How much does a dive instructor make?
Sarah Cherry
Updated on February 25, 2026
Also, how much do divemasters make a year?
Divemaster Salary and Industry
ZipRecruiter reports that in the U.S., a divemaster salary can range from $19,500 to $146,000, and average about $64,802. These numbers reflect different skills levels, years of experience and location. A divemaster salary can also fluctuate depending on the season and the seas.
Also Know, how much does it cost to become a PADI dive instructor? The PADI fees are around USD 1000. In total the course, the exam and all the fees will cost USD 3000 to $4000. In some places you might get discounts when combining the Divemaster internship with the IDC.
Consequently, can you make a living as a dive instructor?
Some Dive Instructors make as low as US$500/month while others can make US$4000-US$6000/month and others will make anything in between. A scuba diving instructor salary and how much a diving instructor can make, depends on a few important factors. For example: Fixed salary or commission based dive salary.
How long does it take to become a dive instructor?
Depending on your resources and experience level, obtaining your dive instructor certification could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years. For some perspective, the fastest you could possibly go from a brand new diver, all the way to OWSA is 6 months.
Related Question Answers
Is it worth becoming a divemaster?
Much more than just a certification. The PADI Divemaster course is one of the most rewarding scuba diving certifications you can complete. Becoming a divemaster is a big commitment of both time and energy but we believe that the rewards far outweigh the costs, no matter what your next step may be.How many dives do you need to be a divemaster?
At the conclusion of the program, a Divemaster candidate must have logged a minimum of 60 open water dives. Once the Divemaster candidate completes the requirements for the Divemaster rating, they must complete an application and apply to PADI for the rating.How much do deep sea divers make?
Generally speaking, saturation divers can make up to $30,000 – $45,000 per month. Annually, this can add up to over $180,000. A unique salary addition for saturation divers is “depth pay,†which can pay out an additional $1- $4 per foot.What do Navy divers get paid?
The salaries of Navy Divers in the US range from $12,264 to $328,665 , with a median salary of $59,004 . The middle 57% of Navy Divers makes between $59,005 and $148,889, with the top 86% making $328,665.What jobs can you get as a scuba diver?
Top 9 Scuba Diving Jobs- #1 Dive Guide or Dive Instructor.
- #2 Dive Shop Owner or Manager.
- #3 Boat Captain.
- #4 Public Safety Diver.
- #5 Scientific Diver.
- #6 Marine Biologist.
- #7 Underwater Archeologist.
- #8 Golf Ball Diver.
Do dive shops make money?
With average revenues of about $500K annually, the local dive shop is either a small or micro business. There's nothing wrong with that, except it can be challenging at times. With this level of annual revenues, it is unlikely you can afford a vice-president for each one of these functions.Is scuba diving instructor a good job?
Diving instructor is not a job at all – it's pure pleasureAlthough this job is great, it is still a job, and in my opinion a very demanding one – both physically and emotionally. These include assuming responsibility for your divers from the beginning to the end of their experience with you.
How much do dive instructors make in Indonesia?
966.922 (IDR)/yr.How much do deep sea divers earn UK?
Inshore divers carrying out unskilled work can earn around £100 to £120 a day. On average, they work around 180-200 days a year. However divers working regularly on offshore wind projects can earn up to £100,000 a year. Offshore divers in Scotland can earn around £600 a day.Can a divemaster teach?
As Divemaster can I teach or supervise any PADI Course? Yes as Active Status Dive Master you will be authorized to: Supervise both training and nontraining-related activities by planning, organizing and directing dives. Assist an instructor during confined and open water training.How much can you make as a diver?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, commercial divers and underwater welders have a mean (average) hourly wage of $26.32, while the mean annual wage is approximately $54,750. Additionally, the top percentile (90%) can make approximately $93,910 or more.How much is it to become a dive master?
How much does it cost? For a newly certified Open Water diver, with no additional certifications, the Master Scuba Diver program is $1499, and includes all of the following: Advanced Open Water Certification. Rescue Diver Certification.What qualifications do you need to be a diving instructor?
Prerequesites:- PADI Divemaster.
- Hold a dive certification for at least six months.
- Have 100 logged dives that include night, deep and navigation dives.
- Proof of CPR training within the last 24 months.
- Medical clearance signed by a physician.
- EFR Instructor (can be incorporated into the IDC program)
How much does it cost to become a divemaster?
| Course Name | Cost |
|---|---|
| Divemaster | $800 |
| Divemaster eLearning Already an elearning student? Click here to login | $259 eLearning $600 Dockside Total cost $859 |
| Dive Theory eLearning Already an elearning student? Click here to login | $144 eLearning |
| Divemaster Internship | $1,995 |
