Share more jobs and salaries here! Transparency is an important step towards fixing the low salary issue in the scuba industry. ✅ Join the Azul scuba community: www.patreon.com/azulunlimited
@@MRIDDICK86 The Patreon link? Not sure! If you go to Patreon.com and search for Azul Unlimited, my page will pop up. Then you can see how often I post and what I'm offering in the different membership tiers
I'm a commercial diver insore in Belgium. I make 45 €/hour before taxes as an Independent diver. Pay varies even in Europe depending on the country you work. Spain and England pay bad I've been told but they don't get taxed as much as in Belgium. After taxes and If you can work full time you sould make +/- 3000 €/month. (as a starter you may have periods without work so no income,...) It's cold, dark and lonely down there 🙂 , but I guess the pay is OK.
Hey, firstly happy new year! I just started diving and I want to make it my career. Not sure what path to take and i'm wondering how did you started with commercial diving? How do you find your first job? What training is there and what is the cost of it? Are there internships as I couldn't find any?
I’m older now and have experienced pretty much everything she said. I started as a commercial diver in Southern California. Commercial diving is unique in that the training is intense and there are many areas to branch off in. But be ready unless you are very fortunate you are going to have to do what’s called breaking out. Breaking out means you will be doing all the grunt work like cleaning, painting, shop work before you ever get to even allowed to tend another diver. After you have worked, learned and proven yourself, then they will start you actually diving. Depending on what kind of commercial diving you do, it’s a young persons game and you most likely will work really hard to make your money and get out. It’s also very dangerous ( just something to keep in mind). She is absolutely correct on everything she said about recreational diving and instructing . I worked on a dive boat, Central America, part owner in a store and full owner in a store. It was hard work from morning to night and usually 7 days a week. All said it totally ruined recreational diving for me. The recreational diving community can also be very cut throat. If you’re young and single, get into it and have fun. Doing it full time or trying to raise a family doing it can be a huge let down. Being a dive instructor has opened some awesome doors for me. I am a career firefighter and was our dive team commander for 8 years. During that time I became an instructor and Corporate Trainer for Dive Rescue International our departments certifying agency. I take vacation days from the fire department and train police, fire and rescue squads all around the United States, Canada, Greece and I just returned from Korea. It has been a wonderful experience and it returned my passion for diving. It is different and dangerous. But with proper public safety diving training it has gotten safer. I only have five years left in the department. I will then continue to travel and teach for Dive Rescue International. I love your channel and you were spot on! Safe diving!
The dive industry in general, no matter what agency, needs to be revamped. How many students have you trained in open water and told them this trains you to dive safely to no deeper then 60ft. They then travel to a resort area and they take new divers to the wreck at 80,90,100 ft. Or on night dives, etc. The industry needs to take a lesson from the aviation industry. We have dummy downed the requirements to attract more people.
@@darthknowl9222and be honest, AOW is an more or less empty shell regarding deepdive, since some agencies allow you to get a “ advanced” with “deepdive” after only 9 dives… and 1 (maybe 2) deep dives in that coarse (it is kind of more complicated, but that is what the public standards Implie). Imho, deep dive 18-40m ? Get certified with a COMPLETE deep dive specialty, otherwise it is an empty shell
I just wish there was more of an effort in PADI and the other dive agencies to incentivise quality of instruction rather than throughput. I find it scary that the major source of feedback on instructor performance comes from newbie students who often have no idea if they've been taught well.
Yes! I just did my advanced open water and one of the two instructors I had really sucked! For my underwater naturalist dive, he literally said "look for five fish, five plants/algae, five inverts " and then disappeared under the water to lead the dive. Wow. No instruction, no "here's what you might see, these are the names of the most common species, etc" and no post dive debrief of how we did and what we saw.
im in the divemaster program....not sure where it will take me...but after living in Cozumel and surrounding areas for a few months.....i think it would be really fun to guide dives in really cool locations.....definetely not getting into it for the money but rather for the fun, and adventure and good times.....not afraid of hard work because that it what i do :). enjoy your videos and your spirit
Thank you and yes! The work is incredible and will make you a lifetime of memories. I do think it should pay a living wage though so it’s good to talk about it. Have so much fun with your course!!!
As always another great video. So true about salaries in the dive industry, you will not get rich...lol what did perk my ears was your TH-cam and Patreon subscribers. We will have to look into Patreon and how that works. 🌴🍻🌴
thank you for a very detailed overview of the industry as you see it. You are correct and it has needed to be said on social media for years. As an instructor of 25 years I have seen much change but what the staff is paid has not been one that has kept up. I wish you all of the best in you future adventures. GOOD LUCK.. STAY SAFE AND HAPPY Jim
Well thought out and well spoken young lady...the brutal synopsis: If you like the lifestyle while you are young then do it but, if you are looking for a career and money, then spend the time while young, to become a Doctor or an Airline Pilot. That way you can easily pay for your adventuring diving, equipment, live-aboards, or whatever trips your trigger! Long term goal! Stop thinking small and think long term and think bigger!
I'm traveling to take a week of training in Florida for 5 days at 300.00 a day. I will be paying for cylinders, entry fees and hotel expenses. This is technical training, so I believe picking an area of specialty that may limit you but allow you to train people who want the real deal is a good plan, while doing all the things you have discussed in addition. Thanks for transparency. Always appreciate the honesty.
Yes, tech instructors do have an easier time charging higher rates but it's also something us recreational instructors can do with the right marketing.
I am currently doing my ssi open water. I think it is really cheap. The amount of time it cost for the instructors, using material from te shop.. etc is just amazing. I pay 450 euro for 4 swimming pool lessons, theory and 4 open water dives. I work in IT and some people that we hire earn that amount of money in 2 hours….
Thanks to share, my ex dive buddy was working in a resort as a dive master, but she quit after 2 years, because the salary was really low, in comparation of your job and responsability, then after she got hired in an Island Resort in Golfo de Chiriquí in Panamá, and everything was better, better salary, better conditions, and she felt confortable there. If I would keep diving, I would switch between dive master or instructor and tour guide. Guiding sometimes give you a good income, but by seasons, so mix the 2 jobs would be an option.
