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Professional Diving Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Gwynn, VA · On-site

... diving equipment while managing records and readiness. What to Expect Highly physical, safety ... professional degree for officer positions * Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in ...

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Herndon, VA · On-site

... diving equipment while managing records and readiness. What to Expect Highly physical, safety ... professional degree for officer positions * Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in ...

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Waverly, VA · On-site

... diving equipment while managing records and readiness. What to Expect Highly physical, safety ... professional degree for officer positions * Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in ...

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Mineral, VA · On-site

... diving equipment while managing records and readiness. What to Expect Highly physical, safety ... professional degree for officer positions * Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in ...

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Fairfax, VA · On-site

... diving equipment while managing records and readiness. What to Expect Highly physical, safety ... professional degree for officer positions * Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in ...

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Accomac, VA · On-site

... diving equipment while managing records and readiness. What to Expect Highly physical, safety ... professional degree for officer positions * Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in ...

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All JobsProfessional Diving JobsProfessional Diving Jobs in Virginia

Professional Diving information

See Virginia salary details

$10.9K

$56.4K

$142.8K

How much do professional diving jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional diving in Virginia is $56,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,800.00 and $45,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 jobs can you get with professional diving?

Professional divers can work in roles such as commercial diver, underwater welder, marine archaeologist, scientific researcher, underwater photographer, and salvage operator. These jobs often require specialized certifications, knowledge of diving equipment, and the ability to work in challenging underwater environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Diving jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Diving jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Professional Diving jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Professional Diving job openings:

Professional Diving jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Diving job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,353 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Welder/Diver

Phoenix International Holdings Inc

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform surface and hyperbaric welding tasks as assigned by the Diving Supervisor.

  • Maintain proficiency in welding, NDT procedures, and ensure all equipment and qualifications are up to date.

  • Follow safety protocols, report equipment malfunctions, medical issues, and assist in training new personnel.

Job description

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:  

The Welder/Diver is a diving specialist who is required to maintain proficiency in surface and hyperbaric (wet and dry chamber) welding as well as the skills required by all divers.  The position may require worldwide travel on an emergency call out basis.  The Welder/Diver will be expected to work in the facility (8 hours), possibly on board ships at sea and possibly on remote job sites, (12 hours).  This position reports to the Diving Supervisor.

CLASSIFICATION:   Non-Exempt (hourly)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Accomplish all tasks assigned by the Diving Supervisor.  If assigned a task for which they do not consider them self qualified by either training or experience, they shall immediately inform the Diving Supervisor.
  • Read, understand, and comply with all of Phoenix policies and with applicable government regulations as they relate to their qualifications or performance while engaging in diving operations.
  • Maintain proficiency in welding and NDT procedures as directed by the Diving Supervisor.  Perform all welding and NDT per applicable government and commercial requirements.
  • Maintain all government and commercial weld qualifications in accordance with Phoenix, welding and qualification procedures, training, qualification maintenance, and related program data.
  • Comply with regulations or instructions concerning the use, maintenance, repair, and testing of all diving equipment provided for the operation.
  • Report to the Diving Supervisor any recent medical treatment or illness so that a proper determination can be made concerning their fitness to dive.
  • Immediately report all symptoms or suspected symptoms as early and accurately as possible.
  • Report to the Diving Supervisor any defect or malfunction of the diving equipment provided for the diving operation.
  • Follow safe diving practice at all times during the diving operation whether on deck or in the water.  Bring to the attention of the Diving Supervisor any questionable items.  Be alert for the safety of others.
  • Assist in the training of new personnel or tenders.
  • Remain awake and in the vicinity of the decompression chamber for at least one hour following treatment or a hyperbaric exposure outside the no decompression limits.
  • Know and observe the rules for flying after diving or traveling to altitudes higher than the dive site.
  • Ensure their diving equipment has been correctly maintained, prepared, and tested before each dive.  This requirement should never be delegated to others.
  • Maintain a diver's logbook, which details all dives, medical examinations, courses taken, and personal equipment maintenance.
  • Ensure their medical certificates are up to date and recorded in their logbook.
  • Present their logbook to the Diving Supervisor on every job.
  • Maintain current certification in first aid and CPR.
  • Complete administrative office duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  • 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 industry as having acceptable wet-welding capability.
  • Must be a certified welder whose qualifications are current in accordance with the American Welding Society (AWS) specification D3.6, class A (dry weld) and class B (wet weld).
  • Significant physical effort required.  Significant exposure to physical risk.
  • Ability to pass annual diving physical.
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance.
  • Able and willing, to travel worldwide, on short notice for indefinite periods of time.

Ability to pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and physical, as required. 

Phoenix International Holdings, Inc, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status