It's the word "salary" that makes the story wrong. A divemaster working on dive boats at an upper end dive resort can do pretty well when tips are included. On a good day, a DM might make a total with hourly wage and tips added up, of $150.00 That's a really good day. However, at such dive resorts most (but not all) DM's have instructor credentials, so how do you classify that? Also, some days a DM leads divers, and on others they may have shop duty, with equipment maintenance, tank filling, and no tips. There are a lot of variables, but the income listed is much higher than what I have experienced or had reported to me. Retail sales in a dive shop does not require a professional credential, and should be categorized as retail sales, not instructor or DM income. The fact is, if you are full time scuba worker, you probably have many jobs, from retail sales, to equipment repair and maintenance, instructor, and divemaster or dive leader. I have never met a DM who was on a salary, anywhere, ever. If you know one, or if you are one, please weigh in on this thread.
DivemasterDennis
DivemasterDennis