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Master Diver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... salvage master regarding detailed work scope, job schedule, progress of daily operations, scope changes and safety concerns; able to brief and debrief Divers regarding each dive. * Ultimately ...

Dive Supervisor

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$25 - $48/hr

... salvage master regarding detailed work scope, job schedule, progress of daily operations, scope changes and safety concerns; able to brief and debrief Divers regarding each dive. * Ultimately ...

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Master Diver information

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$9

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How much do master diver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for master diver in the United States is $30.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $38.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a master diver?

A Master Diver is an experienced and highly trained scuba diver who has achieved advanced certifications, typically by completing a series of rigorous courses and logged dives. In recreational diving, a Master Scuba Diver is recognized for having extensive dive knowledge and skills, though they are not a professional instructor. In the military or commercial context, a Master Diver holds a supervisory role, overseeing diving operations, safety, and training. Requirements and responsibilities can vary depending on the certifying organization or employer. Becoming a Master Diver demonstrates a high level of commitment and expertise in diving.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a master diver?

To thrive as a Master Diver, you need advanced scuba diving expertise, thorough knowledge of dive theory, and recognized certification such as PADI Master Scuba Diver or equivalent. Familiarity with dive computers, underwater navigation tools, and emergency equipment is typically required. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills set standout Master Divers apart, especially when supervising or instructing others. These skills are crucial to ensure safety, effective dive planning, and successful group management in challenging underwater environments.

What are some common challenges master divers face when leading dive teams on complex underwater projects?

Master Divers often encounter challenges such as coordinating safety protocols for diverse teams, adapting to unpredictable underwater conditions, and managing specialized equipment. They must ensure all team members are properly briefed and trained for each task, especially during technical or commercial dives. Effective communication and quick problem-solving are essential, as unexpected changes in weather, visibility, or equipment functionality can arise. Master Divers also play a key role in mentoring less experienced divers and maintaining high standards for operational safety and efficiency.

What is the difference between Master Diver vs Commercial Diver?

CriteriaMaster DiverCommercial Diver
Required CertificationsAdvanced diving certifications, including Master Diver certificationCommercial diving certifications, such as ADCI or IMCA certifications
Work EnvironmentRecreational, scientific, or training settings; often in controlled environmentsIndustrial settings, underwater construction, oil and gas, salvage
Employer & Industry UsageFrequent in diving schools, research institutions, recreational diving companiesPrimarily in construction, oil & gas, shipping, and underwater repair industries

The main difference between a Master Diver and a Commercial Diver lies in their certifications and work environments. Master Divers typically hold advanced recreational or scientific diving certifications and work in controlled or training settings. Commercial Divers, on the other hand, are certified for industrial underwater work and operate in high-risk environments like construction and oil rigs. Both roles require specialized training, but their job scopes and industries differ significantly.

How much do master divers make?

Master divers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry sector such as commercial diving, research, or military. Advanced certifications and specialized skills can lead to higher pay, especially for offshore or technical diving roles.

What jobs can you get as a master diver?

A master diver can work in roles such as commercial diver, underwater technician, marine researcher, or dive instructor. These positions often require advanced diving certifications, knowledge of diving equipment, and the ability to work in challenging underwater environments.

What cities are hiring for Master Diver jobs?

Cities with the most Master Diver job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Master Diver jobs?

The most popular types of Master Diver jobs are:

What states have the most Master Diver jobs?

States with the most job openings for Master Diver jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Master Diver jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Master Diver jobs are:

Infographic showing various Master Diver job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,173 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Technician II Diver

NV5

South Lake Tahoe, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


NV5 rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Marine Taxonomic Services, Ltd. (MTS) is an environmental consulting firm committed to providing innovative solutions for the management and protection of natural resources. Founded in 1980 and incorporated in 1993, MTS has offices in San Diego, CA; Corvallis, OR; and South Lake Tahoe, CA. We have curated a team of curious, self-motivated, and committed individuals who seek to make an impact on our immediate communities as well as contribute to the health of the planet.

Our Mission

To embody a purposeful, values-centered company whose success is built on

  • the success of its employees
  • the ability to make an impact in the communities we serve
  • and the goal to leave a legacy of improving the world we live in so future generations can live healthier, happier lives

Our People

We work hard.

We play hard.

We strive for the highest level of performance.

We learn through adversity.

We acknowledge excellence.

We are human.

Viable candidates will have all their own dive gear (BCD; regulator, secondary regulator, depth gauge, and pressure gauge; dive fins; mask; 7mm wetsuit/drysuit; 5mm hood; 5mm booties; 3mm gloves, and dive weights); experience working as a diver in altitude and cold water; and be available in San Diego, CA and/or South Lake Tahoe, CA.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • The successful Technician II Diver will understand how to implement field and lab tasks with minimal supervision, ensuring that timelines and budgets are met in the most efficient way possible.
  • Diving and topside support for various projects throughout San Diego and South Lake Tahoe, including working in poor visibility.
  • Organization, loading and unloading of equipment and supplies necessary for field work projects.
  • All responsibilities done in partnership with, and under the direction of, a Project Manager
  • Lab work on benthic infauna samples (sorting and identification, QA/QC tasks, data entry, maintenance of chain of custody for received samples, laboratory equipment inventory)
  • Understands how to implement field work tasks performing marine biological assessments, including ability to drive a boat and trailer on field work assignments, and the ability to pull together all equipment needs, all with minimal supervision
  • Clean and maintain equipment such that projects can be mobilized efficiently and carried out safely
  • Responsible for accurate and thorough data management, data analysis and/or minor report generation with Project Management oversight
  • Responsible for meeting deadlines in an efficient manner
  • Takes initiative to find the most effective processes to accomplish tasks
  • Other duties in support of projects, as assigned
Qualifications

Professional Requirements and Certifications

REQUIRED

  • Open Water Diver certification
  • DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage
  • Ability to perform heavy lifting (50+ pounds)
  • Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, work in cold water conditions, and work extended hours. This is a physically demanding and mentally taxing project in the outdoors. Field work can, at times, be tedious.
  • Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.

PREFERRED

  • Advanced SCUBA certifications: Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Scientific Diver, Altitude Diver, Drysuit Diver, Divemaster
  • CPR/First Aid, Emergency Medical Responder, or Wilderness First Responder certification
  • Motorized boating experience and/or boater's safety course
  • Use of remote mapping software
  • Boat, dive gear, and small engine maintenance
  • Familiarity with aquatic invasive plant control efforts in Southern California and the Lake Tahoe Basin.
  • Experience with California marine species
  • Caulerpa prolifera certified
  • Minimum of Bachelor's Degree or 5+ work experience in related field
  • 2+ years SCUBA diving experience

The pay range for this California position is $25 per hour; however, base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience of the candidate. Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per California Senate Bill 1162. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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Employment Type: OTHER

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About NV5

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NV5 is a renowned company based in Los Angeles, CA, US, that operates in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry. Officially established in 2009, this company provides technical engineering and consulting solutions that cater to public and private sectors globally. The firm is adept in a wide range of services, including infrastructure, energy, construction, program management, and environmental services. As part of its mission, NV5 seeks to deliver solutions that enhance communities and safeguard the environment meticulously.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US