Great info! 100% agree on letting the more experienced instructors take the beginner OW courses. A new instructor doesn't necessarily have the tools to solve/fix some problems people might be having. The good, more seasoned instructors have arrived at solutions that make the learning process more efficient! I wonder if it's because senior instructors want to not have to deal with the headaches of new divers? The good ones that stay in the trenches even when they could teach more advanced students are precious and appreciated. I recently had two different AOW instructors on different days and the skillset was night and day between them. One was new, the better one had been doing it for ages.
@@lfreeman2511 hahaha I know. I just figured I'd get it out of the way so people don't think they're clever. It's kind of like the van down by the river joke for all of us living in vehicles 😆
I agree with you. I was an instructor for 5 years at a seasonally active dive shop. I enjoyed teaching, but being an instructor certainly won’t put anything into your savings.
Hello from Canada! I am super grateful that I found your channel as I am about to retire from current career to professionalize my scuba quals.. to do almost exactly what you are doing! Thank you for the great content and advice, please keep doing what you are doing. I will be following your channel with great interest! -Dean
Amazing! Scuba diving is a great retirement gig. Let me know if you have any questions about training. I happen to know a great Course Director in Mexico :)
@@AzulUnlimitedHi Sarah, I do have questions and I will take you up on your offer as I am homeworking my instructor & location options. What's the best way to contact you?
One area not covered, which I have been doing during the summers, is golf ball diver. This is NOT for everyone. It is very hard work (golf balls get heavy) and you absolutely have to be comfortable with zero (and I do mean zero) visibility. One needs basic certification for this--but more advanced certification and comfort in a variety of situations is helpful. Initial startup is a bit expensive, but one can make pretty good money depending on where one is working. I find it interesting and, although the money is good, I do it more like a hobby.
I work at a shop 5 years and made little money as a manager and you are absolutely correct dive instructors make very little for how hard they work. It is the dive shops that have created this they don’t work together and lower there rates to try to still costumers instead of working together and keeping the rates up
I really enjoyed the video. You are so honest. Keep the slow burn and get the right people. Maybe you can add more van life videos. I really liked watching a guy that lived out of his truck. He broke down how he does it and the benefits/cost savings.
Thanks! Yes, I'm slowly incorporating more van life content, but I have to admit... I don't want to become a van life influencer 😅 I am, first and foremost, a scuba instructor 🤓
I didn’t realize how clicking on the ads helped? At times I watch them at other times I have skipped them. I have heard horror stories from others about bad scuba trips booked with some charters. If some of these companies cut costs by getting the bottom of the barrel in talent or responsibility dictated by salary then I can see the potential issue.
I'm from Kenya. If I do work as a freelance instructor for a dive shop they pay as little as 20%. That's about $100 for an open water course (3 days). If I do get my own student I make $200 in a day. Instructors employed in a dive shop in Kenya make as little as $500 fixed salary. It's hard out here 😃
Thank you! I totally agree that more experienced instructors should teach beginners. That's were the most problems and incidents will occur than need that experience!
Friend of mine's brother tried to get into commercial. Due to the pay differential the senior divers forced "the greenhorn" to tend only with no proficiency dives until recert was required consecutively until he quit.
Great video! Clearly the way to go is to start a scuba #movement that latches on to an existing cash cow. I am of course talking about DEEP YOGA. The taglines practically write themselves: "So grounded that you're below sea level" and "Breathe. Seriously - keep breathing"
i volunteer for the local sheriffs department as a public safety diver. i dont get paid, obviously. the deputies do and they do get overtime if a call out happens outside of their work hours. summer of 2021 it took 6 hours to find a guy that drowned in 7 feet of water. the bottom of the lake is about 3 -5 feet silt and this was at the dock where he drowned. you are correct you are looking for drowning victims and have to get the body into a bag before getting it into the boat.
Dive master at local shop had a 6 month case of tinea from constantly being in wet wetsuit boots. One of the lesser known features of the diving industry.
Oh, one thing you are ABSOLUTLY correct about, dive instructors are underpaid. I would argue that you comment regarding unprofessional , yes, many shop owners and most instructors. The industry sadly encourages it
I speak from my experience and those of my friends in the industry. Of course there are going to be people in both camps of professionalism, but I've had some major snakey experiences with people that I would never have seen in other industries.
@@AzulUnlimited same here, and in my starting years was a broke instructor in the islands. There are paths, a few (very) lead to good money that involves being in the water teaching/guiding. Others are a hybrid. But, strait up, most new instructors bring less to the table and have unrealistic expectations when getting into the industry. Then if they stick, finding and affording a path forward is tough. Funny enough, we lack horribly in the middle but the industry doesn't develop people well, from starting to when getting some experience. We treat proven folks with 5-6 yrs in the industry like crap.
Lol. I’m no where close to being net positive on my scuba training compared to teaching. Although I’m finally at a place where I’m close to break even per year. Thank god for the price tag on each ccr class! Kiss rebreather?? Meg rebreathers are where it’s at!! Great breakdown on what to expect.
hahaha i literally know nothing about rebreather brands. Thanks for watching! Glad it's starting to work out for you :) I can imagine how hard you've worked to get there.
great vid on YT and business strategy..... oh boy - the content creation is an epic endless task.... as for TH-cam it it sooooo difficult and same goes for their demands on website for SEO. anyhow I emailed you
I've had that crazy dream of leaving my office and becoming a full time divemaster.....but now it doesn't seem likely!!😥 By the the way, divers aren't always willing to talk about their salaries....and that's because sometimes this is a hard career (not always well paid).
@@AzulUnlimited : I've done inland light salvage. I'd charge U.S.D. $100. per foot of boat, and U.S.D. $25 per foot of depth upto 30 FFW. Past that, U.S.D. $75 per FFW..
If you’re comfortable sharing, how are you surviving off of around $150 in Adsense and $500 or so on Patreon? I’m impressed by the tenacity, love the content, just can’t imagine you’re only having that here in the US.
I've shared in a few other videos that I also work on websites, content creation, and social media management for other brands. My goal is to make the switch to only work on my own stuff but you're right, I wouldn't be able to survive on TH-cam right now.
