what does it take to be a scuba instructor?and how much does that cost-estimate?

Question

I'm seriously thinking about becoming a scuba instructor in the Domican Resort once I turn 18, which is very soon. The problem is I am a penny short of poor.

I've already dived a few times and really enjoy it. I've went to the local scuba shop but the prices there seemed out of range.

Answer 1

The costs vary considerably. What your local shop told you is likely par for the course in your area. There are ways to lower this cost, primarily by working for the shop itself. Sort of interning. A lot of grunt work and you won't be paid.
Most shops wouldn't even consider you for this until you have your Rescue cert as you're an unproven diver until that point. You need that rescue for an Instructor cert anyway, for that matter even to get to DM.
As for job prospects. Doubtful in a resort.Better locally. You're better off as a DM, usually better paying as wel at a resort. To get that, you'll have to have some experience in the area you wish to DM at. There are a lot of scams out there. " We need English DM's /Instructors...first month..we pay nothing, second month we maybe pay 300USD, maybe not, 3rd month we pay some money. You need to buy your gear from us."
I've seen that type of ad in particular, more times than I can count in the PADI Professional area of their web site on the job boards.
It may sound harsh, but that's the realism of the biz.