Florida Keys
Dive Jobs & Work Guide
Florida, United States
Pay Range: USD $2,500–$4,000 /month
Living Cost: USD $1,800–$3000 /month
High Season: December–April, June–August
Visa Info: U.S. Work Visa only (sponsorship required)
Dive Focus: Guiding + Training + Wrecks + Reef Drifts
Languages: English
What's the diving like?
Clear warm water (24–30 °C), shallow reefs, fast drifts, and iconic wrecks like the Vandenberg, Spiegel Grove, and Duane. Visibility 15–30 m, currents are moderate, and conditions are stable most of the year.
Why work here?
The Keys offer structured operations, strong safety standards, and predictable schedules. Ideal for those who want professional, regulated diving with reliable pay. It’s U.S. living with tropical water, but costs are high and competition is strong.
When do I apply?
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Main hiring: October–December for the winter season
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Secondary: April–May for summer crowds
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Shops also replace staff year-round due to turnover and rising accommodation prices.
What's the pay like?
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Instructors: USD $3,000–4,000 /month (hourly + course commissions)
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Divemasters: USD $2,500–3,300 /month (hourly + tips)
Income depends on hours and whether you’re paid per charter, per class, or per hour.
What Visa is needed?
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Foreign divers must hold a valid U.S. work visa — typically employer-sponsored categories such as H-2B or other temporary work authorisations.
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Tourist visas (ESTA/B1/B2) do not allow any form of employment, and enforcement is strict.
Visa rules change. This is general information only — always confirm with U.S. Immigration or your sponsoring employer.
What’s the industry like?
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Languages: English (essential)
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Dive Focus: Open Water and Advanced courses, DSDs, guided reef dives, and wreck charters
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Main Agencies: PADI and SSI dominate; NAUI is common with long-standing U.S. schools
Item | $USD |
|---|---|
🍺 Beer (bar) | $6-$9 |
📱 SIM Card /month | $40-$60 |
🏠 Shared rent /month | $1,000-$1,700 |
🛵 Transport /month
| $150-$250 |
🍜 Local Meal | $12-$20 |
☕ Coffee | $4-$6 |
Costs of Living (Nov 2025 avg)
What's life like at work?
Days start 07:00–07:30 with boat prep, load-in, and diver briefings. Expect 2–3 dives per day, heavy guiding, and structured training blocks. Lots of boat time, predictable procedures, and a strong safety culture. Paperwork and liability standards are higher than in most global destinations.
How's life after work?
Life is laid-back and beach-based but expensive. Staff live in shared houses inland or in smaller Keys to save rent. Evenings mean bars, BBQs, or sunset at the marina. Days off bring reef hopping, fishing, kayaking, or short drives to Key West or Miami.
Is it for me?
Best for pros who want regulated, professional diving with strong pay and U.S. standards. Not ideal if you want low costs, backpacker life, or high dive counts. This is structured work in an expensive location.
Verified local insight
Alex R. – Instructor, Florida Keys (Local insight verified Nov 2025)