I'm an instructor... My salary hasn't changed since 2012...some centers even offer lower to what I was earning before. Our job is really disrespected. I'm considering it my last year cause of such a low pay for so much responsibility and work load we are getting...
I’m really sorry to hear that. Unfortunately that’s what a a lot of people experience. I’m releasing a course about making money as a scuba diver. Email me if you want to know more: info@azulunlimited.com
I believe both work. A click is probably better, but then you will be getting ads from that company across other sites so I understand if people don't want to do that. Thank you!
If you retained your instructor status and are up to date on your business end of insurance’s, and still want to teach privately on occasions, I’m in SF/ Bay Area and only do private lessons for my continued education and enjoyment. I dive Monterey, (though I see you were just here in May/June/24, Channel Islands, and want to Altitude dive in sierra lakes. Let me know…….Rolf
I assume that there is an industry website(s) that people in the industry or would like to get into the industry can go to learn about opportunities and share experiences? Giving newbie and experienced people a place go and hear about dive shops to avoid working at or shops that are pro career would beneficial to everyone. Do you know of any such sites?
I actually do not. Each certifying organization will have a job board, but I haven't seen this kind of peer review on any website. Maybe someone else has. There may also be Facebook groups for that. Not sure!
is there a formula for determining sac rate from the surface instead of going to 33ftt refering to surface preasure vs 2 ata ,.....? sorry off topic :(
Hey, always watching your videos here! When you say "DSD", are you saying Discovery Scuba Dives? I want to know if an Assistant Instructor (SDI) can lead DSD, if it's the case.
You do not! You just need the knowledge of how to do it and the community to sell to (either in person or online. I have a course that will help you do it: www.patreon.com/azulunlimited/shop/125392
Boat... a hole in the water you throw money into. Seriously, though... for the 1099/ independent contractor instructor, are the tax benefits from an S Corp worth the cost and the hassle?
I’ve been working as a sole proprietor. Been thinking about creating an LLC but it’s really expensive to maintain in California… still looking into options for that…
it's so sad being a scuba instructor is so badly paid. I would love to work as a dive professional, but the low wages worry me. I am so unhappy working in a office doing meaningless work, but scared of not being able to pay bills and also save some money if I work in the dive industry (my wife and I got twins last year).
Yeah I hear you. Unfortunately it probably wouldn’t be smart to go for it full time in your situation but you could get involved part time as a Divemaster or instructor. I know loads of people who work in the industry in that way and then it’s a fun work option for retirement.
Hey weirdo that likes to teach, from another weirdo who also likes to teach, let your weirdo flag fly. I told a couple of students today that I really like diving, but I love teaching. Knowledge is power, but only if you share it. Keep sharing.
@@AzulUnlimited I thought this was a really great video and very thorough. One thing I hear from a lot of tourists is how expensive a dive experience is and I can also see where they are coming from. I’m not sure I have the answer for the industry. I love how you covered all the angles though. I am not cut out to be an instructor, you made a great point around that. I might need to turn on monetization for my videos, I just don’t like the ads either lol.
@@meridacavediver Honestly, in this economy, every little bit helps. People generally don't hate on you for the ads either. We're all trying to survive out here.
Scuba instructors are paid poorly. I moved to Florida to pursue diving full time. I tried three different dive shops and all paid poorly or exploited me. The last place wanted me to work for them for free during training. At least 8 days/40 hours for free before deciding if they want to pay me. And dive crew in charters only made money from tips. The shop didn’t pay them. The dive industry sucks I had to go back to my corporate job.
I hate that you had that experience. It's truly sad that in 2023 we are still having to deal with businesses like that. As a former business owner, it's painful to see people bend over backwards to give more and more discounts to clients and cutting costs by reducing salaries. Not sustainable (OR SAFE) in any way.
That is not true, not all of them are getting paid poorly. Not all barbers are paid poorly, not all of chef are paid poorly, it all depends who you work for. I know dive instructors earning 12k a month, you just have to make your way up.
@@AzulUnlimited Glad to hear. I'm new to your channel and just getting caught up to "live". Your Compass video got me through the navigation portion of AOW.
What I find gross is this "they'll work for free air and be grateful" nonsense. I was looking at dives in hawaii for a coming holiday, and the shop _website_ advertises that tips are important to the dive pro's income. That just says "I'm too cheap to pay my DMs enough so you have to add more" - so pricing isn't even meaningful if customers don't pay X, they pay X + some extra amount,
27 years making a living in the recreational dive industry. It can be done. The only argument I will have with you is that your view of what is the industry is too narrow
@@AzulUnlimited Sure, don't forget there is the equipment side, with all that manuf/distribution involves with a variety of roles from engineering, marketing, bean counting etc. You will find that many on that side (not all) have a solid dive CV, having been dive instructors at one time or even still teaching but secondary to their daily work in the industry. Travel of course is a huge part of our industry, and many dive pros end up in that field. Could be reselling to dive shops, dedicated dive travel agency, leading groups only etc. Lot's of aspects Every destination heavy dive place has "that person" that is the local equipment guru. That can actually be really good money , you get to live in a great diving location, dive whenever you want, fix dive gear and control your own schedule. Even teach if desire. Specialized Instructor trainers that are very good in an area that keeps them busy. It is possible to make 6 figures if you don't mind being on the road all the time and are truly an expert The mega yacht industry for an instructor with ancillary skills can make a very good living. Often it's a watchkeeping cert, EMT/Nurse, engineer cert in addition to the dive, and many mega yachts the owner is a big diver, or the yacht is a toys and dive type charter so get lots of diving You touched on SM influencer, there is a TON of avenues that are open in that in diving that could generate revenue, some that i am amazed nobody has done (tempted myself at times, but honestly more interested in transitioning to semi retired at the moment) Teaching diving in a university setting, often also safety for their scientific diving, and of course there are gov and industry positions for scientific divers. In case you think i am just full of it, here is a brief but not quite comprehensive CV for me.. Lots of consulting stuff I have done isn't listed there www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-e-richardson-75561345?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bljo8au%2BmRS6Jdyc05hZ2rQ%3D%3D
@@chrisrichardson4899 Great! yes, I touched on some of these topics, but didn't want to make an hour long video so thank you for laying out more details.
