A really blunt $$ question

[Shae]

I've spent some time casually browsing the internet for the answer to this question, but I think I'll get a more accurate/straight response from y'all--about how much does a rookie DM make? I certainly am not getting into the business with the intent to strike gold, but do you think a young traveler could support herself working only as a DM or do you think I would have to find something else to do to supplement the income? I'm looking for brutal honesty--I know you're not the types to hold it back :20:

-Shae

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Standby to work two jobs.

 

[GDI]

DM's can now teach CPR if qualified and do reviews but it is really limited.

You like to Dive? Well there is your pay. usually free dive trips

 

[Detonate]

From what I've heard, there isn't much use for a "DM" anywhere. The "DM's" you see on most dive operations are actually instructors.

 

[Divesherpa]

I know a few DM's who do fine. If you want to travel, you may want to bartend a night or two a week for extra $$. Plus, people who dove with you during the day tip well when you talk about what they saw!!

 

[Scubakevdm]

I know a few DM's who do fine.

Sorry to hi-jack the thread, but Jamie do you still have the number to that plasma center?

 

[BabyDuck]

i'd say from knowing several that it depends on your standards of what salary you feel is needed to pay the basics of your life. i know one dm who has a studio-type apartment that he pays $350/month for in a resort area, no cable, nice laptop, some type of internet, crappy car, great dive gear at cost...he's happy with what he makes. he made lifestyle adjustments or probably more likely never 'upgraded' his lifestyle after college. i know i couldn't be happy like that for long, but he seems just fine.

 

[Divesherpa]

Sorry to hi-jack the thread, but Jamie do you still have the number to that plasma center?

888 555-4427


I can't go again until May!

 

[RonFrank]

I've spent some time casually browsing the internet for the answer to this question, but I think I'll get a more accurate/straight response from y'all--about how much does a rookie DM make? I certainly am not getting into the business with the intent to strike gold, but do you think a young traveler could support herself working only as a DM or do you think I would have to find something else to do to supplement the income? I'm looking for brutal honesty--I know you're not the types to hold it back :20:

-Shae

IMO, if you are considering a career involving scuba, why stop at DM? It's just not that expensive in the scheme of things to take it to the next level, and become an instructor.

Think of it as resume food. Landing the better jobs (like liveaboards) may depend upon if you are an instructor. Let's face it, if there is one opening, and five candidates and three have Instructor level certifications, unless you look like Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, my bet is on the divers that have more to offer.

DM's at our LDS don't get paid. They dive for free air/nitrox, and most seem to be heading in the direction of AI.

 

[Don Burke]

The DMs I have seen around here are working for tips and the fish they spear are an important part of their food budget.

All have other jobs.

The ones I have seen at resorts were actually instructors. I doubt they were making a killing, but being at a resort every day seemed to sit well with them.