1

Dive Tender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Geoduck Diver

Shelton, WA · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Dive Tenders assist the divers helping them suit up, by pulling up their sacks out of the water once full and taking care of the product the diver harvests. * Dive Tenders assist the Dive Persons in ...

Divers must provide their own approved dive hat and bailout system. Not available for Hawaii? We ... The Commercial Diver/Tender supports underwater and marine construction operations both in and out ...

Functions as a diver, dive tender, standby diver (TSBD), and designated person in charge (DPIC) during underwater activities carried out by Georgia Aquarium. * Follows dive safety guidelines ...

TENDER/DIVER

Galveston, TX · On-site

$22 - $31/hr

We have several openings for commercial divers/tenders with experience in the following areas ... Certification from an accredited commercial dive school (possess a valid commercial diver card ...

TENDER/DIVER

Galveston, TX · On-site

$22 - $31/hr

We have several openings for commercial divers/tenders with experience in the following areas ... Certification from an accredited commercial dive school (possess a valid commercial diver card ...

Education: • Diploma from ADCE Compliant Commercial Dive School • Current ADCI Certification ... tenders, and Ballard personnel to plan for safe operations for commercial diving activities and ...

Education: • Diploma from ADCE Compliant Commercial Dive School • Current ADCI Certification ... tenders, and Ballard personnel to plan for safe operations for commercial diving activities and ...

Education: • Diploma from ADCE Compliant Commercial Dive School • Current ADCI Certification ... tenders, and Ballard personnel to plan for safe operations for commercial diving activities and ...

Education: • Diploma from ADCE Compliant Commercial Dive School • Current ADCI Certification ... tenders, and Ballard personnel to plan for safe operations for commercial diving activities and ...

Education: • Diploma from ADCE Compliant Commercial Dive School • Current ADCI Certification ... tenders, and Ballard personnel to plan for safe operations for commercial diving activities and ...

Showing results 21-40

Dive Tender information

See salary details

$17

$31

$37

How much do dive tender jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for dive tender in the United States is $31.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $37.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dive tender?

Dive Tenders are professionals who assist commercial or scientific divers before, during, and after underwater operations. Their responsibilities include preparing and checking diving equipment, monitoring safety protocols, communicating with the diver, and providing surface support throughout the dive. Dive Tenders play a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of diving operations by maintaining constant communication and quickly responding to any emergencies that arise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dive tender?

To thrive as a Dive Tender, you need strong knowledge of diving operations, safety protocols, and typically a commercial diving certification or relevant training. Familiarity with dive equipment maintenance, communication systems, and emergency response procedures is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and clear communication skills help ensure diver safety and efficient coordination. These skills and qualities are critical for maintaining a safe environment and supporting successful underwater operations.

What are some common challenges dive tenders face during underwater operations, and how can they prepare for them?

Dive Tenders often encounter challenges such as maintaining clear communication with divers, managing dive schedules, and ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed. They must be prepared to respond quickly to emergencies and adapt to changing weather or water conditions. To succeed, Dive Tenders should be well-versed in dive equipment, stay current with safety certifications, and build strong teamwork skills to support both the divers and surface crew effectively.

What is the difference between Dive Tender vs Dive Instructor?

AspectDive TenderDive Instructor
CertificationsOpen Water Diver, Dive Tender CertificationOpen Water Diver, Dive Instructor Certification
Work EnvironmentAssist divers, handle equipment, support dive operationsLead dives, train students, ensure safety protocols
Employer & Industry UsageResorts, dive shops, cruise linesResorts, dive schools, training agencies

While both roles are essential in diving operations, a Dive Tender primarily supports divers and handles equipment, whereas a Dive Instructor leads training and ensures diver safety. The Dive Tender role is often a stepping stone for those pursuing a career in diving instruction.

How much do dive tenders make?

Dive tenders typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000. Compensation depends on experience, location, and the specific employer, and often includes certifications such as CPR and first aid.
More about Dive Tender jobs

What cities are hiring for Dive Tender jobs?

Cities with the most Dive Tender job openings:

What states have the most Dive Tender jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dive Tender jobs include:

Infographic showing various Dive Tender job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,145 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

$21 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Taylor Shellfish Farms rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Wage Range: $21.00-$27.75 Hourly+ Production Bonus

As a Geoduck Diver, you will be expected to dive harvest geoduck while maintaining a safe work environment at all times. In addition to dive harvesting, you will be responsible for geoduck beach harvest and geoduck farm maintenance as needed.  

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITES 

  • Harvest geoduck without breakage by diving and on the beach at low tide. This includes weekends and night shifts, depending on the tide schedule.  
  • Must be able to navigate a boat in all weather conditions. 
  • Check and maintains oil levels on the engine, air compressor and filtration system. 
  • Must maintain dive equipment and harvesting equipment daily. 
  • Divers must roll out their own hoses and use it to dig geoducks in the locations designated by the crew lead. 
  • Divers should ensure that geoducks stay in the water until loading them into the boat and that the geoducks are clean and free of sand. 
  • Divers need to be able to keep track of how much they have harvested. 
  • At the end of the days tide, the Diver must roll up their hose and keep it and the wand in an orderly fashion on the boat, clean their own suits, masks, and other equipment daily. 
  • Divers must take part in loading, unloading, and entering the day’s harvest into the computer. 
  • Dive Tenders assist the divers helping them suit up, by pulling up their sacks out of the water once full and taking care of the product the diver harvests. 
  • Dive Tenders assist the Dive Persons in Charge (DPIC) with Pre and Post Dive checklists. 
  • Divers and Tenders must pick up any garbage, maintain a positive work environment between the supervisor and the crew member and must inform the crew lead if any equipment is broken or damaged. 
  • Divers and Tenders may be required on occasion to participate in other geoduck positions such as planting tube install and tube pulling.  
  • Other duties, as assigned. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

  • Must have surface air certification and Geoduck Harvest dive experience. 
  • Must complete a dive physical or have had one completed within the past year.  
  • Employees in this position will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing, excluding marijuana. 
  • Must complete safety orientation prior to working on the beach. 
  • Must be physically able to lift and handle sixty pounds. 
  • Must be able to speak and understand English. 
  • Must wear proper safety gear when necessary. 
  • Must have the ability to swim. 
  • Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions and various times of day and night. 
  • A clean driving record in order to drive company vehiclesis preferred. 
  • Must maintain proper employee conduct including being aware and respectful of time of day, noise level and the homeowners that surround the beaches. 
  • Regular, reliable, predictable attendance 
  • Ability to sit, stand and/or walk on uneven ground up to 8hours per day. 
  • The employee will be required to stoop, bend, kneel, twist, and squat. 
  • The employee needs to be able to lift up to 60lbs. 
  • The vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. 
  • Must be able to speak and hear well enough to communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and managers. 
  • Must be able to use hands for repetitive simple grasping, pushing, and pulling. 

What Taylor Shellfish Farms employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom