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Professional Diving Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ACRT

Dive Superintendent

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Opportunity for continued education and certification in the professional diving field. We are seeking individuals who are: * Passionate about protecting aquatic and marine resources. * Comfortable ...

ACRT

Dive Superintendent

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Opportunity for continued education and certification in the professional diving field. We are seeking individuals who are: * Passionate about protecting aquatic and marine resources. * Comfortable ...

Phoenix International Holdings Inc

Welder/Diver

Aiea, HI · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Graduate of a professional diving school. * Minimum five years actual underwater-welding experience that can be substantiated by a letter of qualification from a diving company recognized by the ...

DAN

Research Assistant-Diving Science

Durham, NC · On-site

Successful SkillBridge applicants will have the opportunity to learn, develop, and enhance professional skills that can lead directly to career advancements in the field of diving research and job ...

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Professional Diving information

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$11K

$56.8K

$144K

How much do professional diving jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional diving 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.

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

Saturation divers with extensive experience and specialized skills can potentially earn over $300,000 annually, especially when working on high-risk, deep-sea projects or in remote locations. However, such earnings are typically associated with top-tier professionals in the industry and depend on factors like certifications, employer, and project scope.

How do I become a professional diver?

To become a professional diver, you need to complete open water and advanced diving certifications from recognized agencies such as PADI or NAUI, gain experience through dives, and often obtain specialized training like commercial diving or underwater welding. Physical fitness, good health, and sometimes a background in related fields are also important for employment in this profession.

What is the highest paying diving job?

The highest paying diving jobs are often specialized roles such as commercial divers, underwater welders, or saturation divers, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and work in challenging environments like deep-sea or offshore projects.

How much money do commercial divers make?

Commercial divers typically earn between $40,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the projects. Experienced divers working in specialized environments or on hazardous tasks can earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime and hazard pay.

What is the difference between Professional Diving vs Commercial Diving?

AspectProfessional DivingCommercial Diving
CertificationsOpen Water, Advanced, Rescue Diver certifications, plus specialized trainingCommercial diving certifications like ADC, IMCA, or equivalent
Work EnvironmentUnderwater sports, research, film, and recreational activitiesUnderwater construction, inspection, welding, and salvage
Industry UsageUsed in entertainment, research, and recreational sectorsPrimarily in construction, oil & gas, and industrial sectors

Professional Diving typically involves recreational, research, or entertainment activities requiring specialized certifications and a focus on safety. Commercial Diving is more industrial, involving underwater construction and maintenance, with certifications aligned to industrial standards. While both roles require diving skills, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Professional Diver, you need strong swimming ability, physical fitness, diving certifications (such as PADI or commercial diver qualifications), and knowledge of underwater safety protocols. Familiarity with specialized equipment like scuba gear, underwater communication systems, and sometimes remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safety, effective underwater operations, and successful completion of complex tasks in challenging environments.

What is professional diving?

Professional diving refers to diving performed as part of one’s occupation rather than for recreation. This includes commercial divers who work on underwater construction, inspection, maintenance, and repairs, as well as scientific, public safety, and military divers. Professional divers undergo specialized training to handle the technical, safety, and environmental challenges associated with working underwater. They use specialized equipment and must adhere to strict safety regulations to minimize risks.

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

Professional divers often encounter challenges such as limited visibility, strong currents, and the need to manage air supply efficiently. Maintaining clear communication with the surface team through underwater radios or signals is crucial, as is adhering strictly to safety protocols to prevent decompression sickness and other hazards. Additionally, working for extended periods underwater requires strong physical fitness and the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues on the spot.
More about Professional Diving jobs
What cities are hiring for Professional Diving jobs? Cities with the most Professional Diving job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Diving jobs? The most popular types of Diving jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Diving jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Diving jobs include:
Professional Diving jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Diving job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,841 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Dive Instructor / Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Dive Instructor / Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Tactical Revolution LLC

Hurlburt Field, FL • On-site

Contractor

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Contract, Temporary
Description
Tactical Revolution, LLC provides specialized training and operational support to the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies. We are seeking an experienced Dive Instructor to support military dive training programs at Hurlburt Field, Florida.
The ideal candidate is an experienced diving professional with a strong instructional background, extensive operational knowledge, and the ability to develop and deliver high-quality training for military personnel.
The Dive Instructor serves as the technical authority for dive operations and instruction, providing classroom, pool, and open-water training while advising government personnel on diving procedures, safety, and best practices. This position requires exceptional technical knowledge, leadership, and the ability to train adult learners in a military environment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for military diving operations and training
  • Develop, review, and update lesson plans, course materials, practical exercises, and training documentation
  • Conduct classroom, confined-water, and open-water instruction
  • Teach dive planning, underwater navigation, search techniques, emergency procedures, and equipment operation
  • Evaluate student performance and provide coaching, mentorship, and remediation
  • Ensure all diving activities comply with military regulations, OSHA standards, and industry best practices
  • Conduct risk assessments and enforce operational safety procedures
  • Inspect, maintain, and ensure serviceability of diving equipment and life-support systems
  • Coordinate training activities with government representatives and program leadership
  • Prepare training records, evaluations, reports, and after-action reviews
  • Support curriculum development and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Provide technical recommendations regarding diving equipment, procedures, and operational readiness

Required Qualifications:
  • Current professional Dive Instructor certification (PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI/TDI, or equivalent)
  • Minimum of 5 years of professional diving experience
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience delivering formal dive instruction
  • Demonstrated experience developing or delivering technical training programs
  • Strong knowledge of dive physics, physiology, decompression theory, dive medicine, and emergency response
  • Current CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Provider certifications
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to instruct, mentor, and evaluate adult learners
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
  • Ability to obtain and maintain access to U.S. military installations

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Former U.S. Military Diver or Combat Diver
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense or federal government training programs
  • Commercial Diving Certification
  • Dive Medical Technician (DMT) certification
  • Experience with tactical diving, underwater search and recovery, maritime special operations, or expeditionary diving
  • Current or previous U.S. Government security clearance
  • Experience writing curriculum, lesson plans, technical manuals, or standard operating procedures

Tactical Revolution, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Requirements
  • Ability to safely perform prolonged diving operations in various environmental conditions
  • Ability to lift, carry, and transport diving equipment weighing up to 75 pounds
  • Ability to swim extended distances and demonstrate advanced water survival skills
  • Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Must meet all medical requirements for professional diving activities

Apply