives, and ensure students understand safety regulations. Instructors work at dive shops, resorts, or on liveaboard boats, often in tropical destinations. Certification from organizations like PADI or SSI is required.

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

To thrive as a Scuba Diving Instructor, you need strong aquatic skills, in-depth knowledge of diving theory, and completion of instructor-level scuba certifications such as those from PADI or NAUI. Familiarity with dive computers, compressed air equipment, and underwater communication devices is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to clearly explain complex information help instructors excel, especially with diverse learners. These abilities ensure safety, effective instruction, and a positive experience for both beginners and experienced divers alike.

What qualifications do you need to be a dive instructor?

To become a scuba diving instructor, you need to hold a recognized open water diver certification, complete a professional-level certification such as the Divemaster or Assistant Instructor course, and obtain an instructor certification from a reputable agency like PADI, SSI, or NAUI. Additionally, candidates must meet minimum age requirements, have relevant medical clearance, and demonstrate teaching and rescue skills.

How much money do scuba instructors make?

Scuba diving instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Many instructors supplement their income through tips, certifications, and working at popular dive destinations or resorts.
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Scuba Diving Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scuba Diving Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,973 per year, or $22.6 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 2 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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