How much can an instructor make?

[Heathcliff]

I am considering getting my instructor rating but I want to know what kind of money I will be able to make. The owner of the dive shop I spoke to is willing to pay $65.00 a student, with an average class size of 8. I don't know if that is high or low. If I do it, I will begin part time, teaching a class or two a month but I would like to get some kind of idea what full time instructors are making and how hard it is to get on at a dive shop in an "exotic" location i.e. Bonaire, Fiji, Maldives, etc.

Also, at what point, divemaster, instructor, are you able to write off equipment and trips.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Diving is a great way to make a small fortune... so long as you start with a large fortune.

Seriously, part-time instructors do it mostly for the love of diving. If you want to escape to an exotic dive locale, it is possible.

Reality check...
The most exotic dive locales demand (and get) staff with multiple talents. Some of the most desired skills include: speaking multiple languages, USCG (or RYA) captain's license, boat engine repair, air compressor repair, and good mechanical aptitude.

It is easiest for Americans to start a full time island dive job in the Caribbean. There are many islands where diving is a crucial part of the tourism sector and there are not enough locals to fill all the available dive jobs. To get these jobs you must have a divemaster or higher rating from a major training agency.

In Cayman, I earn enough as a dive instructor to pay all my bills and buy a few dive toys along the way. To earn the same amount of take-home pay in the US, I would need a job earning about $30,000 USD before taxes.