Iv been making a good pay scale on diving in my area checking mooring chains and replacement it's just a side gig but makes it easier to justify the cost associated with diving equipment, if it takes off more next year I'll work less at my other job.
You can talk about our salaries until you're blue in the face but, the truth is there is a low demand and a high supply of instructors. Dive instructors are a dime-a-dozen. What's worse is the standard of quality from dive agencies (and most dice shops) for an instructor is disgustingly low. Until the standards for becoming and staying at an instructor are raised, the salaries will stay right where they are. It's capitalism taking advantage of our passion. It also doesn't help knowing or hearing exactly how much it costs annually to keep your pro level certifications.
Hola y Buenas Noches, I enjoyed this vlog because it draws many similar parallels with the ski industry. I am a professional certified ski instructor with Vail Resorts. You are correct in that instructing is a talent that not everyone possesses and is very physically demanding! You are also correct in that scuba dive clientele are bargain hunters. They want to get the maximum number of dives for the lowest rate (quantity over quality). Many times, I have noticed that they do not tip the lead diver or boat crew! I treat ski instructing as an extension of my business (IT consultant). I have ski business cards... 🎫 ⛷ Do a bunch of traditional social networking during the season... 🍹 Purchase advertisements in local papers, coupon books, etc. 📰 The money is in private lessons... where fees & tips can be lucrative.... 💰👀 HAVE THE MINDSET OF AN ENTREPRENUER! 🤔 Looking forward to watching some of the other vlogs... playing a bit of catch-up... like binge watching a series on Netflix! 🤣 -Lee
Aww thanks for watching! I know a lot of people who combine ski and scuba instructor to make full time fun work for themselves. Totally agree about the entrepreneur mindset. That’s why I just started teaching my marketing for scuba professionals workshop and offer it in instructor Development courses. New instructors need to know how to make money in this industry.
here in Egypt we have some bad instructors and besides the government put alot of taxes takes alot of money and need permission to dive every single day
It’s a complicated system and unfortunately bc the salaries are not great, a lot of good instructors don’t stay in the industry. Not sure what the solution is, but I’m hoping that being open and honest about the situation will bring some change.
Share more jobs and salaries here! Transparency is an important step towards fixing the low salary issue in the scuba industry.
✅ Join the Azul scuba community: www.patreon.com/azulunlimited
why the link is not working with me
@@MRIDDICK86 The Patreon link? Not sure! If you go to Patreon.com and search for Azul Unlimited, my page will pop up. Then you can see how often I post and what I'm offering in the different membership tiers
I'm a commercial diver insore in Belgium. I make 45 €/hour before taxes as an Independent diver. Pay varies even in Europe depending on the country you work. Spain and England pay bad I've been told but they don't get taxed as much as in Belgium.
After taxes and If you can work full time you sould make +/- 3000 €/month.
(as a starter you may have periods without work so no income,...)
It's cold, dark and lonely down there 🙂 , but I guess the pay is OK.
Sounds like tough work, but maybe doable depending on your lifestyle. Thank you so much for sharing!
Hey, firstly happy new year!
I just started diving and I want to make it my career. Not sure what path to take and i'm wondering how did you started with commercial diving? How do you find your first job? What training is there and what is the cost of it? Are there internships as I couldn't find any?
In a van or not, making big money or not, lots of subs or not, you seem happy and that's priceless. Good luck on your scuba journey and safe diving!
Thank you very much! Life is good💙
I’m older now and have experienced pretty much everything she said. I started as a commercial diver in Southern California. Commercial diving is unique in that the training is intense and there are many areas to branch off in. But be ready unless you are very fortunate you are going to have to do what’s called breaking out. Breaking out means you will be doing all the grunt work like cleaning, painting, shop work before you ever get to even allowed to tend another diver. After you have worked, learned and proven yourself, then they will start you actually diving. Depending on what kind of commercial diving you do, it’s a young persons game and you most likely will work really hard to make your money and get out. It’s also very dangerous ( just something to keep in mind).
She is absolutely correct on everything she said about recreational diving and instructing . I worked on a dive boat, Central America, part owner in a store and full owner in a store. It was hard work from morning to night and usually 7 days a week. All said it totally ruined recreational diving for me. The recreational diving community can also be very cut throat. If you’re young and single, get into it and have fun. Doing it full time or trying to raise a family doing it can be a huge let down.
Being a dive instructor has opened some awesome doors for me. I am a career firefighter and was our dive team commander for 8 years. During that time I became an instructor and Corporate Trainer for Dive Rescue International our departments certifying agency. I take vacation days from the fire department and train police, fire and rescue squads all around the United States, Canada, Greece and I just returned from Korea. It has been a wonderful experience and it returned my passion for diving. It is different and dangerous. But with proper public safety diving training it has gotten safer. I only have five years left in the department. I will then continue to travel and teach for Dive Rescue International.
I love your channel and you were spot on! Safe diving!
Wow! Thank you for sharing your experiences. That's quite a life! Thank you for continuing to watch.
The dive industry in general, no matter what agency, needs to be revamped. How many students have you trained in open water and told them this trains you to dive safely to no deeper then 60ft. They then travel to a resort area and they take new divers to the wreck at 80,90,100 ft. Or on night dives, etc. The industry needs to take a lesson from the aviation industry. We have dummy downed the requirements to attract more people.
Absolutely agree. Thank you for sharing 🙏
I have seen that in real life. I am a certified deep diver who has been on dives with people who aren’t AOW certified going to 90 feet.
@@darthknowl9222and be honest, AOW is an more or less empty shell regarding deepdive, since some agencies allow you to get a “ advanced” with “deepdive” after only 9 dives… and 1 (maybe 2) deep dives in that coarse (it is kind of more complicated, but that is what the public standards Implie). Imho, deep dive 18-40m ? Get certified with a COMPLETE deep dive specialty, otherwise it is an empty shell
I don't know why , but when i see your videos you always make my day ! Even when speak for salaries in scuba industry :P
Hahaha glad to hear it 🤙🤣
I just wish there was more of an effort in PADI and the other dive agencies to incentivise quality of instruction rather than throughput. I find it scary that the major source of feedback on instructor performance comes from newbie students who often have no idea if they've been taught well.
Yes, quality control is not consistent in many of the agencies. Another systemic thing that needs to be reworked.
Yes! I just did my advanced open water and one of the two instructors I had really sucked! For my underwater naturalist dive, he literally said "look for five fish, five plants/algae, five inverts " and then disappeared under the water to lead the dive. Wow. No instruction, no "here's what you might see, these are the names of the most common species, etc" and no post dive debrief of how we did and what we saw.
@@BrandonSchmit Yikes... Sorry to hear that. Definitely not in the professional camp of instructors.
You are indeed a very talented teacher. I will continue to support in whatever way I can.
Thank you so much 🙏 appreciate you
im in the divemaster program....not sure where it will take me...but after living in Cozumel and surrounding areas for a few months.....i think it would be really fun to guide dives in really cool locations.....definetely not getting into it for the money but rather for the fun, and adventure and good times.....not afraid of hard work because that it what i do :). enjoy your videos and your spirit
Thank you and yes! The work is incredible and will make you a lifetime of memories. I do think it should pay a living wage though so it’s good to talk about it. Have so much fun with your course!!!
As always another great video. So true about salaries in the dive industry, you will not get rich...lol what did perk my ears was your TH-cam and Patreon subscribers. We will have to look into Patreon and how that works. 🌴🍻🌴
It's a great way to build community. I've loved getting to know people better. Thanks for watching!
thank you for a very detailed overview of the industry as you see it. You are correct and it has needed to be said on social media for years. As an instructor of 25 years I have seen much change but what the staff is paid has not been one that has kept up. I wish you all of the best in you future adventures.
GOOD LUCK.. STAY SAFE AND HAPPY Jim
Thanks so much! I appreciate hearing from you all who have been in the industry much longer than myself. Really helps to learn from you!
Well thought out and well spoken young lady...the brutal synopsis: If you like the lifestyle while you are young then do it but, if you are looking for a career and money, then spend the time while young, to become a Doctor or an Airline Pilot. That way you can easily pay for your adventuring diving, equipment, live-aboards, or whatever trips your trigger! Long term goal! Stop thinking small and think long term and think bigger!
Some people don’t have the privilege or disposition to do that kind of work. Every full time job should be able to cover basic cost of living. Period.
I'm traveling to take a week of training in Florida for 5 days at 300.00 a day. I will be paying for cylinders, entry fees and hotel expenses. This is technical training, so I believe picking an area of specialty that may limit you but allow you to train people who want the real deal is a good plan, while doing all the things you have discussed in addition. Thanks for transparency. Always appreciate the honesty.
Yes, tech instructors do have an easier time charging higher rates but it's also something us recreational instructors can do with the right marketing.
@@AzulUnlimited :
Hey, that old joke about the Pizza, and the Diving Instructor; that was originally for *Stagehands!* *_:D_*
I am currently doing my ssi open water. I think it is really cheap. The amount of time it cost for the instructors, using material from te shop.. etc is just amazing. I pay 450 euro for 4 swimming pool lessons, theory and 4 open water dives. I work in IT and some people that we hire earn that amount of money in 2 hours….
Yeah, prices need to be higher for courses like that 🤷🏻♀️
New to diving. Learning as much as I can. Enjoying your channel and look forward to taking a class from you some day.
Amazing! I would love that. Connect with me on ig or by email and we can see if I'll be visiting your area next year azulunlimited@gmail.com
@@AzulUnlimited will do. Recently dry suit certified. Maybe you should schedule a trip to wreck dive the Great Lakes
@@ScottUrbach I keep getting recommendations for those dives! Maybe I'll see you out there :)
Thanks to share, my ex dive buddy was working in a resort as a dive master, but she quit after 2 years, because the salary was really low, in comparation of your job and responsability, then after she got hired in an Island Resort in Golfo de Chiriquí in Panamá, and everything was better, better salary, better conditions, and she felt confortable there. If I would keep diving, I would switch between dive master or instructor and tour guide. Guiding sometimes give you a good income, but by seasons, so mix the 2 jobs would be an option.
Yes, a diverse income plan is the way to go for sure
Great info! 100% agree on letting the more experienced instructors take the beginner OW courses. A new instructor doesn't necessarily have the tools to solve/fix some problems people might be having. The good, more seasoned instructors have arrived at solutions that make the learning process more efficient! I wonder if it's because senior instructors want to not have to deal with the headaches of new divers? The good ones that stay in the trenches even when they could teach more advanced students are precious and appreciated. I recently had two different AOW instructors on different days and the skillset was night and day between them. One was new, the better one had been doing it for ages.
Yeah that's what I've seen and I get it. Beginners are a lot of work, but there's also a lot of reward when they figure it out.
@@AzulUnlimited :
Pizza and family of four: That's the same joke we'd tell ourselves, or cry over in the Stagehand's Union!
@@lfreeman2511 hahaha I know. I just figured I'd get it out of the way so people don't think they're clever. It's kind of like the van down by the river joke for all of us living in vehicles 😆
I agree with you. I was an instructor for 5 years at a seasonally active dive shop. I enjoyed teaching, but being an instructor certainly won’t put anything into your savings.
Really depends on what you're doing and where you are. When I lived in Mexico and taught beginners through IDCs I was able to save money.
Hello from Canada! I am super grateful that I found your channel as I am about to retire from current career to professionalize my scuba quals.. to do almost exactly what you are doing! Thank you for the great content and advice, please keep doing what you are doing. I will be following your channel with great interest! -Dean
Amazing! Scuba diving is a great retirement gig. Let me know if you have any questions about training. I happen to know a great Course Director in Mexico :)
@@AzulUnlimitedHi Sarah, I do have questions and I will take you up on your offer as I am homeworking my instructor & location options.
What's the best way to contact you?
@@deanm.3881 email. azulunlimited@gmail.com :)
@@AzulUnlimited 👌😊
One area not covered, which I have been doing during the summers, is golf ball diver. This is NOT for everyone. It is very hard work (golf balls get heavy) and you absolutely have to be comfortable with zero (and I do mean zero) visibility. One needs basic certification for this--but more advanced certification and comfort in a variety of situations is helpful. Initial startup is a bit expensive, but one can make pretty good money depending on where one is working. I find it interesting and, although the money is good, I do it more like a hobby.
