Commercial divers
SOC Code: 49-9092Also known as:
Aquarium Diver, Area Commercial Diver, Certified Diver, Commercial Diver, Deep Sea Diver
Median Annual Salary
$61,130
+8.5% growth (2024-2034)
400
Openings/Year
4K
Current Jobs
What Commercial divers Do
Work below surface of water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment 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.
💰 Salary
$61,130
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+8.5%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
400
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
4,200
Projected Employment (2034)
4,500
Related Careers
Boilermakers
$73,340 •
-2.4% growth
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
$62,970 •
+4.5% growth
Sailors and marine oilers
$49,610 •
+2.3% growth
Ship engineers
$101,320 •
+1.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Operations Monitoring
Speaking
Quality Control Analysis
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Take appropriate safety precautions, such as monitoring dive lengths and depths and registering with authorities before diving expeditions begin.
- Check and maintain diving equipment, such as helmets, masks, air tanks, harnesses, or gauges.
- Communicate with workers on the surface while underwater, using signal lines or telephones.
- Descend into water with the aid of diver helpers, using scuba gear or diving suits.
- Obtain information about diving tasks and environmental conditions.
- Supervise or train other divers, including hobby divers.
- Inspect the condition of underwater steel or wood structures.
- Inspect and test docks, ships, buoyage systems, plant intakes or outflows, or underwater pipelines, cables, or sewers, using closed circuit television, still photography, and testing equipment.
- Repair ships, bridge foundations, or other structures below the water line, using caulk, bolts, and hand tools.
- Recover objects by placing rigging around sunken objects, hooking rigging to crane lines, and operating winches, derricks, or cranes to raise objects.
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Commercial divers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a commercial divers:
Diver, Professional and Instructor
539 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Commercial divers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become commercial divers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Divers Institute of Technology | Seattle, WA | 298 | C+ |
| 2 | Commercial Divers International | Goodyear, AZ | 58 | C+ |
| 3 | University of Alaska Southeast | Juneau, AK | 10 | C+ |
| 4 | The College of the Florida Keys | Key West, FL | 16 | C |
| 5 | South Louisiana Community College | Lafayette, LA | 9 | C |
| 6 | Ocean Corporation | Houston, TX | 148 | D |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do commercial divers make?
The median annual salary for commercial divers is $61,130.
What education do commercial divers need?
Most commercial divers positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Diver, Professional and Instructor.
Is becoming commercial divers a good career choice?
Commercial divers is projected to see +8.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for commercial divers?
Top colleges for aspiring commercial divers include
Divers Institute of Technology, Commercial Divers International, University of Alaska Southeast, The College of the Florida Keys, South Louisiana Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to commercial divers?
Commercial divers may also be known as: Aquarium Diver, Area Commercial Diver, Certified Diver, Commercial Diver, Deep Sea Diver, Dive Tender, Divemaster, Diver, Diver Tender, Hard Hat Diver, Marine Diver, Navy Diver, Non Destructive Testing Under Water Welder (NDT U/W Welder), Non Destructive Testing Underwater Welder (NDT U/W Welder), Plongeur, Route Diver, Salvage Diver, Scuba Diver, Skin Diver, Submarine Diver.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.