What's the diving like?
Warm tropical water and clear visibility in season. Shallow reefs, pinnacles and training sites are minutes from shore. Expect coral gardens, schooling fish and if you are lucky, whale sharks.
Why work here?
Koh Tao is one of the easiest places to start or grow a dive career. It’s a hub for zero-to-hero training, low living costs, and word-of-mouth jobs. Perfect for logging dives and building a resume fast.
When do I apply?
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Hiring peaks in February–April as high season begins.
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Staff turnover is around September–October.
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The low season has fewer courses, but still some work.
What's the pay like?
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Instructors: USD $700–1,250 /month (THB 25,000-45,000)
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Divemasters: USD $400–700 /month (THB 15,000–25,000)
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Instructors typically earn about 15% commission per student, averaging USD $55 (THB 1,800) for a 3-day OW course.
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DMs: THB 150–300 per tank
Pay varies by season and centre.
What Visa is needed?
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You need a Non-Immigrant B Visa and sponsorship from your dive centre.
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Many divers arrive and work on a tourist visa, but working on these visas is not legal and can lead to fines, blacklisting or deportation.
Visa regulations can change, and working without the right visa or permit is illegal. This is general information only. Check official Thai Immigration sources for up-to-date rules.
What’s the industry like?
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Languages: English (essential), Spanish, German, and French are in high demand.
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Dive Focus: Open Water, Advanced, DSD, and pro courses DM's + IDC's year-round.
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Main Agencies: PADI and SSI dominate, with a few RAID & SDI/TDI shops.
Item | $USD | Local (THB) |
|---|---|---|
📱 SIM Card /month | $9 | 300 |
🛵 Scooter rental /month | $90-$130 | 3,000-4,000 |
🏠 Shared rent /month | $200-$350 | 7,000-12,000 |
🍜 Local Meal | $2.50-$4 | 80-120 |
🍺 Beer (bar) | $2.50-$4 | 80-140 |
☕ Coffee | $1.50-$3 | 50-100 |
Costs of Living (Oct 2025 avg)
What's life like at work?
Most do 2–4 dives a day, across morning, afternoon, and some night dives. Courses run back-to-back. An Open Water course can finish in the morning, and an Advanced course starts that afternoon. After dives, gear’s rinsed, logs done, and the next briefings are prepared.
How's life after work?
Dive staff usually rent basic rooms or shared bungalows near Sairee, Mae Haad or Chalok. Evenings mean beach bars, Thai cafés or sunset drinks. Days off are spent snorkelling, scooter rides, the gym or exploring viewpoints.
Is it for me?
Affordable living, lots of courses, and a tight-knit dive community make it easy to gain experience quickly. Koh Tao suits those who thrive in social, busy environments. Perfect for instructors, DM's, or anyone training to become one. Not ideal if you prefer quiet, remote diving.
Verified local insight
Lydia R. – Instructor, Koh Tao (Local insight verified Oct 2025)