What is a Commercial Diver?
Occupation Description 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.
What Do Commercial Divers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Remove obstructions from strainers or marine railway or launching ways, using pneumatic or power hand tools.
- Install pilings or footings for piers or bridges.
- Supervise or train other divers, including hobby divers.
- Cultivate or harvest marine species or perform routine work on fish farms.
- Take test samples or photographs to assess the condition of vessels or structures.
- Repair ships, bridge foundations, or other structures below the water line, using caulk, bolts, and hand tools.
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What a Commercial Diver Should Know
Commercial Divers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Related Job Titles
- Commercial Diver
- Aquarium Diver
- Scuba Diver
- Navy Diver
- Deep Sea Diver
Are There Job Opportunities for Commercial Divers?
There were about 4,100 jobs for Commercial Diver in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
Average Commercial Divers Salary
Commercial Divers make between $30,810 and $108,170 a year.

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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Commercial Divers may use on a daily basis:
- Web browser software
How do I Become a Commercial Diver?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Commercial Diver?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Commercial Divers?

Below are examples of industries where Commercial Divers work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Are you already one of the many Commercial Diver in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
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