Commercial Divers

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.

What you'd actually do

• 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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Post-secondary certificate. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; you're around people constantly. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 16.6% of commercial divers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, analytical and organized and detail-focused.

Related careers

• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
• Millwrights

Quick questions

How much does a commercial diver make?

The median pay is $35.09 per hour — roughly $73,000 a year, with the real range running from about $20.83/hr (10th percentile) to $75.86/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a commercial diver?

The typical entry-level education is: Post-secondary certificate. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a commercial diver actually do all day?

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.