Expand mobile version menu
  Skip to main content

Scuba Diving Instructor

Money & Outlook

Insider Info

One of the largest scuba training organizations in the world is called the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI for short). It has professional dive instructors in 175 countries and territories worldwide. It also certifies hundreds of thousands of recreational divers each year.

Salaries depend more on an instructor's proximity to water than their country of residence. Scuba is international in all aspects: salary, training, certification requirements and popularity.

Depending on the career path they choose, divers can make a lot of money. However, divers working their way towards the instructor level can expect to make very little working at a resort. But there are advantages.

"The industry is wide open for unique individuals with excellent people skills who are willing to take the job seriously," says Nelson Moore, a head training instructor. "The opportunities are there."

Shaun Pipes is a marine biologist who also moonlights as a dive instructor. His work as a marine biologist meant that diving was part of the job description. He says job prospects for dive instructors are linked closely to the economy. When times are good, people spend more money on recreation and there is plenty of work. However, if the economy slumps, diving lessons are one of the first things people cut out.

Earnings and employment information from the U.S. Department of Labor is not available for this field at this time.

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


Powered by XAP

OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.