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Diving Construction Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... type of diving being performed • Current ADCI Compliant Dive Physical • Current First Aid, CPR, AED, Oxygen Administration Certifications • OSHA 10 Hour - Construction • Valid Driver ...

... type of diving being performed • Current ADCI Compliant Dive Physical • Current First Aid, CPR, AED, Oxygen Administration Certifications • OSHA 10 Hour - Construction • Valid Driver ...

Diving Construction information

See Michigan salary details

$30.9K

$72.3K

$117.7K

How much do diving construction jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for diving construction in Michigan is $72,344.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $86,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Diving Construction position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Diving Construction, you need strong underwater construction and welding skills, physical fitness, and a recognized commercial diving certification. Familiarity with scuba and surface-supplied diving equipment, underwater cutting and welding tools, and safety management systems like IMCA or ADCI guidelines is crucial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication under challenging conditions are important soft skills. These are vital to ensure safety, efficiency, and project quality in the demanding environments where diving construction takes place.

What is the highest paying diving job?

The highest paying diving jobs are often offshore commercial diving roles, such as underwater welders or inspection divers, which can earn six-figure salaries. These positions typically require advanced certifications, specialized skills, and work in challenging environments like oil rigs or underwater construction sites.

How to become a construction diver?

To become a construction diver, you typically need to have a commercial diving certification from an accredited program, which includes training in underwater welding, cutting, and safety procedures. Prior experience in construction or diving, good physical health, and the ability to work in challenging environments are also important. Many construction divers also obtain CPR and first aid certifications and gain experience through entry-level diving jobs before specializing in construction work.

What is a Diving Construction job?

A Diving Construction job involves underwater construction, inspection, maintenance, and repair of structures such as bridges, dams, pipelines, and oil rigs. Commercial divers use specialized equipment to work in challenging underwater environments, often in deep or hazardous conditions. They may weld, cut, pour concrete, or install components while ensuring safety and structural integrity. Strong diving skills, technical expertise, and physical endurance are essential for this demanding profession.

What are the typical working conditions and environments for Diving Construction professionals?

Diving Construction professionals often work in challenging environments such as offshore platforms, ports, bridges, or underwater pipelines, where tasks may involve variable visibility, cold temperatures, and strong currents. Most work is performed as part of a collaborative team, including surface support crews and project managers, with strict safety protocols in place. Shifts may be long and can require travel, sometimes including living on-site or offshore for extended periods. Flexibility and adaptability are important, as projects can be affected by weather conditions or emergency repairs, making the work both dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy hands-on, physical challenges in a team-oriented setting.

Can saturation divers earn over $300000 with years of experience?

Saturation divers can potentially earn over $300,000 annually with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying offshore environments. However, earnings vary based on factors such as location, project complexity, and certifications like commercial diving or saturation diving licenses.

How much do pipeline construction divers make?

Pipeline construction divers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification level. They often work in challenging environments and require specialized skills and safety training, such as commercial diving certifications.
What are popular job titles related to Diving Construction jobs in Michigan? For Diving Construction jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Diving Construction job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,344 per year, or $34.8 per hour.
Commercial Diver / Tender

Commercial Diver / Tender

Ballard Marine Construction

Lincoln Park, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

WHY JOIN BALLARD MARINE CONSTRUCTION?

Ballard Marine Construction is a specialty marine and underwater contractor based in Washougal, WA, with regional offices and projects throughout North America.

Why join Ballard? It’s simple. You get to work on amazing technical projects with likeminded team members. The Ballard culture is second to none, and because of that we are incredibly protective and particular on who we invite onto the team. We have a unique culture of true excellence; we hold each other accountable from our newest interns and engineers to our most senior leaders. You will always go to work knowing that everyone you are working with cares as much as you do and is working hard to reach common goals. You will get out of it what you put into it. Ballard is an amazing place to work and if what we’ve said resonates with you, you just might be right for us!

