HOW MUCH DOES SKYDIVING COST?
Ready to turn that lifelong dream of flying into reality—but wondering how much skydiving actually costs? You’re not alone.
Big, unforgettable adventures usually come with a price tag, and skydiving is no exception. The good news? Knowing skydiving prices upfront helps you plan with confidence and focus on the excitement ahead.
How Much Does It Cost to Skydive in the US?
So, how much does skydiving cost in the United States? The short answer: it depends. Prices vary based on your location, the type of jump you choose, and what each dropzone offers. Whether you’re planning your very first tandem skydive or looking ahead to earning a skydiving license, understanding the cost structure makes the experience smoother and stress-free.
Skydiving Cost for First-Time Skydivers
For most first-time jumpers, tandem skydiving typically costs between $200 and $300. This includes:
- Pre-jump training
- All required gear for your skydive
- Your tandem jump with a certified instructor
Many dropzones—like Skydive Raleigh—also offer optional photo and video packages so you can relive the moment (and prove you actually did it).
These add-ons usually range from $120 to $200 and are hands-down one of the most popular upgrades.
Even seasoned skydivers still love rewatching their first jump—it never gets old.
SKYDIVING COST FOR LICENSED SKYDIVERS
If one jump isn’t enough, you might be thinking getting your skydiving license.
To do that, you’ll complete an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) training program, which typically costs $3,000 to $4,000.
While this is a big investment, this covers training, gear, and the 25 skydives needed to get your first United States Parachute Federation ‘A’ license.
Is skydiving an expensive hobby? It can be—but it’s also one of the most rewarding hobbies out there. Once licensed, the cost per jump drops significantly. Licensed skydivers usually pay $25–$35 per jump if they own their gear. Renting gear adds about $35–$50 per jump.
The biggest long-term expense is buying equipment, but many skydivers purchase quality used gear, trade within the community, or find sponsorship opportunities—making it far more affordable than you might expect.
How Much Does It Cost to Go Skydiving at Skydive Raleigh?
At Skydive Raleigh, we offer competitive pricing for tandem skydives and professional training programs.
We also provide discounted rates for groups, military, and first responders.
Our video and photo packages offer flexible options to match your goals—whether you want the full cinematic treatment or just the highlights.
WHY IS SKYDIVING SO EXPENSIVE?
At first glance, skydiving prices can raise an eyebrow—but once you understand what’s involved, the cost makes a lot more sense. Above all else, skydiving is a safety-first sport, and cutting corners is never an option. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into the cost of skydiving:
Specialized Equipment
Skydiving gear is life-saving equipment that requires constant inspection and maintenance. Reserve parachutes must be repacked by FAA-certified riggers every 180 days, whether they’re used or not.
Aircraft and Fuel
Skydiving aircraft are expensive to operate, maintain, and fuel. Just like airline tickets, skydiving prices can fluctuate based on fuel costs.
Highly Trained Instructors
Tandem instructors are elite professionals who undergo years of training and certification through the USPA. Their experience and ongoing education are essential to keeping every jump safe and fun.
Pilots and Ground Crew
From manifest staff to pilots and loaders, a skilled team is required to keep the dropzone running smoothly and safely. Every role matters.
Facilities and Operations
Maintaining a professional, welcoming dropzone with top-tier safety standards is also part of the overall cost.
Ready to jump? Book your tandem skydive here. Still have questions? Contact us!
