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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 ...

... diving or underwater operations are to be undertaken. Make available a copy of the Safe Practices/Operations Manual to the Person in Charge of the vessel or facility, with written modifications ...

Conduct underwater inspections, cutting, welding, fitting steel, concrete work, and installation tasks. * Set up, test, maintain, and operate diving equipment, tools, and support systems. * Conduct ...

Commercial Diver

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Conduct underwater inspections, cutting, welding, fitting steel, concrete work, and installation tasks. * Set up, test, maintain, and operate diving equipment, tools, and support systems. * Conduct ...

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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 Aug 7, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commercial diver?

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.

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.

How much do diving underwater get paid?

Diving underwater professionals, such as commercial divers, typically earn between $40,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Entry-level divers may start at lower wages, while experienced divers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in hazardous or remote environments.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $56,841 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


United States Coast Guard rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

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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

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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