Job Summary:

The Commercial Diver / Tender’s prime responsibility is to support construction activities by performing work as directed by the Project Manager / Dive Supervisor. 

Ideal Candidate:

 

Core Attributes:

·        Grit and Resiliency - We dig deep to figure out how to make things happen no matter how impossible it seems. We never give up. We take on challenges that nobody else can or will.

·        Comradery and Inspirational - We are a hard-working team of likeminded individuals working toward a common goal. We regularly celebrate wins and like to have fun whether at work or at play. We come together each day looking for ways to instill life and energy into the world around us.

·        Driven and Competitive - We love competition. We love to win and love to learn when we lose. Not getting the job done is not an option. We are obsessed with doing our best and we do what it takes to win.

·        Trustworthy and Respectful - We are passionate about honesty, authenticity, and transparency. No lies. No drama. No politics. We value constructive conflict and ensure that even in conflict we treat others with respect.

·        Ownership and Accountability - When something goes wrong, we first “look in the mirror” before we “look out the window”. We ask, “what could I have done differently?” and then we share lessons learned. Regularly challenging ourselves and those around us to be better is a way of life. “Me first” belongs here.

Education:

·        Diploma from ADCE Compliant Commercial Dive School

·        Current ADCI Certification for the type of diving being performed

·        Current ADCI Compliant Dive Physical

·        Current First Aid, CPR, AED, Oxygen Administration Certifications

·        OSHA 10 Hour - Construction

·        Valid Driver’s License with current driving record free from serious or frequent violation

Experience:

·        1 + years’ experience working in commercial diving operations

·        Heavy equipment operation (if qualified)

Skills:

·        Ability to read and follow dive tables (air and nitrox), altitude tables, treatment tables, etc.

·        Ability to check and maintain diving equipment such as helmets, masks, air tanks, harness, and gauges.

·        Must have good hand-eye coordination.

·        Must be able to hear adequately enough to receive and understand instructions, be alerted by horns, sirens, shouting, or any other noise that is meant to convey a safety warning.

·        Ability to clearly communicate with workers on the surface while underwater and with divers while you are running a dive station.

·        Ability to cut and weld steel, using underwater welding / burning equipment, jigs, and supports.

·        Knowledge of materials, methods, and the appropriate tools to construct objects, structures, dams, etc.

·        Ability to work at heights of up to 50’ or more.

·        Ability to work in confined or enclosed spaces.

·        Climb ladders or steps to reach objects.

·        Ability to wear a hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, safety-toed boots, or other applicable PPE.

·        Lift arms above shoulder level (i.e., lifts items into a truck or overhead area).

·        Ability to walk moderate distances to reach work area (1/2 mile or more).

·        Ability to sit in the operator’s seat of equipment and reach all pedals, switches, levers, buttons, etc., required to safely operate the equipment.

·        Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation, which takes place mainly in an on-the-job training setting.

·        Ability to sit in the operator’s seat of equipment and have an adequate field of vision of all instruments, gauges, warning lights, as well as an acceptable field of vision out of the windows/mirrors.

·        Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

·        Must have common sense and be mentally stable and competent working in a fast-paced environment.

·        Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self and others.

·        Must be committed to contributing to a culture of safety, looking out for yourself and others.

·        Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials

·        Be a contributing member of crews who will complete daily Job Hazard Analysis of every task that you are involved in throughout the work shift.

·        Work with other divers, tenders, and Ballard personnel to plan for safe operations for commercial diving activities and other construction activities that occur throughout a project.

·        Ability to travel and work for many weeks at a time away from home.

·        Must have a positive attitude and willingness to learn, including good communication skills.

Responsibilities:

·        Equipment set-up and breakdown

·        Equipment load-out and maintenance

·        Jetting / Dredging

·        Dive tending

·        Rack box operation

·        In-water work assignments

·        Decompression chamber operations

·        Inspection with video documentation