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Scuba Instructor Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Texas State Aquarium

Dive Coordinator

Corpus Christi, TX

$18.50 - $25/hr

Scuba Instructor certification from a nationally recognized training agency * Experience within an accredited aquarium or zoo * Experience supervising staff and volunteer dive programs * Experience ...

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$12

$22

$41

How much do scuba instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for scuba instructor in Texas is $22.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $22.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scuba instructor?

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.

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 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 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.

How much do scuba instructors make?

Scuba instructors typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Many instructors supplement income through tips, certifications, and working at multiple dive sites or resorts.

Is it worth becoming a scuba instructor?

Becoming a scuba instructor allows individuals to teach diving skills, earn income through certifications, and work in aquatic environments. It requires certification from recognized agencies, good communication skills, and physical fitness. The job can be rewarding for those passionate about diving and outdoor adventure, but income and job stability vary based on location and experience.

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The top searched job categories for Scuba Instructor jobs in Texas are:

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Cities in Texas with the most Scuba Instructor job openings:

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Scuba Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scuba Instructor job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,786 per year, or $22 per hour.

Dive Coordinator

Texas State Aquarium

Corpus Christi, TX

$18.50 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

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 amp; 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 amp; 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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