Commercial Divers

Commercial divers spend their workdays below the water's surface. They use specialized gear to inspect, set up, remove, or repair underwater structures and equipment. This hands-on role belongs to the realistic interest area and requires performing physical activities, handling objects, and operating power tools like drills, welding equipment, and torches. Divers may also conduct experiments, take photographs of marine life, or rig explosives.

To perform this work safely, divers must possess strong skills in critical thinking, active listening, and operations monitoring. They need a solid understanding of mechanics, building and construction, public safety, and physics. Because underwater environments present unique hazards, successful divers rely on work styles such as dependability, cautiousness, stress tolerance, and self-control. They must constantly monitor equipment, solve complex problems, and communicate clearly with their surface support teams.

Entering this field typically requires a postsecondary certificate. This level of preparation aligns with medium preparation pathways, which often involve vocational training, an associate degree, or related on-the-job experience. Students interested in this career path often choose college majors in marine transportation.

Aspiring divers can also pursue professional credentials to demonstrate their skills. Relevant certifications in the industry include the Entry Level Tender Diver credential from the Association of Diving Contractors International, as well as the Open Water Diver certification offered by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.

In 2025, the median annual pay for commercial divers was $72,990. This means half of the workers in this occupation earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and location; the lowest 10% of divers earned less than $43,330, while the highest 10% earned more than $157,790.

There are currently 3,450 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 4.8%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth, combined with workers leaving the field, is expected to result in 400 job openings each year.