I totally forgot about people who do that!! Thank you for sharing. Good to know🤙🙏
I work at a shop 5 years and made little money as a manager and you are absolutely correct dive instructors make very little for how hard they work. It is the dive shops that have created this they don’t work together and lower there rates to try to still costumers instead of working together and keeping the rates up
100% It's a shame, and should really change.
I really enjoyed the video. You are so honest. Keep the slow burn and get the right people.
Maybe you can add more van life videos. I really liked watching a guy that lived out of his truck. He broke down how he does it and the benefits/cost savings.
Thanks! Yes, I'm slowly incorporating more van life content, but I have to admit... I don't want to become a van life influencer 😅 I am, first and foremost, a scuba instructor 🤓
Love this video! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for watching!!!
I didn’t realize how clicking on the ads helped? At times I watch them at other times I have skipped them.
I have heard horror stories from others about bad scuba trips booked with some charters. If some of these companies cut costs by getting the bottom of the barrel in talent or responsibility dictated by salary then I can see the potential issue.
Totally. It's a common sense problem, yet people still operate in that way 🤷♀️
I'm from Kenya. If I do work as a freelance instructor for a dive shop they pay as little as 20%. That's about $100 for an open water course (3 days). If I do get my own student I make $200 in a day. Instructors employed in a dive shop in Kenya make as little as $500 fixed salary. It's hard out here 😃
Woof. That is rough. I'm sorry. Thank you for sharing.
Keep up the great, authentic videos. Will make sure to let the ads run while I go make a cup of tea 👌
Thank you so much! You rock🥹
Thank you! I totally agree that more experienced instructors should teach beginners. That's were the most problems and incidents will occur than need that experience!
💯 they’re the most fun to teach too
Friend of mine's brother tried to get into commercial. Due to the pay differential the senior divers forced "the greenhorn" to tend only with no proficiency dives until recert was required consecutively until he quit.
Commercial diving is a whole different beast.
come on up to the great lakes in Canada :). thanks a lot for the info. really helpful
Maybe one day!
Great video! Clearly the way to go is to start a scuba #movement that latches on to an existing cash cow. I am of course talking about DEEP YOGA. The taglines practically write themselves: "So grounded that you're below sea level" and "Breathe. Seriously - keep breathing"
Haha great ideas🤙
감사합니다.
Thank YOU!
I was a shop owner. I paid a salary to my Thai dive master, I paid for all of his training and gear.
That’s great! I love to hear about responsible and supportive shop owners🙌
Thanks!
Thank YOU! Really appreciate the support🙏
With PADI it’s a race to the bottom with prices and low quality “tick a box” training.
I think it's a general industry issue.
Hi Sarah! Very informative video, nice to see ya again! Be well!
Thank you so much! Glad to help :)
@divers ready is thinking about doing a trip to komodo, maybe a collab scuba trip?
Hmmmmm I didn't know that! 😍
come to michigan in july or august, when its warmer and do some wreck dives here in the great lakes.
I plan on it, one of these days!
I plan on it, one of these days!
i volunteer for the local sheriffs department as a public safety diver. i dont get paid, obviously. the deputies do and they do get overtime if a call out happens outside of their work hours. summer of 2021 it took 6 hours to find a guy that drowned in 7 feet of water. the bottom of the lake is about 3 -5 feet silt and this was at the dock where he drowned. you are correct you are looking for drowning victims and have to get the body into a bag before getting it into the boat.
Incredible you can do it. We need people like you who can handle that type of work!
Thanks for letting us know about watching ads
Thank YOU for watching whatever ads you decide to watch (I know some of them are ridiculous, so I don’t blame people for skipping them 😊)
Dive master at local shop had a 6 month case of tinea from constantly being in wet wetsuit boots. One of the lesser known features of the diving industry.
Ah yeah, I've heard of people dealing with stuff like that. No fun.
Thank you!
Thank you for your support!
Oh, one thing you are ABSOLUTLY correct about, dive instructors are underpaid. I would argue that you comment regarding unprofessional , yes, many shop owners and most instructors. The industry sadly encourages it
I speak from my experience and those of my friends in the industry. Of course there are going to be people in both camps of professionalism, but I've had some major snakey experiences with people that I would never have seen in other industries.
@@AzulUnlimited same here, and in my starting years was a broke instructor in the islands.
There are paths, a few (very) lead to good money that involves being in the water teaching/guiding.
Others are a hybrid.
But, strait up, most new instructors bring less to the table and have unrealistic expectations when getting into the industry. Then if they stick, finding and affording a path forward is tough.
Funny enough, we lack horribly in the middle but the industry doesn't develop people well, from starting to when getting some experience.
We treat proven folks with 5-6 yrs in the industry like crap.
Great video, thank you!
Glad you liked it!
That's the video I'm looking for and I have to look for a new career.
Scuba isn’t easy or simple but we have fun🤪
Authentic is great 🤗🤗🤗
Yup
Really valuable talk - thank you.
My pleasure!
Lol. I’m no where close to being net positive on my scuba training compared to teaching. Although I’m finally at a place where I’m close to break even per year. Thank god for the price tag on each ccr class!
Kiss rebreather?? Meg rebreathers are where it’s at!!
Great breakdown on what to expect.
hahaha i literally know nothing about rebreather brands. Thanks for watching! Glad it's starting to work out for you :) I can imagine how hard you've worked to get there.
great vid on YT and business strategy..... oh boy - the content creation is an epic endless task.... as for TH-cam it it sooooo difficult and same goes for their demands on website for SEO. anyhow I emailed you
Thank you!
DM 250usd in a day? ) Where?)
In countries like UAE, Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, Egypt etc instructors monthly salaries is 500 - 1500 USD
Australia and some places in the US. However, the ones in the US are primarily weekend trips do you can’t put together a full time salary with it
I've had that crazy dream of leaving my office and becoming a full time divemaster.....but now it doesn't seem likely!!😥 By the the way, divers aren't always willing to talk about their salaries....and that's because sometimes this is a hard career (not always well paid).
Totally. It's risky. You can always do it part time on the weekends if you want to test it!
