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Diver Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Diver information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11.5K

$59.3K

$150.2K

How much do diver jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for diver in Riverside, CA is $59,300.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26,100.00 and $48,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a diver?

Divers are professionals trained to work underwater using specialized equipment such as scuba gear or surface-supplied diving apparatus. They perform various tasks, including underwater inspections, repairs, construction, scientific research, and search and rescue operations. Divers must be skilled in navigating underwater environments and adhering to safety protocols to minimize risks associated with their work. Training and certification are essential for most professional diving roles.

What does a diver do?

A Diver is a position in which you are tasked with performing manual labor underwater in diverse environments. Some of your responsibilities include retrieving valuables from shipwrecks, or inspecting, installing, or doing maintenance on drilling platforms or other undersea installations. Generally, you utilize SCUBA equipment to accomplish your duties. You could work in oceans, rivers, or lakes. Your employers could range from marine biologists and salvage operations to drilling rigs and government agencies, among others. If seeking employment as a HAZMAT Diver, you will receive comprehensive training to safely remove hazardous materials underwater. This might include sewage, radioactive materials, or even human corpses.

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

To thrive as a Diver, you need strong swimming abilities, physical fitness, and completion of professional diving certifications such as PADI or commercial diver training. Familiarity with diving equipment, underwater communication systems, and safety protocols is essential. Attention to detail, calmness under pressure, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability while working in challenging underwater environments.

What are common challenges professional divers face when working on underwater projects?

Professional divers often encounter challenges such as limited visibility, strong underwater currents, and the need to work with specialized equipment in confined spaces. Safety is always a top priority, as divers must vigilantly monitor their air supply and adhere to decompression protocols to prevent health risks. Additionally, divers frequently collaborate with surface teams for communication and logistical support, making teamwork and clear communication essential for successful underwater operations.

What is the difference between Diver vs Scuba Diver?

AspectDiverScuba Diver
CertificationsOpen Water Diver or equivalentOpen Water Diver certification
Work EnvironmentUnderwater exploration, commercial diving, researchRecreational diving, guided tours
Industry UsageCommercial, scientific, military, recreationalRecreational diving industry
Common Search IntentProfessional underwater workLeisure diving activities

The main difference between a Diver and a Scuba Diver is that a Diver often refers to professionals with advanced certifications and experience working in commercial, scientific, or industrial underwater environments. In contrast, a Scuba Diver typically refers to recreational divers with basic open water certifications engaging in leisure activities. While both involve underwater breathing apparatus, Diver roles usually require additional training and certifications, making them suitable for professional tasks, whereas Scuba Divers focus on recreational exploration.

How much do divers get paid?

Diver salaries vary based on experience, location, and specialization. Entry-level commercial divers typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, while experienced commercial divers can make over $100,000 per year. Factors such as certifications, working conditions, and the type of diving (e.g., scientific, recreational, or commercial) influence pay rates.

Is it hard to get a job as a diver?

Getting a job as a diver can be competitive and often requires specialized training, certifications such as PADI or NAUI, and relevant experience. Opportunities may be limited by industry demand, location, and the level of skill required, making persistence and proper qualifications important for success.

What jobs can you do as a diver?

As a diver, you can work in roles such as commercial diver, underwater welder, scientific researcher, marine archaeologist, or underwater photographer. These jobs often require specialized training, certifications, and the ability to work in challenging underwater environments.

What job categories do people searching Diver jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Diver jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Diver jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Diver job openings:

Infographic showing various Diver job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $59,300 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

US Navy

Silverado, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Title: Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver
Category / Component: Enlisted • Active
Overview
Join an elite community that operates in the air and under the sea as an enlisted aircrew member and Navy diver, performing helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier and expeditionary strike groups, mine countermeasures, special operations, and joint partners worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
Operate as enlisted aircrew during flight operations; perform helicopter sea rescues and provide advanced first aid; execute underwater search, salvage, harbor clearance, and security missions; inspect, cut, weld, and repair ships and submarines; conduct deep and saturation diving using SCUBA, surface supplied and mixed gas systems, and rebreathers; operate and supervise hyperbaric chamber treatments; plan and conduct demolition; maintain and repair specialized flight, survival, and diving equipment while managing records and readiness.
What to Expect
Highly physical, safety critical missions with rigorous performance standards; frequent operations in demanding environments such as heavy seas, cold and low visibility waters, flight lines, ship decks, and austere field sites; continuous training and qualification sustainment, with rapid shifts between precise technical tasks and field operations; small team culture that requires attention to detail, calm under pressure, and strong leadership potential.
Work Environment
Worldwide assignments at sea and ashore with aviation squadrons, fleet replacement units, and expeditionary detachments; work in flight operations areas, rescue training pools, ocean training sites, dive lockers, recompression chambers, shipyards, ranges, and forward locations; frequent work aboard carriers and auxiliaries, on piers and flight decks, and alongside joint and interagency partners.
Pathways, Training & Advancement
Recruit Training followed by Naval Aircrew Candidate School in Pensacola; Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in an assigned aircrew rating pipeline such as AWF, AWO, AWR, AWS, or AWV; Fleet Replacement Squadron training and survival, evasion, resistance, and escape instruction; ongoing qualification and advanced training in diving, rescue, and mission systems throughout the career.
Enlist under an advanced technical field or Warrior Challenge style contract that specifies the aircrew, rescue swimmer, or diver training pipeline; qualified Fleet Sailors may volunteer and request conversion into aircrew or diving roles after screening, physical testing, and command endorsement.
Qualifications
All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:

  • Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
  • A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor’s or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
  • Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
  • Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards
  • Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
  • Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
  • Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
  • Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include:
United States citizenship and eligibility for at least a Secret clearance; strong swimming ability, comfort in open water, and excellent overall physical condition; ability to pass an aviation flight physical for aircrew duties and a diving medical exam with Undersea or Diving Medical Officer approval; meeting Physical Fitness Assessment standards and passing the Physical Screening Test that includes timed swims, runs, and calisthenics; meeting age limits that are typically more restrictive than general enlistment standards.
Education
Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor’s status, training, and current Navy policy.
Pay, Benefits & Service
Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.
Incentives
Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.
Notes and Disclaimers
This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.


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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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