Sharm el Sheikh
Dive Jobs & Work Guide
South Sinai - Egypt
Pay Range: USD $500–1,250 /month
Living Cost: USD $550–850 /month
High Season: September-November (Year-round)
Visa Info: Work permit required
Dive Focus: Resort diving, guiding, courses, boats
Languages: English, Arabic, Russian, German
What's the diving like?
Warm, clear water year-round. Ras Mohammed, Tiran, and Thistlegorm attract divers globally. High volume of resort guests. Most work is guiding and courses for holiday divers.
Why work here?
Constant demand, stable season, strong tips, simple conditions, cheap living, and globally recognised dive sites. Good place to build numbers quickly.
When do I apply?
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Anytime.
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Peak hiring: March–June and September–October.
What's the pay like?
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Instructors: USD $700–$1,200/mo base + strong tips. Course commissions are common.
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Divemasters: USD $500–$800/mo base + heavy reliance on tips.
Pay varies by resort size and commissions
What Visa is needed?
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Employment requires an employer-sponsored work permit, which is processed through the Ministry of Manpower.
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Working on a tourist visa is widespread in the industry but not legal, and risks include fines, centre penalties, and possible deportation.
Visa regulations can change, and working without the right visa or permit is illegal. This is general information only. Check official Egypt Immigration sources for up-to-date rules.
What’s the industry like?
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Languages: English (essential), Arabic, German, and Russian are in demand.
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Dive Focus: High-volume OW, AOW, DSD and specialty courses.
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Main Agencies: PADI and SSI dominate, with a few SDI/TDI shops.
Item | $USD | Local (EGP) |
|---|---|---|
🍺 Beer (bar) | $3-$5 | 100-180 |
📱 SIM Card /month | $5-$10 | 150-300 |
🏠 Shared rent /month | $150-$250 | 7,000-12,000 |
🛵 Transport /month
| $40-$80 | 1,500-2,500 |
🍜 Local Meal | $2-$4 | 100-200 |
☕ Coffee | $1-$2 | 30-60 |
Costs of Living (Oct 2025 avg)
What's life like at work?
Days start around 07:30. Load gear at the marina, run two-tank boat trips, afternoon refreshers or pool sessions, and occasional night dives. Expect 2–3 dives per day, steady student flow, and structured operations. Paperwork and briefings follow EU-style standards.
How's life after work?
Cheap food, beach cafés, shisha bars, and social staff areas. Evenings mean falafel, gym sessions, or nights out in Naama Bay. Accommodation is simple and affordable. Days off bring Dahab trips, desert tours, or fun dives at Ras Mohammed.
Is it for me?
Sharm suits instructors and DMs who want steady work, lots of diving, and low costs. Ideal for building experience fast. Not suited to those seeking remote islands or quiet living — Sharm is busy, structured, and social.
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