Newly minted PADI DM needs job! What should I do?

[MauiScubaSteve]

Continuing the cabin steward hijack, but relating it to the topic of a newly minted DM looking for a job;

After an hour of web searching I will raise my typical pay for an entry level position in stateroom services with similar prior work experience to a 70 dive DM to $1200 - $1500 / month. I have looked at all the on line gratuity and service charge policy pages for the major cruise lines and the typical $3.50 per day per passenger is for the Stateroom Service, and is for the team, not just the Cabin Attendant you see. A new attendant with significant prior experience or an attendant with seniority can earn ~$2000 / month. $2000 per month with a 60 hour work week is ~$8 per hour.

That is why there are pretty much no US citizens working that job; you can make more per hour working at a fast food joint.

 

[toddthecat]

Sounds like some people here are trying to act all cocky like they make 6 digits a year. $40k/yr for someone who is young, single, and has no kids is certainly "liveable". Especially if they are in a job where they have minimal possessions like a traveling DM. Why is it for some people that the world would end if they didn't have a 52" plasma flat screen in the living room, a Mercedes in the driveway, and a $2,500+/month mortgage?

:nuke:

 

[TMHeimer]

We've had our disagreements, but I think Halemano makes good points with his stats in illustrating that no matter how you slice it, the pay stinks. Although I know that many of the cruise ship crew folks that are not from the U.S. are doing it because it's the best job they can get (I've taken cruises and talked to them), some DMs want to make a living doing something they love. As stated, an Instructor may make 40K if they're good and been at it a while. But it seems that many DMs do it for the "perks'-the free air, discounts, etc.--essentially working for free. Much like us musicians-- "why don't you play for us for free, since you love making music so much", says the club owner. Maybe part of it is folks that do stuff for free because they love it and it's fun are cutting their own throats, and those of other pros who want to make a living. Sorry for rambling, it's all old stuff. Our shop pays $200 for DMing an OW course. This seems really good in comparison to lots I've read. Good luck to anyone who tries to make a living in diving.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

I don't know where the $40K number came from.

An independent instructor who has invested $40K in equipment and pays ~$10K annually in advertising MIGHT gross $40K.

The only instructors I know of who MIGHT make +$40K have been working as instructors at the most exclusive resorts on Maui for 10 years or more. Their training agency allows the Intro Instructor to take pictures on the Ocean Intro dive, they are certifying third generations for their regular families and this upper crust clientele tips like the money grows on trees.

Perhaps a Sport Chalet Instructor in Las Vegas that works 6 days per week....

 

[inventor]

Perhaps a Sport Chalet Instructor in Las Vegas that works 6 days per week....

Not bustin' your chops, just thought that was funny. Well, I live in Las Vegas, got certified through Sports Chalet, and our local dive group has plenty of their instructors. They all have other jobs, so they can afford to do this. My instructor was looking forward to retirement from his job so that he could 'work for nothing in someplace I like'.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

I made that statement because on the PADI Pro's employment pages I have often seen 'Vegas Sport Chalet claiming to be paying new instructors the most in the industry.

 

[inventor]

I made that statement because on the PADI Pro's employment pages I have often seen 'Vegas Sport Chalet claiming to be paying new instructors the most in the industry.

Wow, God bless the first amendment, eh? More pwer to anybody that can make it in the industry. Wish the OP good luck in his travails.