So, after your first several skydives, you’ve decided that you’re passionate about the sport, and you want to take it up a notch to become an instructor. It’s no secret that the process is expensive, so how much do skydive instructors make, exactly?
It’s possible your skydiving instructor is not working for money but instead working for “jumps” as skydiving is expensive and they need to accumulate jumps/freefall time. However, many instructors get paid and make between $25 to $40 per dive, while full-time instructors earn upwards of $50,000 to $70,000 USD per year.
Skydiving instructor income depends on an instructor’s certifications (rating) as well as their experience and how much they work. Of course, a full-time employee will make more, still, a part-time skydiving instructor typically makes $10,000 to $20,000 USD per year.
Let’s take a deeper dive (no pun intended) into how you become an instructor and the salary of a skydiving instructor to see if this is something you would want to jump into (sorry, another pun).
How Do You Become a Skydiving Instructor?
To be a skydiving instructor, many different prerequisites must be met, as this is a serious job. Below, I’ve included the steps one would need to take to become a skydiving instructor.
Step 1: Your First Skydive
One of the most critical steps people take to become a skydiving instructor is taking their first jump. For most people, their first experience with this sport comes with a tandem jump, which involves a person being attached to a trained instructor.
Often they fall in love with the sport and want to jump more and more, the following steps then take place.
Step 2: Get Your Skydiving Licenses and Instructor Rating
Next, you will need to get your skydiving license A, B, C, and D. There are a handful of requirements for each license and you can read them in our detailed skydiving license guide here.
Getting started there are 2 ways you can approach getting your A license. You can follow the standard requirements which are listed in the USPA SIM here, or you can choose to accelerate the initial process by doing the AFF program, which is the Accelerated Freefall Program.
Each option you are getting your 25 jumps in, but AFF is like a school that teaches you more and allows you to jump solo much faster. The AFF program is known to be cost efficient and speed up the process.
The AFF program consists of seven levels of proficiency that students can achieve. Before making their first jump, they must complete a flight and a ground training session.
After you get your A license you can work towards your B, C, and D. Each License gives you more and more authority, here is what each license allows you as a skydiver:
| License: | License Holders Can: | Jumps Required: |
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| B |
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| C |
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| D |
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What are the USPA Ratings?
USPA Coach Rating
Jumpers who hold a USPA B license, have completed the Coach Certification Course, and have a minimum of 100 jumps are eligible to obtain the USPA Coach Rating.
Once certified, coach rated licensed skydivers are authorized to instruct the fundamental parts of the first-jump course and supervise student jumpers for group skydiving activities. It’s worth noting that USPS Coach Rated jumpers operate under the guidance of USPA Instructor rated jumpers.
USPA Instructor Rating
To get your USPA Instructor Rating you can choose from 4 different options. There is the “Accelerated Freefall Instructor (AFF-I), the Instructor-Assisted Deployment Instructor (IAD-I), the Static-Line Instructor (SL-I), or the
Tandem Instructor (TAN-I)”.
A USPA Instructor Rating allows the jumper to “train and certify a student for the USPA A License, supervise USPA Coaches, and is eligible for appointment as USPA Safety & Training Advisor”.
USPA Examiner Rating
The most prestigious level when it comes to skydiving ratings is the USPA Examiner Rating. You can become an examiner by choosing one of the 5 available methods, these are as mention on uspa.org:
- Coach Examiner (CE)
- Accelerated Freefall Examiner (AFF-E)
- Instructor-Assisted Deployment Examiner (IAD-E)
- Static-Line Examiner (SL-E)
- Tandem Examiner (TAN-E)
A USPA Examiner is an instructor who has written and passed various exams on a large variety of skydiving related subjects. They have the all the “privileges of a USPA Safety & Training Advisor”.
All the above information can be found in the USPA SIM or if you create an account and login you can see more on the USPA Instructional Ratings here. I have shared the information from USPA to provide accurate information for the readers of this post.
What Are the Requirements For Becoming A Skydiving Instructor?
Well there are different types of instructors when it comes to skydiving, the most known in the public eye would be the tandem instructor as this is who the non-licensed jumpers will jump with.
To do the Tandem Instructor Course you must be at least 18 years old and have 500 jumps to become a certified tandem skydiving instructor. This means you hold a D license, have had or currently have Coach Rating, been jumping for over 3 years, and lastly have your FAA Class III medical certificate.
