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Professional Scuba Diving Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Certified scuba diver - a professional scuba diving rating is desired. * Hyperbaric facility safety officer, operator or technician * DAN First Aid Instructor or appropriate equivalent * Dive safety ...

Safety Services Specialist

Durham, NC · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Certified scuba diver - a professional scuba diving rating is desired. * Hyperbaric facility safety officer, operator or technician * DAN First Aid Instructor or appropriate equivalent * Dive safety ...

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Professional Scuba Diving information

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$11K

$56.8K

$144K

How much do professional scuba diving jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional scuba 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.

What is a professional scuba diver?

Professional scuba divers are individuals who are trained and certified to dive underwater for work-related purposes. They may perform a variety of tasks including underwater inspections, welding, photography, marine research, search and rescue, or guiding recreational divers. Unlike recreational divers, professionals often require advanced certifications and specialized training to safely operate in challenging conditions. Their work environments can range from tropical reefs to cold or deep waters, depending on the job requirements. Safety, technical skills, and strong physical fitness are essential qualities for professional scuba divers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a professional scuba diver?

To thrive as a Professional Scuba Diver, you need advanced diving skills, comprehensive safety knowledge, and certifications such as PADI Divemaster or Instructor level. Familiarity with dive computers, underwater communication devices, and specialized equipment maintenance is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication abilities help divers manage underwater challenges and interact effectively with clients or teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring safety, delivering high-quality service, and adapting to diverse underwater environments.

What challenges do professional scuba divers face while working underwater, and how are they managed?

Professional scuba divers often encounter challenges such as limited visibility, strong currents, and varying water temperatures, which can impact both safety and efficiency. To manage these conditions, divers rely on thorough pre-dive planning, proper equipment checks, and strong communication protocols with their surface support teams. Additionally, ongoing training in emergency procedures and situational awareness is crucial to adapt to unexpected circumstances while underwater.

What is the difference between Professional Scuba Diving vs Commercial Diver?

AspectProfessional Scuba DivingCommercial Diver
CertificationsPADI, NAUI, SSI certificationsIMCA, ADCI certifications
Work EnvironmentRecreational, research, underwater filmingIndustrial, construction, underwater welding
Industry UsageTourism, research, mediaOil & gas, infrastructure, salvage

Professional Scuba Diving typically involves recreational, research, or media work with certifications like PADI or NAUI. Commercial Diver work is more industrial, requiring specialized certifications like IMCA, and involves high-risk tasks such as underwater welding or construction. While both roles involve underwater work, their environments, certifications, and industries differ significantly.

Can professional scuba diving be a profession?

Yes, professional scuba diving is a recognized occupation that involves activities such as underwater inspection, research, photography, and commercial diving. It requires specialized training, certifications like PADI or NAUI, and adherence to safety standards, often working in environments like oceans, lakes, or industrial sites.

How much money do professional scuba divers make?

Professional scuba divers' earnings vary widely based on experience, specialization, location, and employment type. Entry-level divers may earn around $20,000 to $40,000 annually, while experienced commercial or technical divers can make over $100,000 per year, especially if working in specialized fields like underwater construction or film production. Certifications, skills, and the ability to work in challenging environments influence income levels.

What jobs can I do with professional scuba diving?

With professional scuba diving certification, you can work as a dive instructor, commercial diver, underwater photographer, marine researcher, or dive guide. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, and knowledge of safety procedures, and they typically involve working in aquatic environments for extended periods.
More about Professional Scuba Diving jobs

What cities are hiring for Professional Scuba Diving jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Scuba Diving job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Scuba Diving jobs?

The most popular types of Scuba Diving jobs are:

What states have the most Professional Scuba Diving jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Scuba Diving jobs include:

Infographic showing various Professional Scuba Diving job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,841 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Safety Services Specialist

Durham, NC • On-site, Remote

DAN
Construction • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

TITLE: Safety Services Specialist

FLSA: Exempt

Salary Range: 65,000-75,000

Department: Safety Services

Required Worksite: 6 West Colony Place, Durham, NC

Note:This position requires full-time, office based work and is not eligible for remote or hybrid arrangements.

