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Scuba Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NARCOSIS INC

PADI Scuba Instructor

Tarpon Springs, FL · On-site

$1.0K - $2.0K/wk

PADI Instructor to teach Open Water through Assistant. Instructor. Summer camps if possible. Company Description A small family-owned dive shop that runs its own charter boat and retail store. We are ...

NARCOSIS INC

PADI Scuba Instructor

Tarpon Springs, FL · On-site

$1.0K - $2.0K/wk

PADI Instructor to teach Open Water through Assistant. Instructor. Summer camps if possible. Company Description A small family-owned dive shop that runs its own charter boat and retail store. We are ...

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How much do scuba instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for scuba instructor in the United States is $23.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money do scuba instructors make?

Scuba instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Many also supplement income through tips, certifications, and teaching at multiple dive sites or resorts.

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

To thrive as a Scuba Instructor, you need advanced diving proficiency, in-depth knowledge of dive theory and safety, and instructor-level certification from organizations like PADI or NAUI. Familiarity with dive computers, underwater communication devices, and first aid/CPR certification are commonly required. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership skills help instructors teach diverse students and manage group safety. These competencies ensure effective instruction, student safety, and enjoyable underwater experiences.

What are Scuba Instructors?

Scuba Instructors are professionally trained and certified individuals who teach people how to safely scuba dive. They provide classroom instruction, practical training in pools or confined water, and lead open water dives to help students develop their scuba skills. Scuba Instructors ensure divers understand safety procedures, equipment use, and emergency protocols. They are typically certified by recognized agencies like PADI, NAUI, or SSI and must maintain a high standard of safety and professionalism.

What qualifications do you need to be a dive instructor?

To become a scuba instructor, you need to hold a recognized open water diver certification, complete a professional-level instructor training course such as the PADI Divemaster or IDC, and obtain an instructor certification. Additionally, candidates must meet age requirements, have a minimum number of logged dives, and pass medical and skill assessments.

Can thyroid patients do scuba diving?

Scuba 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 to ensure safety, especially if the thyroid condition affects cardiovascular health or causes symptoms that could impair diving performance.

What is the 120 rule in diving?

The 120 rule in diving is a safety guideline used by scuba instructors to help divers manage their nitrogen absorption. It suggests that a diver should not exceed 120 minutes of total bottom time at a given depth before requiring a safety stop or additional precautions to prevent decompression sickness. This rule helps ensure safe dive planning and adherence to no-decompression limits.

How does a Scuba Instructor typically collaborate with dive shop staff and other instructors during a busy season?

During peak diving seasons, Scuba Instructors often work closely with dive shop staff and fellow instructors to ensure smooth class scheduling, equipment management, and safety protocols. Collaboration is essential for efficiently organizing group dives, sharing responsibilities for student assessments, and covering each other's classes when needed. Effective communication with shop staff also helps maintain equipment readiness and coordinate boat or site logistics. This team-oriented environment not only supports a positive experience for students but also helps instructors manage their workload and professional development.

What is the difference between Scuba Instructor vs Dive Master?

AspectScuba InstructorDive Master
Certifications RequiredOpen Water Diver, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Divemaster, Instructor CertificationOpen Water Diver, Divemaster Certification
Work EnvironmentTeaching in pools, open water, classrooms, resortsAssisting instructors, leading dives, guiding certified divers
Industry UsageCertified to teach and certify new diversSupport role, leading dives, assisting instructors

While both roles operate within the diving industry and require similar certifications, a Scuba Instructor is qualified to teach and certify new divers, whereas a Dive Master primarily supports instructors and leads certified divers during dives. The instructor role involves more teaching responsibilities and certification authority, making it suitable for those interested in training new divers.

More about Scuba Instructor jobs
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What states have the most Scuba Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Scuba Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Scuba Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Scuba Instructor jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Scuba Instructor jobs? For Scuba Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Scuba Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scuba Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,145 per year, or $23.6 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 25 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

416th of 560 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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