You will need to complete the USPA Tandem Rating Course and your training for specific skydiving equipment. To become USPA Instructor rated, without tandem jumping capabilities, you are eligible as a USPA C license holder but you need the above pre-reqs to be a Tandem instructor.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Skydive Instructor?
Before earning money as a Skydive instructor, you’ll need to spend around $20,000 up to $30,000. This includes the cost of training and the various expenses associated with the sport.
Read our post “How Much Does Skydiving Cost?” to learn all you need to know about the costs of skydiving.
The costs may seem somewhat high, but remember that universities and colleges cost much more than this. If you really enjoy skydiving and think a instructor is right for you then it can pay off quickly. If it’s just a hobby, its an expensive one, but its not your typical hobby, its much more than that!
What Do Skydiving Instructors Do?
Skydiving instructors teach students skydiving safety basics and then take them into the air to assist them with the jump.
This can be a tandem jump or teaching students to fly solo. Additionally, they will teach their students the safety regulations and how to pack parachutes correctly. Keep in mind when I say Instructor, this can be Instructor Rating or Examiner Rating as each have different certifications for what they can teach.
Let’s take a look at what some instructors do:
Ground School Training
AFF begins with Ground School, which lasts for four to six hours. This program will introduce you to the various aspects of skydiving and prepare you for an assisted jump. After completing Ground School, you can start making your first jump.
Individuals can also acquire a proficiency cards and a course to become certified instructors. Aside from classroom time, becoming an accredited instructor requires undergoing written and oral exams. Aside from these, you’ll additionally need to take courses to improve your skills in certain areas.
Depending on the type of jumps they’re able to make, and their interests, some instructors might be certified as coaches, while others might be photographers. These individuals can also give their students the necessary skills to take photos of their free fall. If they cannot make enough jumps to become AFF certified, they can still take the USPA’s instructor course after acquiring their C-license.
Skydive Gear Training
As an instructor, you will also teach your students the proper way to wear their gear and why it is necessary.
Some of the gear you will teach your students about include:
- GogglesHarness and how to adjust it and check it for proper fitting
- Tandem skydiving rig with dual parachutes and how to operate
- AAD (Automatic Activation Device)
- Helmet and how to wear it correctly
- Jumpsuit
- Altimeter / Audible Altimeter
- Flysight
Skydiving Courses
There are many courses out there for skydiving that focus on specifics. Many help you get the rating you need as a skydiver, let me list a bunch of courses that you may take to learn more, or eventually teach as an expert:
- Accelerated Freefall (AFF)
- Accelerated Freefall Instructor (AFF-I)
- Instructor-Assisted Deployment Instructor (IAD-I)
- Static-Line Instructor (SL-I)
- Tandem Instructor (TAN-I)
- Instructor Examiner Course
- Coach Pre-Course
- Pro-Rating Course
You can see a calendar for Skydiving Courses here on SkydiverRating.com
How Are Skydiving Instructors Paid?
We’ve talked about how much skydiving instructors make, but how exactly do they get paid? Well, it depends! Instructors will earn a per-jump or annual salary, depending on where they work.
For each jump, an instructor will earn about $25 to $40. While it may sound low, some dropzones can get busy and you can be jumping 10-15 + times per day. It adds up nicely! Plus sometimes you get tips and that’s a bonus.
As you work more, you may end up moving into salary pay, typically given twice a month or once a week, depending on the facility. That’s roughly $1,900 per bi-weekly paycheck before taxes. Remember that instructors are responsible for figuring out and paying their own taxes.
How Much Do Skydiving Instructors Make Per Jump?
Generally, a skydiving instructor can expect to make $25 to $40 for every jump. If the company offers per-drop rates, an individual should look for a facility with a lot going on, as it will allow them to get more jumps than idle facilities.
Do Skydiving Guides/Instructors Get Tips?
Yes! Skydiving instructors typically get tips. However, remember that tipping is not mandatory, so you should not expect to receive a tip from every person you assist on a jump.
Learn all about skydiving tips in this post here.
What Other Jobs Can a Skydiving Instructor Qualify for?
While skydiving is primarily about being able to jump out of an airplane, there are other jobs within the sport that require different skills and knowledge.
So, what if you want to get out of the action and into something else? What can a skydiver instructor qualify for? Quite a lot! Some of these positions we’ll briefly discuss below may require further training. However, your skydiving license and experience will be well-spent.
