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Commercial Scuba Diving Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Diver (12D)

Allentown, PA ยท On-site

$23K - $97K/yr

You'll also assist with underwater construction and specialize in either scuba diving or deep-sea diving. You'll support special warfare and explosive ordnance disposal troops while using diving gear.

Safety Services Specialist

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Trainer of scuba diving or related first aid provider programs. * Field experience in first aid * Experience in the operation of medical, recompression and/or commercial diving hyperbaric facilities

Trainer of scuba diving or related first aid provider programs. * Field experience in first aid * Experience in the operation of medical, recompression and/or commercial diving hyperbaric facilities

Requires a minimum of three (3) years' of experience in SCUBA diving operations and must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of OSHA standards (CFR Title 29, part 1910, subpart T, Commercial Diving ...

Ordinary Seaman/ Diver

Panama City, FL ยท On-site

$122.54/hr

Requires a minimum of three (3) years' of experience in SCUBA diving operations and must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of OSHA standards (CFR Title 29, part 1910, subpart T, Commercial Diving ...

Safety Services Specialist

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Trainer of scuba diving or related first aid provider programs. * Field experience in first aid * Experience in the operation of medical, recompression and/or commercial diving hyperbaric facilities

$34.65 - $38.85/hr

This role includes navigating and managing vessels for activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving ... Experience operating commercial vessels, preferably catamarans. * Excellent leadership and ...

Diving Operations: Operate as a member of a commercial dive team using Surface Supplied Air (SSA) and SCUBA systems. Ensure all diving operations adhere to project-specific safety protocols and ...

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Commercial Scuba Diving information

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$23

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How much do commercial scuba diving jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for commercial scuba diving in the United States is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is commercial scuba diving?

Commercial scuba diving refers to underwater work performed by professional divers for industrial purposes, such as construction, inspection, maintenance, and repair of structures like oil rigs, ships, bridges, and pipelines. Unlike recreational diving, commercial divers use specialized equipment and follow strict safety protocols. The job often involves physically demanding tasks in challenging environments and may require additional certifications depending on the type of work and location.

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

To thrive as a Commercial Scuba Diver, you need formal commercial diving certification, strong swimming ability, and a solid understanding of underwater construction or maintenance techniques. Familiarity with specialized equipment like surface-supplied air systems, underwater cutting tools, and adherence to safety protocols is crucial. Exceptional teamwork, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail help divers navigate challenging underwater environments and communicate effectively with surface teams. These competencies are essential to ensure safety, complete complex underwater tasks efficiently, and meet industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by commercial scuba divers on the job?

Commercial scuba divers often work in physically demanding and potentially hazardous environments, such as underwater construction sites, oil rigs, or shipwrecks. Challenges include working in low visibility, dealing with strong currents, and managing the risks of decompression sickness or equipment failure. Divers must also carefully coordinate with topside teams and follow strict safety protocols. Adapting to changing weather conditions and extended time away from home are also common aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Commercial Scuba Diving vs Underwater Welder?

AspectCommercial Scuba DivingUnderwater Welder
CertificationsPADI, NAUI, or equivalent diving certificationsCommercial diving certifications, welding certifications, and specialized training
Work EnvironmentUnderwater construction, inspection, salvage, and maintenanceWelding and repair of underwater structures, pipelines, and ships
Industry UsageConstruction, oil & gas, marine researchOil & gas, shipbuilding, infrastructure repair

Commercial scuba divers primarily perform underwater tasks such as inspection, maintenance, and construction using diving certifications. Underwater welders combine diving skills with welding expertise to repair and construct underwater structures. While both roles involve diving, underwater welders require additional welding certifications and focus more on welding tasks, often working in specialized industrial environments.

Are commercial scuba divers in demand?

Commercial scuba divers are in steady demand for tasks such as underwater construction, inspection, maintenance, and salvage projects. Employment opportunities depend on industry needs, certifications, and experience, with jobs often available through specialized companies and government agencies.

What commercial scuba diving jobs pay the most?

Commercial scuba diving jobs that typically pay the most include underwater welding, salvage diving, and deep-sea construction, often requiring specialized certifications and skills. These roles involve challenging environments and higher risk, which contribute to higher compensation compared to other diving jobs.
More about Commercial Scuba Diving jobs

What cities are hiring for Commercial Scuba Diving jobs?

Cities with the most Commercial Scuba Diving job openings:

What states have the most Commercial Scuba Diving jobs?

