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Commercial Diver Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Project Engineer - Diver - Washington, DC

Washington, DC

$120K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Responsibilities Pennoni is currently initiating a search for a PE Diver to lead Underwater and ... Commercial Diving (ADCI) Certification * Current USDOT physical * ADCI medical examination within ...

Registered Roof Observer (RRO)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$20 - $24.75/hr

Technical knowledge of commercial roofing systems * Must be able to work with minimal supervision and be a self-starter * Must be detail-oriented * Follow and enforce safety requirements and company ...

High school diploma or equivalent * 1 year of truck driving experience preferred (CDL license not ... Physical fitness since Service Technicians and Assistant Divers are required to pass a physical ...

Commercial Diver information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$24

$46

How much do commercial diver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for commercial diver in Reston, VA is $24.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $26.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a commercial diver?

Commercial divers are trained professionals who perform underwater tasks related to construction, inspection, repair, and maintenance in a variety of industries such as oil and gas, shipping, and infrastructure. Their work can involve welding, cutting, photography, surveying, and salvaging equipment or vessels underwater. Commercial divers often work in challenging and potentially hazardous environments, requiring specialized training and certification to ensure safety and effectiveness on the job.

What do commercial divers do?

Commercial divers install, maintain, or repair underwater structures, such as offshore oil and gas rigs, bridges, and other underwater structures using scuba gear. Their duties and responsibilities may also include the inspection of these structures on a regular basis. Specific tasks may include cutting and welding using specialized underwater equipment and installing support structures, such as legs and rigging, for facilities on the open water. Some commercial divers also perform search and rescue or salvage missions after disasters. They may be asked to make deep water recoveries or repairs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commercial diver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commercial Diver, you need strong swimming ability, physical fitness, knowledge of diving physics, and a commercial diving certification from an accredited program. Familiarity with specialized equipment like scuba or surface-supplied diving systems, underwater cutting tools, and communication devices is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure diver safety, effective underwater task completion, and successful coordination in often hazardous and unpredictable environments.

What are some common challenges commercial divers face during underwater projects?

Commercial divers often work in challenging conditions that include limited visibility, strong currents, and varying water temperatures. Safety is a major concern, so divers must be diligent about following protocols and using specialized equipment correctly. Coordination with topside supervisors and other team members is crucial for efficiency and safety, especially during complex tasks like underwater welding or inspections. Adapting to unpredictable underwater environments and staying physically fit are also important to successfully meet the demands of this role.

What is the difference between Commercial Diver vs Underwater Welder?

AspectCommercial DiverUnderwater Welder
CertificationsCommercial diving certification, CPR, first aidCommercial diving certification, welding certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentUnderwater construction, inspection, maintenanceUnderwater welding, repair, fabrication
Industry UsageConstruction, oil & gas, salvageShipbuilding, offshore oil platforms, repair

Commercial divers and underwater welders both work underwater and require similar diving certifications. However, underwater welders specialize in welding tasks underwater, combining diving skills with welding expertise. While all underwater welders are commercial divers, not all commercial divers are welders. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in skill focus and job responsibilities.

Are commercial divers paid well?

Commercial divers typically earn competitive wages that vary based on experience, certification, and the complexity of the job. Entry-level divers may start with lower pay, but experienced professionals working on specialized projects can earn high salaries, often supplemented by overtime and hazard pay due to the risky environment. Overall, commercial diving can be a well-paying career for those with the necessary skills and certifications.

How much do commercial divers get paid?

Commercial divers typically earn between $40,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the projects. Pay can also vary based on location, work environment, and union membership, with some specialized roles offering higher wages.

What kind of jobs do commercial divers do?

Commercial divers perform underwater tasks such as inspecting, repairing, and installing structures like bridges, dams, pipelines, and ships. They often work in construction, maintenance, salvage, and environmental cleanup, using specialized equipment and safety protocols in challenging environments.

What job categories do people searching Commercial Diver jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Commercial Diver jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Commercial Diver jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Commercial Diver job openings:

Infographic showing various Commercial Diver job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,578 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Manager - Marine Inspections / Lead Diver

Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd.

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Short Description

Bowman has an opportunity for a Manager – Marine Inspections / Lead Diver to join our team in Glen Mills, PA.  

At Bowman, we believe in creating opportunities for aspiring people to thrive and achieve ambitious goals. That’s why a career at Bowman is more than a job. It is an opportunity to be part of a diverse and engaged community of professionals, to be treated as a respected and valued member of a motivated team and to be empowered to do exceptional work that advances the best interest of everyone involved. We recognize the importance of creating a work environment that is both rewarding to our employees and supportive of our unwavering commitment to provide unparalleled service to our clients.


Purpose

Build and lead a nationwide practice in marine inspections, leveraging company investments in vessels and technology to provide an industry leading service that deploys traditional diver-led inspections as well as technology-based data collection (e.g. ROVs, scanning equipment, etc.) to deliver products to both internal and external customers.   In the early phases of the service line’s development, the Marine Inspections Manager will serve as the Lead Diver and manager of a dive team for performance of underwater inspections, data collection and cataloguing, report writing, design, and construction inspection support for marine and waterfront projects while ensuring safety, integrity, and compliance with engineering and diving standards. The Marine Inspections Manager will be part of a team that is responsible for bringing the service to market, and is expected to participate in technology deployment, marketing, and business development activities.  Upon maturity of the service, the Marine Inspections Manager will have the opportunity to lead an offering that has national scope.


