Divemaster/ Instructor earning potential

[sandmanz32]

Im obvisiouly new to diving (check my pro) but definatly love every minute of it. I tend to pick up on things quickly and learn very quick, especially when i put my mind to it. Well what i was curious about was; what does a dive master or an instructor make on average? if it was worth it finanically id definatly quit what im doing now and make an o so much more fun carreer change! Also, if you are a divemaster/ instructor, do you have to affliliate yourself with a LDS or can you practice both independantly? thanks in advance.

 

[Cheekymonkey]

Honestly tehre is not much money in Teaching, and Divemastering is all to often done for nothing but tips. Best bet is dive shop ownership, but that is a very risky endeavor.

 

[diverdiver]

As a DM for my LDS, I make about $10/student for open water classes only. Any DM'ing for AOW or any specialties is on my own dime. I do it b/c I love it, not to make a living.

 

[sandmanz32]

As a DM for my LDS, I make about $10/student for open water classes only. Any DM'ing for AOW or any specialties is on my own dime. I do it b/c I love it, not to make a living.

i love it too but i hate the other job lol. however it pays well, and i have a fam to support. now if i could get rid of it and make a good living diving id much rather do that!

 

[RJP]

"...if it was worth it finanically I'd definitely quit what im doing now and make an o so much more fun carreer change!

Depends on how much you earn NOW really!

If you have a paper-route, I'd say stick with that.

If you're currently picking up cans on the side of the road for the 5-cent deposit, it may be worth becoming a DM instead.

 

[webjr]

We're supposed to get paid?

I think the only people that do this for a 'real' living, do it in 'real' diving locations.
I'm in texas ..... not exactly a diving Meca.
You're in SC? Probably only marginaly better?
Even if you could make a little money at it, it's one of those things you just gotta do because you love it so much.

PS
Are you young and single?
That would change alot. I wish I'de gotten into this MANY years ago. I'de be teaching in some exotic desination and not care about the money. A shack on the beach and chasin young senioritas!

 

[MaxBottomtime]

As a DM for my LDS, I make about $10/student for open water classes only. Any DM'ing for AOW or any specialties is on my own dime. I do it b/c I love it, not to make a living.

That's $10 more than I made. I got free boat rides in exchange for babysitting on the boat all day. I even had to pay for the trip once when we didn't sell enough spots.

 

[Footslogger]

Have never made a penny as a Divemaster. Wasn't my motivation in becoming one though ...so not complaining.

 

[cowboyneal]

Im obvisiouly new to diving (check my pro) but definatly love every minute of it. I tend to pick up on things quickly and learn very quick, especially when i put my mind to it. Well what i was curious about was; what does a dive master or an instructor make on average? if it was worth it finanically id definatly quit what im doing now and make an o so much more fun carreer change! Also, if you are a divemaster/ instructor, do you have to affliliate yourself with a LDS or can you practice both independantly? thanks in advance.

Queing up "To Dream the Impossible Dream" in the background and LMFAO

 

[Cheekymonkey]

Depends on how much you earn NOW really!

If you have a paper-route, I'd say stick with that.

If you're currently picking up cans on the side of the road for the 5-cent deposit, it may be worth becoming a DM instead.

Ah, I am so stealing that quote