Ground Control Team
They monitor the weather conditions and keep an eye on parachute traffic. They also ensure that rules are followed and that the jumpers make it back to the drop zone after their jumps. In the event of an accident, ground control can contact medical assistance.
The ground control person at the drop zone is usually a jack of many trades. They have a variety of responsibilities each day, such as ensuring that the landing areas are clear of obstacles, like vehicles or people wandering around. They also keep track of the landing pattern indicators.
Safety and Training Advisor (S&TA)
The S&TA is often called upon to plan special events, such as new aircraft launches or night jumps, are responsible for ensuring that the procedures in the field are adequately followed. They also have to report any violations.
The S&TA is a division of the USPA that is affiliated with the drop zones. These individuals are highly experienced in the sport and are usually appointed by the organization’s regional director. They provide training and advice to other jumpers.
Pilot
One of the most common jobs in the dropzone is that of a pilot. This individual is responsible for taking the divers up to altitude safely. They work long hours to maintain their flying hours and advance their careers.
Videographer/Photographer
Videographers and photographers get to capture the faces of the people who are making their first Skydive. Usually, they are hired by the instructors to grab a couple of tandem skydives.
While videographers are usually present for certain AFF jumps, some can also become camera operators. Photographers can be hired to record the events and create content for the drop zone’s website or social media accounts.
Rigger
During the day, you rarely see the rigger working in the drop zone. They usually hide in their rigging loft and are responsible for relining canopies, repairing parachutes, and modifying harnesses and containers.
They are knowledgeable about all of this and are always happy to talk to anyone about any gear-related questions.
DropZone Owner
The drop zone owner is typically a former or current skydiver who knows a lot about the operation of a facility.
They are responsible for everything in the drop zone, including hiring office staff and overseeing the various aspects of the business. This individual needs to run the place and ensure the jumpers are happy.
Packer
A parachute packer is usually on duty throughout the day, packing the gear left after the last load has been dropped. They enjoy getting a cold drink or a snack as the day goes on.
The packer at the drop zone always works hard, even after the jumps have already been completed. They can be hired to pack parachutes, rental equipment, and sports jumpers’ gear. They can also be employed to fill for a training team.
Office Staff
Although you will only sometimes see the drop zone’s office staff, these individuals are still part of the business. They work hard to keep the facility running smoothly and often need to be noticed.
Manifest
The manifest is another vital job at the drop zone. The individuals who work it are responsible for ensuring that the day runs smoothly.
They encourage everyone to sign up so the plane can continue operating. Manifest organizes groups into specific loads, holds clear gear calls, and schedules fuel loads.
This can be a bit challenging, especially on busy days, as multiple groups usually want to jump together. The manifest staff tries to keep everybody happy and organize tandem passengers and students with the appropriate instructors.
Coaches
Sometimes, the drop zones have coaches available to assist with the needs of other jumpers. They can make currency jumps for people who are coming back after a break, and they can also help lower-level jumpers improve their skills.
Load Organizers
Some drop zones also have load organizers who can create jumps for skydivers. These individuals have a good knowledge of the sport and can share it with other jumpers looking to improve their skills. Usually, these load organizers make jumps that are suitable for everyone.
This allows people to improve their skills and learn how to jump safely with others. The load organizers at the drop zone also provide pre-jump briefings and post-jump discussions, and they are accommodating in keeping the day running smoothly.
Maintenance
The maintenance staff members at the drop zone are responsible for maintaining the facility and keeping it running smoothly. They may be employees working for extra money or simply looking after the place.
Aside from maintaining the lawn and the landing area, the maintenance staff also cleans the bathrooms and garbage cans.
Is Skydiving Instructing a Full-Time Career?
Being a skydiving instructor can certainly be a full-time career! However, you won’t be jumping out of the plane 24/7/ As you can see, there is plenty to do as an instructor, from safety and courses to actual skydiving. This position is undoubtedly going to keep you on your toes!
Final Thoughts
Becoming a skydiving instructor is grueling, as it costs a good amount of money and time; however, it’s a rewarding career. After all, who doesn’t want to spend their life doing what they love?
You should be aware that most skydiving instructors work on a freelance basis meaning that they are in charge of paying their own taxes, insurance, and health care. Although, some facilities do hire ’employees’ and will cover these for you.
Overall, this is not a career you want to do just for the money, as it has an average salary. Anyone doing this should be passionate about the sport.
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!
