Life As a Commercial Diver
Job Description & Duties Work below surface of water, using scuba gear to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.
Daily Life Of a Commercial Diver
- Salvage wrecked ships or their cargo, using pneumatic power velocity and hydraulic tools and explosive charges, when necessary.
- Perform activities related to underwater search and rescue, salvage, recovery, or cleanup operations.
- Operate underwater video, sonar, recording, or related equipment to investigate underwater structures or marine life.
- Carry out non-destructive testing, such as tests for cracks on the legs of oil rigs at sea.
- Take test samples or photographs to assess the condition of vessels or structures.
- Inspect the condition of underwater steel or wood structures.
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Skills Needed to be a Commercial Diver
When polled, Commercial Divers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Related Job Titles
- Divemaster
- Diving Supervisor
- Dive Tender
- Non Destructive Testing Underwater Welder (NDT U/W Welder)
- Dive Supervisor
Commercial Diver Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 4,100 jobs in the United States for Commercial Diver. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 400 new jobs for Commercial Diver by 2026. There will be an estimated 400 positions for Commercial Diver per year.

The states with the most job growth for Commercial Diver are Alaska, Missouri, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Wisconsin, New Jersey, or Alabama. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Commercial Diver
The average yearly salary of a Commercial Diver ranges between $30,810 and $108,170.

Commercial Divers who work in Alaska, New Jersey, or Alabama, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Commercial Divers in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $56,410 |
Alaska | $86,600 |
California | $70,540 |
Connecticut | $72,400 |
Florida | $43,700 |
Indiana | $65,860 |
Louisiana | $46,720 |
Maryland | $59,710 |
Michigan | $53,590 |
Missouri | $38,340 |
New Hampshire | $75,500 |
New Jersey | $77,080 |
New York | $68,210 |
North Carolina | $38,430 |
Ohio | $36,270 |
South Carolina | $31,270 |
Tennessee | $41,960 |
Texas | $50,130 |
Virginia | $50,950 |
Washington | $84,480 |
What Tools & Technology do Commercial Divers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Commercial Divers:
- Web browser software
How do I Become a Commercial Diver?
Individuals working as a Commercial Diver have obtained the following education levels:

What work experience do I need to become a Commercial Diver?

Who Employs Commercial Divers?

Commercial Divers work in the following industries:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those who work as a Commercial Diver sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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