States with the most job openings for Commercial Scuba Diving jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Commercial Scuba Diving jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Commercial Scuba Diving jobs are:

Infographic showing various Commercial Scuba Diving job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,577 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

USCG Captain - Dive / Snorkel / Whale Watch

Dive Kauai Scuba Center Inc

Koloa, HI โ€ข On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Safely operate U.S. Coast Guard-inspected commercial vessels and ensure compliance with all safety standards.

  • Lead snorkeling, whale watching, and sightseeing tours while providing engaging narration and safety briefings.

  • Assist with launching, retrieving, fueling, cleaning, and maintaining vessels, trailers, and company vehicles.


Job description

Dive Kauai Scuba Center | Koloa, Kauai

Do you love being on the water? Enjoy sharing Hawaii with visitors from around the world?

Dive Kauai Scuba Center has been creating unforgettable ocean adventures for more than 24 years. We're looking for experienced, safety-minded captains who are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences while operating our snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, and sightseeing tours.

This is much more than operating a boat. Our captains are professional mariners, hospitality professionals, safety leaders, tour guides, and ambassadors for the island of Kauai. Captains are also responsible for the daily transportation, launching, retrieval, and care of company vessels using trucks and trailers, ensuring every tour begins and ends safely and efficiently.

If you enjoy working outdoors, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and love creating memorable experiences for guests, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do
  • Safely operate U.S. Coast Guardinspected commercial vessels.
  • Deliver engaging narration, island history, marine life education, and safety briefings.
  • Provide exceptional customer service before, during, and after every tour.
  • Assist guests boarding and exiting the vessel.
  • Assist scuba staff with loading, unloading, and handling scuba equipment.
  • Lead snorkeling, whale watching, and sightseeing experiences.
  • Safely launch and retrieve company vessels each day.
  • Drive company trucks while towing boat trailers to and from the harbor.
  • Confidently back trailers down boat ramps and safely retrieve vessels at the end of the day.
  • Perform daily inspections of vessels, trailers, and company vehicles while reporting maintenance concerns.
  • Fuel, clean, stock, and prepare vessels for daily operations.
  • Work closely with captains, instructors, divemasters, and office staff to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
  • Maintain all U.S. Coast Guard, company, and safety standards.
  • Minimum Qualifications

    Applicants must:
  • Hold a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
  • FullTime Applicants: Minimum Master 25 GRT credential.
  • PartTime Applicants: Minimum OUPV ("6Pack") credential.
  • Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • Pass preemployment and random drug testing.
  • Hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Be comfortable driving fullsize pickup trucks while towing boat trailers.
  • Be able to safely launch and retrieve boats using company trucks and trailers.
  • Have or be able to obtain an FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit before your first day of work.
  • Be available to work weekends, holidays, and peak tourism seasons.
  • Be physically able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Be capable of operating two to three tours per day as business demands.
  • Scuba certification is not required, but an interest in learning about scuba diving is a plus.
  • Preferred Qualifications
  • Two or more years of commercial captain experience on Kauai.
  • Current CPR/First Aid certification.
  • Experience towing and launching trailered vessels.
  • Knowledge of Kauai's coastline, marine life, weather patterns, and local history.
  • Experience working in hospitality, tourism, or adventure recreation.
  • Strong public speaking and guest engagement skills.
  • Compensation & Benefits
  • Starting at $30/hour, with higher starting pay based on experience.
  • Generous gratuities.
  • Health insurance (eligible employees).
  • Employee activity benefits.
  • Consistent 4day workweek / 3 days off.
  • Monthly schedules published in advance.
  • Yearround employment.
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement.
  • Work with one of Kauai's premier ocean adventure companies.
  • Availability Requirements

    We operate year-round and are busiest during holidays and peak tourism seasons.

    Applicants must be available to work:
  • Weekends and holidays.
  • June through September.
  • December 15 through January 15.
  • These are blackout periods, and time-off requests during these dates generally cannot be accommodated.

    Why Join Dive Kauai?

    Every day is different. One day you may be leading guests along Kauai's breathtaking coastline in search of dolphins, whales, or sea turtles. The next, you'll be transporting divers to world-class dive sites while sharing the stories, history, and beauty that make Kauai unforgettable.

    We're looking for dependable, positive professionals who take pride in safety, teamwork, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. If you're ready to build a career—not just another captain job—we'd love to hear from you.