Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Commercial Diver
- Diver
- Diver Tender
- Tender
Alternate Job Titles
- 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
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Physics
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Operations Monitoring
- Speaking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Problem Sensitivity
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Manual Dexterity
- Finger Dexterity
- Information Ordering
- Near Vision
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Stress Tolerance
- Self-Control
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
On-the-Job Training: None or short demonstration
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable crescent wrenches
- Air tanks
- Bailout bottles
- Barometers
- Box end wrenches
- Buoyancy control devices
- Carbon dioxide CO2 monitors
- Chain hoists
- Closed circuit system helmets
- Closed circuit televisions
- Closed diving bells
- Code alpha flags
- Comealongs
- Cylinder harnesses
- Digital thickness gauges
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Contact With Others
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $39,130 |
| Median | $61,130 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $152,580 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 3,430
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Riggers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $62,060
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $62,970
Ship Engineers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $101,320
Sailors and Marine Oilers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,610
Boilermakers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $73,340
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.