Compensation for Scuba Classes

[CosbySweater]

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[TMHeimer]

I DM for a University based training center and get paid by the University. With insurance and pro fees, I just about break even. To be honest, that's enough for me. Being a DM has opened up a whole new world of diving opportunities and gets me in the water much more frequently so I'm ok with making literally nothing (it's also a lot of fun).

That being said, I wouldn't agree to work for discounted gear. Dive pros incur real expenses that need to be offset somehow. I'd look for a different shop that can afford to write their instructors a pay check.

At least you got paid. I assisted on about 3-4 OW courses each season and figured the first one's pay was close to covering the membership & insurance. I only assisted though, and the insurance for that was only $142 CAD as opposed to another $100 for the whole coverage. How many courses/charters do you do and still only break even?
I can't imagine my career teaching school Band and just breaking even. Then again you need a degree as opposed to a DM cert.

 

[The Chairman]

What's the difference between a large pizza and a Scuba Instructor?

Spoiler

The large pizza can feed a family of four!

 

[Rickk]

Tho things to consider about discounts in lieu of payment is that you can only use one regulator or BCD at a time, how many do you want to own? At some point the discount is meaningless unless you can let others use it or resell the item immediately after buying it.

Amazon and on line that are often much cheaper. Also full retail is generally around twice wholesale prices, not sure of gross margins in dive operations but that is a general rule of thumb in a lot of retail business. That means if the guy is giving you say a $100 discount on a $400 piece of kit, he is still making $100 on you as well as getting your labour for free.

 

[The Chairman]

I know of a dive shop that even keeps the tips meant for his staff.

 

[Nemrod]

Is it common practice for instructors to work solely for discounts? A scuba shop I know of does not pay instructors a wage but gives them a discount on equipment. I am not sure how I feel about this as a new instructor. Is this a common practice in the industry?

How much equipment do you plan to buy?

N

 

[abnfrog]

stealing tips is really slimy

 

[CosbySweater]

At least you got paid. I assisted on about 3-4 OW courses each season and figured the first one's pay was close to covering the membership & insurance. I only assisted though, and the insurance for that was only $142 CAD as opposed to another $100 for the whole coverage. How many courses/charters do you do and still only break even?
I can't imagine my career teaching school Band and just breaking even. Then again you need a degree as opposed to a DM cert.

The course is a full semester long, so we do two full open water courses per year (16 weeks each). My insurance is $370 through DAN. Pro fees are $125 a year. Total is $495 per year just to stay active. I make about $550 over two semesters. To be honest, I don't think I would do it if I didn't at least break even. It's only a side gig, but I don't want to work for free (or pay to work!).

 

[Esprise Me]

I know of a dive shop that even keeps the tips meant for his staff.

Without knowing what jurisdiction you're talking about, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that's probably illegal. Not saying it's not true-- I've seen restaurants do it where it's definitely illegal. Question from a student perspective: how can I avoid patronizing shops that do stuff like this to their DMs and instructors? Or should I just tip generously and make sure to hand it directly to that person?

 

[The Chairman]

Or should I just tip generously and make sure to hand it directly to that person?

That's a start. I've been told that he usually found out about those as well. This was about ten years ago. He also demanded that they do all their scuba travel through him. He's a real peach.