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.
SOC: 49-9092.00
Common Job Titles
Commercial DiverDiverDiver TenderTender
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onOperate underwater power tools including drills, grinders, welding equipment, and hydraulic torque wrenches in subsea environments using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment, following established safety protocols.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform inspection and repair procedures on underwater equipment and structures while handling and moving objects in physically demanding subsea conditions.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate structural integrity and compliance of underwater installations using ultrasonic thickness testers, magnetic particle inspectors, and visual inspection techniques.Proficient
- MindsetBalance operational efficiency with safety protocols and environmental constraints when organizing, planning, and prioritizing dive operations in dynamic underwater environments.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze underwater environmental hazards and equipment malfunctions under time pressure and limited visibility, applying knowledge of physics and mechanical systems.Developing
- MindsetEngage in real-time communication with surface teams and supervisors using wireless communication systems while coordinating complex underwater operations.Developing
- KnowledgeApply decompression tables and dive planning procedures when managing dive depth, duration, and gas mixtures to ensure diver safety.Developing
- Hands-onExecute underwater welding, cutting, and construction tasks using specialized torches, electrodes, and building techniques in aquatic environments.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret dive computer data, gauge readings, and sonar equipment outputs to monitor processes, materials, and surroundings during subsea operations.Developing
- Hands-onCalibrate diving equipment including breathing apparatus, buoyancy control devices, and gas analyzers before and during operations to maintain operational safety standards.Developing
- MindsetParticipate in training and mentoring of less experienced divers by demonstrating proper techniques and safety procedures in controlled and field settings.Developing
- KnowledgeCompare observed underwater conditions against design specifications and regulatory requirements when documenting inspection findings and preparing technical reports.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Commercial Divers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
3,430
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $39,130 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $152,580 |
| Workers on average earn | $78,110 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Mechanical4.1/5
- Building and Construction3.8/5
- Physics3.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.2/5
- Mathematics3.1/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
Technology Skills
Diving logbook softwareDiving table softwareDynamic positioning DP softwareRemote operated vehicle ROV dive log softwareWeb browser software
Tools & Equipment
Adjustable crescent wrenchesAir tanksBailout bottlesBarometersBox end wrenchesBuoyancy control devicesCarbon dioxide CO2 monitorsChain hoists