JOB PLACEMENT Q & A
The following information was developed to answer some commonly asked questions regarding job placement in the dive industry:
What is the salary a new Instructor graduate can expect to make?
A new instructor with no experience can expect to earn approximately $18,000
to $22,000 per year. For Pro Dive's ROS® -- Resort Operations Specialist
graduates, the pay scale generally increases by $2,000 to $3,000. Graduates
with management experience usually earn more depending on their level of
expertise. Management position starting salaries are $25,000 and up per year.
In addition, some employers may offer various health plans and other benefits such as commissions on equipment sales to their employees.
What housing is available, and is it supplied by the resort?
Housing varies from location to location. Very remote resorts usually offer
housing to their employees as part of their salary. Other operations realize
you will have to pay rent and offer higher pay.
How do I get a work permit?
Most resorts obtain work permits and visas for you. Some countries require
a matter of days and others weeks before you can start working. Some resorts
ask their employees to pay the fees initially and then reimburse them on
a monthly basis. You will need a valid passport, so plan ahead.
Do couples have a more difficult time finding employment?
It usually takes longer to secure positions for two, but there are resorts
looking specifically for couples, especially in management positions. If
your spouse is not involved in diving, employment will be more difficult
outside the U.S.
How soon after becoming an Instructor can I expect to be employed?
Graduates that are prepared to start working soon after graduation usually
find employment within 30 to 60 days. Instructors who complete the ROS® --
Resort Operations Specialist training, are in high demand and often times
receive job offers before their training ends or immediately after graduation.
Will my age present a problem?
Age represents experience and we have found that even graduates over 40, especially
those with ROS® training, have no problem gaining employment in the area they
want. In fact, many of them start out at higher salaries and in management
positions because of their previous work experience.
Where are jobs available?
Worldwide. We have a close working relationship with various resorts located
throughout the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and the United States including Hawaii
and the Florida Keys. We place graduates at Club Med resorts, on live aboard
dive operations, cruise ship lines and land-based dive facilities. While
our biggest demand comes from the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Florida, Pro
Dive graduates are working in all areas of the world.