@@AzulUnlimited :
I've done inland light salvage. I'd charge U.S.D. $100. per foot of boat, and U.S.D. $25 per foot of depth upto 30 FFW. Past that, U.S.D. $75 per FFW..
@@lfreeman2511 Thank you so much for sharing this!
@@AzulUnlimited :
Oh, I also forgot: I charge U.S.D. $40/hr with a 4-hr minimum!
@@AzulUnlimited :
Oh, I forgot to mention: *I WAS LOWBALLING THE INDUSTRY, AND THEY ALL GOT MAD AT ME!*
😁
If you’re comfortable sharing, how are you surviving off of around $150 in Adsense and $500 or so on Patreon?
I’m impressed by the tenacity, love the content, just can’t imagine you’re only having that here in the US.
I've shared in a few other videos that I also work on websites, content creation, and social media management for other brands. My goal is to make the switch to only work on my own stuff but you're right, I wouldn't be able to survive on TH-cam right now.
@@AzulUnlimited ah I missed that in other ones, sorry. Thanks for the transparency!
@@WeiseGuy91 always! Thanks for being here
I'm an instructor... My salary hasn't changed since 2012...some centers even offer lower to what I was earning before. Our job is really disrespected. I'm considering it my last year cause of such a low pay for so much responsibility and work load we are getting...
Also I never earned as high as 1500 dollars in mexico....
I’m really sorry to hear that. Unfortunately that’s what a a lot of people experience. I’m releasing a course about making money as a scuba diver. Email me if you want to know more: info@azulunlimited.com
To help more would one need to click on an add Or simply let it run? Would be the least those of us who are getting help could do
I believe both work. A click is probably better, but then you will be getting ads from that company across other sites so I understand if people don't want to do that. Thank you!
Great video
Thanks so much!
If you retained your instructor status and are up to date on your business end of insurance’s, and still want to teach privately on occasions, I’m in SF/ Bay Area and only do private lessons for my continued education and enjoyment. I dive Monterey, (though I see you were just here in May/June/24, Channel Islands, and want to Altitude dive in sierra lakes.
Let me know…….Rolf
I’ll be back through that area in October. Maybe we can connect then! Email me if you have any courses in mind azulunlimited@gmail.com
I assume that there is an industry website(s) that people in the industry or would like to get into the industry can go to learn about opportunities and share experiences? Giving newbie and experienced people a place go and hear about dive shops to avoid working at or shops that are pro career would beneficial to everyone.
Do you know of any such sites?
I actually do not. Each certifying organization will have a job board, but I haven't seen this kind of peer review on any website. Maybe someone else has. There may also be Facebook groups for that. Not sure!
@@AzulUnlimited sounds like an opportunity
When I started up the pro route I was told divemasters don't get paid anything other than tips.
Yikes. Your mentors did you a disservice 😔
Great video quality, shows even the smallest detail. You don't own a dog by some chance? 😀
My life is hair and fur. I don't even see it anymore 😂
@@AzulUnlimited 😀
is there a formula for determining sac rate from the surface instead of going to 33ftt refering to surface preasure vs 2 ata ,.....? sorry off topic :(
New SAC/RMV video :) th-cam.com/video/13CroGr8wQQ/w-d-xo.html
Hey, always watching your videos here! When you say "DSD", are you saying Discovery Scuba Dives? I want to know if an Assistant Instructor (SDI) can lead DSD, if it's the case.
Yes DSD means discover scuba diving. I’m not familiar with SDI standards. Consult your instructor manual🙏
Do you need to be a divemaster or instructor to have dive expeditions?
You do not! You just need the knowledge of how to do it and the community to sell to (either in person or online. I have a course that will help you do it: www.patreon.com/azulunlimited/shop/125392
Boat... a hole in the water you throw money into.
Seriously, though... for the 1099/ independent contractor instructor, are the tax benefits from an S Corp worth the cost and the hassle?
I’ve been working as a sole proprietor. Been thinking about creating an LLC but it’s really expensive to maintain in California… still looking into options for that…
it's so sad being a scuba instructor is so badly paid. I would love to work as a dive professional, but the low wages worry me. I am so unhappy working in a office doing meaningless work, but scared of not being able to pay bills and also save some money if I work in the dive industry (my wife and I got twins last year).
Yeah I hear you. Unfortunately it probably wouldn’t be smart to go for it full time in your situation but you could get involved part time as a Divemaster or instructor. I know loads of people who work in the industry in that way and then it’s a fun work option for retirement.
Hey weirdo that likes to teach, from another weirdo who also likes to teach, let your weirdo flag fly. I told a couple of students today that I really like diving, but I love teaching. Knowledge is power, but only if you share it. Keep sharing.
Hell yeah. Love that
I'm lucky if I make $100 US for a 10 hour day guiding.
See that's why we need to push the reset button and change things in this industry. That's not ok. Take care of yourself 💙
@@AzulUnlimited I thought this was a really great video and very thorough. One thing I hear from a lot of tourists is how expensive a dive experience is and I can also see where they are coming from. I’m not sure I have the answer for the industry. I love how you covered all the angles though. I am not cut out to be an instructor, you made a great point around that. I might need to turn on monetization for my videos, I just don’t like the ads either lol.
@@meridacavediver Honestly, in this economy, every little bit helps. People generally don't hate on you for the ads either. We're all trying to survive out here.
So, if we hit the "skip ad" button, you dont get paid for it?
Correct. It’s really lame, especially bc some of those ads are like 3 minutes long🙄
@@AzulUnlimited dually noted! As much as I watch.. I might as well do my part🤷♂️
Haha, you are a bit of a weirdo,
But I like that🤭
Love your energy 💪♥️
Haha thanks. You're my people then 🤣
@@AzulUnlimited absolutely 🌞
Scuba instructors are paid poorly. I moved to Florida to pursue diving full time. I tried three different dive shops and all paid poorly or exploited me. The last place wanted me to work for them for free during training. At least 8 days/40 hours for free before deciding if they want to pay me. And dive crew in charters only made money from tips. The shop didn’t pay them. The dive industry sucks I had to go back to my corporate job.
I hate that you had that experience. It's truly sad that in 2023 we are still having to deal with businesses like that. As a former business owner, it's painful to see people bend over backwards to give more and more discounts to clients and cutting costs by reducing salaries. Not sustainable (OR SAFE) in any way.
That is not true, not all of them are getting paid poorly. Not all barbers are paid poorly, not all of chef are paid poorly, it all depends who you work for. I know dive instructors earning 12k a month, you just have to make your way up.
I have been trying to get my DM for a long time. My goal is to lead expeditions to places. That is something I am interested in doing.
There's a lot of opportunity for it, especially if you're good at networking and marketing!
I wish. Just need to get out and network! And actually work in the business.
I never buy dive gear on Amazon.
You get what I mean though
Are you instructing again?
I’m in teaching status but haven’t taught in person yet
@@AzulUnlimited Glad to hear. I'm new to your channel and just getting caught up to "live". Your Compass video got me through the navigation portion of AOW.
@@ansonrinesmith Glad to hear it! Welcome to the channel :)
What I find gross is this "they'll work for free air and be grateful" nonsense. I was looking at dives in hawaii for a coming holiday, and the shop _website_ advertises that tips are important to the dive pro's income. That just says "I'm too cheap to pay my DMs enough so you have to add more" - so pricing isn't even meaningful if customers don't pay X, they pay X + some extra amount,
That's just embarrassing. Wow. I'm hoping you didn't dive with them 🤦♀️
Making money from the sea is like leaning your back on the waves.
🤔
27 years making a living in the recreational dive industry. It can be done.
The only argument I will have with you is that your view of what is the industry is too narrow
Then please share more for everyone to benefit 🤙
@@AzulUnlimited
Sure, don't forget there is the equipment side, with all that manuf/distribution involves with a variety of roles from engineering, marketing, bean counting etc. You will find that many on that side (not all) have a solid dive CV, having been dive instructors at one time or even still teaching but secondary to their daily work in the industry.
Travel of course is a huge part of our industry, and many dive pros end up in that field. Could be reselling to dive shops, dedicated dive travel agency, leading groups only etc. Lot's of aspects
Every destination heavy dive place has "that person" that is the local equipment guru. That can actually be really good money , you get to live in a great diving location, dive whenever you want, fix dive gear and control your own schedule. Even teach if desire.
Specialized Instructor trainers that are very good in an area that keeps them busy. It is possible to make 6 figures if you don't mind being on the road all the time and are truly an expert
The mega yacht industry for an instructor with ancillary skills can make a very good living. Often it's a watchkeeping cert, EMT/Nurse, engineer cert in addition to the dive, and many mega yachts the owner is a big diver, or the yacht is a toys and dive type charter so get lots of diving
You touched on SM influencer, there is a TON of avenues that are open in that in diving that could generate revenue, some that i am amazed nobody has done (tempted myself at times, but honestly more interested in transitioning to semi retired at the moment)
Teaching diving in a university setting, often also safety for their scientific diving, and of course there are gov and industry positions for scientific divers.
In case you think i am just full of it, here is a brief but not quite comprehensive CV for me.. Lots of consulting stuff I have done isn't listed there
www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-e-richardson-75561345?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bljo8au%2BmRS6Jdyc05hZ2rQ%3D%3D
@@chrisrichardson4899 Great! yes, I touched on some of these topics, but didn't want to make an hour long video so thank you for laying out more details.
Iv been making a good pay scale on diving in my area checking mooring chains and replacement it's just a side gig but makes it easier to justify the cost associated with diving equipment, if it takes off more next year I'll work less at my other job.
@@lilypondgarage2968 Interesting! Would you mind sharing what you make with that kind of work?
Boat:
Break
Out
Another
Thousand! $
😂
For real though 🥴
Love you more!
I live in San Diego & want to be Nitrox certified #takemymoney
I’ll be through there in October or November! Email me azulunlimited@gmail.com
Dive instructors die poor lol I'm a dive instructor I teach because I love the sport but it's definitely not how I make my living
We definitely do it for the passion and love of the water and sport.
Sofa divers omg
Lol what?
@@AzulUnlimited divetalk.
You can talk about our salaries until you're blue in the face but, the truth is there is a low demand and a high supply of instructors. Dive instructors are a dime-a-dozen. What's worse is the standard of quality from dive agencies (and most dice shops) for an instructor is disgustingly low. Until the standards for becoming and staying at an instructor are raised, the salaries will stay right where they are. It's capitalism taking advantage of our passion. It also doesn't help knowing or hearing exactly how much it costs annually to keep your pro level certifications.
Capitalism, baby! The bane of our existence...
just subscribed, thank you for your transparency and your awesome videos!! keep going! much love from LA 🫶
Thanks for subbing!
Hola y Buenas Noches,
I enjoyed this vlog because it draws many similar parallels with the ski industry. I am a professional certified ski instructor with Vail Resorts.
You are correct in that instructing is a talent that not everyone possesses and is very physically demanding!
You are also correct in that scuba dive clientele are bargain hunters. They want to get the maximum number of dives for the lowest rate (quantity over quality).
Many times, I have noticed that they do not tip the lead diver or boat crew!
I treat ski instructing as an extension of my business (IT consultant).
I have ski business cards... 🎫 ⛷
Do a bunch of traditional social networking during the season... 🍹
Purchase advertisements in local papers, coupon books, etc. 📰
The money is in private lessons... where fees & tips can be lucrative.... 💰👀
HAVE THE MINDSET OF AN ENTREPRENUER! 🤔
Looking forward to watching some of the other vlogs... playing a bit of catch-up... like binge watching a series on Netflix! 🤣
-Lee
Aww thanks for watching! I know a lot of people who combine ski and scuba instructor to make full time fun work for themselves. Totally agree about the entrepreneur mindset. That’s why I just started teaching my marketing for scuba professionals workshop and offer it in instructor Development courses. New instructors need to know how to make money in this industry.
here in Egypt we have some bad instructors and besides the government put alot of taxes takes alot of money and need permission to dive every single day
It’s a complicated system and unfortunately bc the salaries are not great, a lot of good instructors don’t stay in the industry. Not sure what the solution is, but I’m hoping that being open and honest about the situation will bring some change.