Reports to: Vice President of Safety Services


Occupational Summary:

The department's objective is to increase safety in the diving industry through programs in risk mitigation, training, and education, and in providing technical support. This is a broad and varied goal and as such this advertised role is correspondingly broad.

It is intended to support current and future projects, and programs currently being developed, including the following expectations:

  • Ability to participate in strategic planning for new initiatives, requiring creative and innovative thinking.
  • Serve as expert in safety, first aid products, and training aids.
  • Provide support and outreach in education and safety development programs.
  • Participate in the development of new risk mitigation, education and recompression chamber training modules.
  • Manage a range of routine tasks, both existing as well as new programs as these are developed.
  • The position could be adapted to match the candidate's abilities and may include development in areas where a higher level of knowledge and experience is required.

Title and salary will be open to adjustment based on the candidate's capabilities.


Responsibilities:


Responsibilities typically include many of the following, with ongoing learning and development being provided based on the candidate's existing knowledge, experience and abilities:


  • Coordinate and support DAN's international safety initiatives and programs.
  • Provide expertise in safety products, including technical specifications of current products and evaluations of potential new products.
  • Monitor and analyze safety trends within the dive industry to provide input into program development.
  • Provide advice and respond to inquiries and communications in risk assessment, training, diving safety, relevant technology and diver recompression treatment practices and facilities.
  • Develop new and revise existing e-learning courses.
  • Administer current and new eLearning systems.
  • Edit, produce, and contribute to written content on dive safety topics. This may include compiling and editing newsletters, safety guides, and reports. This may include collaboration within the department, or in collaboration with other departments and outside experts.
  • Generate, distribute, and analyze surveys to support program improvement.
  • Update and maintain databases of service providers, instructors, dive safety officers, and recompression chambers.
  • Teach students in the range of Safety Services programs.
  • Facilitate external communications on safety and training through social media and other outreach initiatives.
  • Organize interdepartmental collaborations for internal and external events such as DEMA.
  • Present safety and training topics on public and professional platforms.
  • Represent Divers Alert Network at assigned conferences, meetings, and industry events.
  • Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.


Education/Training


Appropriate bachelor's degree (or higher) and preferably with recognized training or certification in some of the following:

  • Certified scuba diver - a professional scuba diving rating is desired.
  • Hyperbaric facility safety officer, operator or technician
  • DAN First Aid Instructor or appropriate equivalent
  • Dive safety officer.
  • Occupational health and safety officer
  • Scientific Diver certification (AAUS or equivalent)


Experience:


Background to include at least some of the following:

  • Trainer of scuba diving or related first aid provider programs.
  • Field experience in first aid
  • Experience in the operation of medical, recompression and/or commercial diving hyperbaric facilities
  • Experience in, or exposure to, diving safety functions, including related non-diving activities.
  • Experience in underwater activities other than recreational diving
  • Experience in dive shop, boat, or pool operations
  • Published or written articles for the diving and/or hyperbaric fields
  • Presentations on any of the above or related topics
  • Support and implementation of training programs
  • Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in the recreational diving industry or in the diving hyperbaric medical field.


Desired Personal Characteristics


  • Organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to communicate clearly.
  • Ability to work in a team.
  • Ability to take initiative and work independently.
  • Ability to multi-task.
  • Willingness to learn skills outside of existing training and experience.
  • Highly proficient in English; Spanish as at least a second language would be beneficial.


Cover Letter Requirement


Applicants are required to submit a cover letter explaining:


  • How your knowledge, skills, and experience align with the qualifications and requirements of the role.
  • The unique value, expertise, and contributions you would bring to the Safety Services Team based on your professional background.
  • Why you believe you are an excellent fit for DAN's culture, values, and mission.


Applicants must submit an original cover letter. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT or similar platforms) in the creation of cover letters is strictly prohibited.


Any application found to include AI-generated content will be disqualified and removed from consideration.