Are you dreaming of a career as a scuba diving instructor on Koh Tao? Curious about what kind of income you could expect while living your passion? Thanks to the inquisitive mind of Hussein from Saudi Arabia, a recent diver with us at Big Blue (and the Big Blue Blogs only/No1 fan) who recommended this article, let’s dive into the depths of scuba instructor salaries, from the perspective of an instructor on Koh Tao.
On Koh Tao, where the azure waters teem with vibrant marine life, scuba diving is not just a hobby but a way of life. Many aspiring divers flock to this island to train and become certified, making it a hotspot for dive instructors seeking employment. But how much can you really earn as a scuba instructor here?
Firstly, it’s important to understand the payment structure. Typically, scuba instructors on Koh Tao are paid a commission per student they teach. However, the number of students you can expect to teach can vary depending on where you work. At larger, busier dive shops you might have the opportunity to teach larger groups of up to 8 students at a time. Most shops limit their student to Instructor ratio to 4:1 though its not unheard of to increase the max to 6 students for more experienced instructors at busier times of the year.
At Big Blue Diving, we understand the importance of not just teaching diving skills, but also fostering a love for the underwater world. This means our instructors are not only skilled educators but also enthusiastic ambassadors for the sport. We encourage further diving by offering additional courses, fun dives, and even retail opportunities like selling masks and T-shirts in our shop. These extras can significantly boost an instructor’s income.
So, how does this translate into actual earnings? Most newbie Instructors start out as Freelancers earning their experience and reliability with smaller 1 pack courses, so these guys can really struggle to make a good income till they get more regular work or that valuable first ‘foot in the door’ somewhere. If you are earning 20000Bt a month as a Freelancer you’re doing well. Once you have got your foot in the door, starting salaries can range anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 Thai Baht per month, as a second string Instructor, meaning there are those above you who are prioritized with courses. For these guys, the experienced ones who have proven their worth as excellent Instructors already, they can earn between 60,000 and 75,000 Thai Baht per month. And for those at the top of their game, working at the largest dive centers, salaries upwards of 100,000 Thai Baht per month are within reach especially when you include retail commissions, con ed commissions and even Liveaboard commissions!
But here’s a pro tip for aspiring dive professionals: choose your training center wisely. By completing your training with a reputable dive center like Big Blue Diving or Big Blue Tech, you not only receive top-notch instruction but also increase your chances of securing employment with us later on. Our dive center values loyalty and dedication, and we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals to join our team.
So, if you’re ready to turn your passion for diving into a rewarding career, look no further than Big Blue Diving. Join us on Koh Tao, where every day is an adventure beneath the waves. Visit our website to learn how to become a dive professional with us. Happy diving!
Oh yeah & Hussein, if you are reading this thanks for this weeks subject matter!