Responsibilities

Leadership and Direction

  • Collaborate with Ports and Harbors group leadership to build a nationwide practice, including participation in marketing and business development efforts.
  • Collaborate with leadership to procure equipment and vessels.
  • Prepare operating and capital budgets.
  • Lead the recruitment, development, and mentoring to junior divers and engineering staff as needed.

 

At the Operational and Company Level

  • Work under the direction of internal and external Project Managers to execute engineering and underwater inspection projects, including the planning, coordination and leadership of underwater inspections.
  • Ensure quality and safety standards are met.
  • Ensure compliance with commercial diving regulations and maintain diving equipment and certifications.
  • Prepare operational and safety manuals / protocols for company’s field work activities.
  • Track, update and ensure all certifications, registrations and maintenance are current for divers, dive boats and equipment.

 

Do the Work

  • Schedule, coordination, and conduct topside and underwater inspections and condition assessments of piers, seawalls, bridges, dams, and other marine structures.
  • Lead safety meetings, dive briefings, and project reviews to assess risks and ensure adherence to company safety policies.
  • Develop and complete project specific dive safety plans, JSAs, and work permits.
  • Perform data collection and underwater surveys using non-destructive testing, sonar, photogrammetry, and other inspection technologies.
  • Review and prepare detailed technical reports, drawings, and documentation summarizing findings and recommendations from inspections.
  • Develop and review repair plans, specifications, and cost estimates.

Analyze deteriorated marine structures to assess load capacity/ratings.


Success Metrics and Competencies
  • Entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead and grow a service line from its infancy.
  • Ability to work both independently and within a team environment. 
  • Highly motivated and problem-solving attitude. 
  • Strong sense of urgency in responding to constituents. 
  • Accuracy and thoroughness of underwater inspection and engineering reports.
  • Adherence to project deadlines, safety standards, and quality protocols.
  • Effective collaboration with project teams and clients.
  • Maintenance of diving certifications and physical readiness standards.
  • Demonstrates deep understanding of marine and structural engineering principles.
  • Prioritizes adherence to diving and environmental safety procedures.
  • Applies engineering judgment and problem-solving in underwater conditions.
  • Works effectively with cross-functional teams in challenging environments.
  • Adjusts to dynamic field conditions and project demands.
  • Effective working relationship with internal leaders and peers, as well as external clients.
  • Commitment to working in partnership with others inside and outside the organization.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, Marine, or Ocean Engineering (ABET-accredited preferred).
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in waterfront or marine engineering projects, with at least 5 years of dive experience.
  • Valid driver’s license, with proficiency operating heavy trucks and trailer-deployed vessels.
  • Commercial Diving Certification (ADCI or equivalent) required.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
  • Proficiency with operating a boat and dive equipment, sonar systems, underwater surveying tools, and material testing/sampling tools.
  • Familiarity with ROV/AUV, side scan sonar, LIDAR systems preferred.
  • Familiarity with ASCE 130 MOP preferred.

About Bowman

Are you ready to build a career that makes a lasting impact? At Bowman, our people are at the center of everything we do. We’re committed to creating an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally, while helping to shape the infrastructure of tomorrow.

A career at Bowman means being part of a collaborative, forward-thinking organization where innovation, inclusion, and growth are encouraged at every level. We offer competitive compensation, a supportive work environment, and benefits designed to help our employees succeed.

 

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
  • Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
  • Discretionary bonuses and other performance-based incentives
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness initiatives, and employee discounts

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary based on position, location, and employment status.


Physical Demands and Working Environment
  • This position is subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements.
  • Primarily outdoor work environment, which may include being on watercraft, adverse weather conditions, varying temperatures, excessive noise, and/or potential hazards. 
  • Ability to pass annual commercial diving medical exams and maintain fitness for duty.
  • Must be able to lift, carry, and maneuver diving and inspection equipment.
  • Tolerance for cold, low-visibility, and confined underwater environments.
  • Travel and fieldwork in various marine and coastal locations may be required.

#LI-BJ1


Job Description Disclaimer

Note: While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary at any time with or without notice.

Bowman is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. If you’d like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here.

Bowman has an obligation to provide and maintain a safe, healthy, and productive environment for its employees and clients. We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

If you have any questions about the application process, please email recruiting@bowman.com.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, Marine, or Ocean Engineering (ABET-accredited preferred).
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in waterfront or marine engineering projects, with at least 5 years of dive experience.
  • Valid driver’s license, with proficiency operating heavy trucks and trailer-deployed vessels.
  • Commercial Diving Certification (ADCI or equivalent) required.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
  • Proficiency with operating a boat and dive equipment, sonar systems, underwater surveying tools, and material testing/sampling tools.
  • Familiarity with ROV/AUV, side scan sonar, LIDAR systems preferred.
  • Familiarity with ASCE 130 MOP preferred.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME