Career in Diving

Question
Hi Andy, I am a 26 yr old, unexperienced and uncertified diver, living near Atlanta, Georgia. Although I have only been diving a handful of times, for years I have felt a calling to the ocean. After volunteering to help rescue a pod of pilot whales in the Florida Keys, I was hooked! I am looking into going to a dive school in the keys, to become an instructor and hopefully much more! How hard is it to find work as an instructor and can I support a modest living for my wife and I? Will my current lack of experience cause me many problems pusuing this type of career? Thank you so much for your time!

Answer
There are plenty of entry level positions for newly qualified Instructors, as long as you choose the right segncy.

PADI is the most popular and largest and hence has the most employment opportunities.

Unless your wife also works in the industry you'll find it difficult to support the two of you.

The average salary of a full time dive pro can be $20-40k per year, depending upon experience/position. Most people do it for an alternative lifestyle rather than to make income though.

There are openings in resorts for couples, and many management positions once you have experience.

You should look into a facility that offers training all the way to Instructor and can help you get some practical experience via an internship as well.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,
Andy