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Diving Underwater Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skills You'll Learn Diving Underwater construction Search and salvage Training You'll Get * Unlike most ratings, you cannot apply to become a DV until you have advanced to E-4 in another rating. DVs ...

Perform routine maintenance of dive equipment. * Assist diving supervisors with preparation and planning of underwater assessments and training. * Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making ...

Perform routine maintenance of dive equipment. * Assist diving supervisors with preparation and planning of underwater assessments and training. * Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making ...

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Diving Underwater information

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$11K

$56.8K

$144K

How much do diving underwater jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for diving underwater in the United States is $56,841.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25,000.00 and $46,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professional divers during underwater assignments?

Professional divers often encounter challenges such as limited visibility, strong currents, and varying water temperatures, which require adaptability and strict adherence to safety protocols. Working in confined or hazardous environments, such as shipwrecks or industrial sites, can add complexity and risk to the job. Effective teamwork and clear underwater communication are essential, as divers frequently coordinate with topside crews and fellow divers to ensure successful project completion and personal safety.

What jobs can you do with diving?

Diving offers various job opportunities such as commercial diver, underwater welder, scientific diver, marine archaeologist, and underwater photographer. These roles often require specialized certifications, physical fitness, and knowledge of diving equipment and safety protocols.

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, and specialized training, often supported by certification from an accredited commercial diving school. Proficiency with diving equipment, underwater tools, and safety systems is critical, as is familiarity with regulations such as OSHA or IMCA standards. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safety, effective underwater work, and successful completion of complex tasks in challenging environments.

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

Saturation divers, who perform deep underwater work in pressurized environments, can potentially earn over $300,000 annually with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications. High earnings are often associated with offshore projects, hazardous conditions, and long-term assignments, but such salaries are not typical for all saturation divers and depend on factors like location and employer.

What is the difference between Diving Underwater vs Commercial Diver?

AspectDiving UnderwaterCommercial Diver
CertificationsOpen Water, Advanced Open Water, Specialty certificationsCommercial diving certifications, IMCA or ADC certifications
Work EnvironmentRecreational, research, underwater filmingIndustrial, construction, underwater welding
Employer & IndustryTourism, research institutions, mediaConstruction companies, oil & gas, maritime industries

While both roles involve underwater activities, Diving Underwater typically refers to recreational or research diving, focusing on exploration or filming. Commercial Diver, on the other hand, involves industrial tasks like underwater welding, construction, and maintenance, requiring specialized certifications and working in industrial environments.

What are diving underwater jobs?

Diving underwater jobs involve working beneath the surface of water, usually in oceans, lakes, or rivers, to perform a variety of tasks. These jobs can include commercial diving, scientific research, underwater welding, photography, construction, or search and rescue operations. Professionals in these roles use specialized equipment such as scuba gear or surface-supplied air systems and must be trained in safety procedures to handle underwater challenges. Diving jobs require physical fitness, technical skills, and certifications, depending on the specific field and depth of work involved.

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 pay six-figure salaries due to the specialized skills, certifications, and hazardous environments involved. These positions typically require advanced training, certifications like the Commercial Diving Certification, and work in industries such as oil and gas, renewable energy, or underwater construction.

Can thyroid patients do scuba diving?

Thyroid patients can generally participate in scuba diving if their condition is well-managed and stable, but they should consult with their healthcare provider before diving. Certain conditions like uncontrolled hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may pose risks, and a medical evaluation is recommended to ensure safety. Certification and proper training are also important for safe diving practices.
More about Diving Underwater jobs
What cities are hiring for Diving Underwater jobs? Cities with the most Diving Underwater job openings:
What states have the most Diving Underwater jobs? States with the most job openings for Diving Underwater jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Diving Underwater jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Diving Underwater jobs are:
Infographic showing various Diving Underwater job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,841 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Diver

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


United States Coast Guard rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Are You...
  • Physically and mentally fit?
  • Extremely comfortable in the water?
  • A detail-oriented person?
  • A team player?

Skills You'll Learn
Diving
Underwater construction
Search and salvage
Training You'll Get
  • Unlike most ratings, you cannot apply to become a DV until you have advanced to E-4 in another rating. DVs receive a 21-week rating course at the Navy Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, FL, with instruction in air and mixed gas diving using SCUBA and hard hat; underwater cutting and welding; recompression chamber operations; underwater hydraulic tools; ship maintenance, repair, and salvage; lift bag operations; etc.
  • Advanced training in cold water ice diving, along with instructor development training, EMT training, a first class diver supervisory course, side scan and remote-operated vehicle course, and various dive gear maintenance courses.
  • Both full-time and part-time Coast Guard-funded educational opportunities that lead to credentials, certifications, and licenses are available. Opportunities leading to an associate degree, bachelor's degree, or higher may also be available.

Related Civilian Jobs
  • Commercial Diver
  • Marine Engineer
  • Hyperbaric Technician
  • EMT/Paramedic
  • Diving Instructor

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About United States Coast Guard

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the United States Armed Forces situated in Washington, DC, US. As part of its key mission, it is responsible for ensuring maritime safety, security, and stewardship. Founded on August 4, 1790, it is one of the country's oldest organizations in continuous service. The USCG offers a service portfolio that includes maritime law enforcement, mariner assistance, maritime environmental protection, and defense readiness. The USCG's core values include Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. The mission statement of the USCG is to protect the maritime interests of the United States and ensure the nation's maritime economy.

Industry

National security and international affairs

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US