Commercial Divers

SOC code 49-9092 · O*NET-SOC 49-9092.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Commercial Divers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$72,990

a year

Hourly

$35.09

per hour

10th$43,330Median$72,99090th$157,790

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$88,320

$42.46 per hour

Middle 50%

$54,810 – $101,550

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$43,330 – $157,790

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

3,450

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $43,330; $20.83/hr
25th percentile: $54,810; $26.35/hr
Median percentile: $72,990; $35.09/hr
75th percentile: $101,550; $48.82/hr
90th percentile: $157,790; $75.86/hr

What does a commercial diver 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Check and maintain diving equipment, such as helmets, masks, air tanks, harnesses, or gauges.
Take appropriate safety precautions, such as monitoring dive lengths and depths and registering with authorities before diving expeditions begin.
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.
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.
Obtain information about diving tasks and environmental conditions.
Inspect the condition of underwater steel or wood structures.
Operate underwater video, sonar, recording, or related equipment to investigate underwater structures or marine life.

How to become a commercial diver

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: 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.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a commercial diver earn?

The national median is $72,990 a year. The full range runs from $43,330 at the 10th percentile to $157,790 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a commercial diver without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.6/5
Critical Thinking3.6/5
Speaking3.5/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical4.6/5
Building and Construction4.1/5
Public Safety and Security3.8/5
Physics3.7/5
Design3.5/5
Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
Education and Training3.4/5
Mathematics3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance.