About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Temple Terrace, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Temple Terrace, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Saint Thomas, VI · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Saint Thomas, VI · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
New Port Richey, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
New Port Richey, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Port Saint Lucie, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Port Saint Lucie, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Aguadilla, PR · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Aguadilla, PR · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Riverview, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Riverview, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Plantation, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Plantation, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Winter Haven, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Winter Haven, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Lake Worth, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Lake Worth, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Sarasota, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Sarasota, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Bradenton, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Bradenton, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Ponce, PR · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Ponce, PR · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Navy Diver
Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
About As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and ... Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions. * Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
Recovery Diver information
See salary details
$11.54 - $14.53
9% of jobs
$14.53 - $17.53
10% of jobs
$18.57 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$17.53 - $20.52
19% of jobs
The median wage is $21.71 / hr.
$20.52 - $23.51
31% of jobs
$24.47 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$23.51 - $26.51
19% of jobs
$26.51 - $29.50
9% of jobs
$29.50 - $32.50
3% of jobs
$32.50 - $35.49
0% of jobs
$35.49 - $38.48
0% of jobs
$38.48 - $41.48
0% of jobs
$41.48 - $44.47
0% of jobs
$11
$23
$44
How much do recovery diver jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for recovery diver in the United States is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a recovery diver?
Recovery divers are specialized professionals trained to locate and retrieve objects, vehicles, or bodies from underwater environments. They often work with law enforcement, rescue teams, or salvage companies to assist in accident investigations, evidence recovery, and environmental cleanups. Their work requires advanced diving skills, knowledge of underwater search techniques, and the ability to operate in challenging and sometimes hazardous conditions. Recovery divers play a crucial role in supporting public safety and maritime operations.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recovery diver, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Recovery Diver, you need advanced scuba diving skills, dive certifications (such as PADI Rescue or commercial diving credentials), and knowledge of underwater search and recovery techniques. Familiarity with specialized recovery equipment, sonar systems, and underwater communication tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and composure under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and effective underwater recovery operations in challenging and potentially hazardous environments.
What are the typical challenges faced by recovery divers during underwater search and retrieval operations?
Recovery divers often face challenging conditions such as low visibility, cold water temperatures, strong currents, and the presence of debris underwater. These factors can make locating and safely retrieving objects or remains particularly demanding. Divers must also work efficiently as part of a coordinated team, often in high-pressure situations where time is critical. Adhering to strict safety protocols and maintaining clear communication with surface support teams are essential for ensuring both the success of the mission and diver safety.
What is the difference between Recovery Diver vs Commercial Diver?
| Aspect | Recovery Diver | Commercial Diver |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Open water, advanced, rescue, specialty certifications | Commercial diving certifications, such as ADC or IMCA |
| Work Environment | Underwater recovery, salvage, search operations | Underwater construction, welding, inspection, and repair |
| Industry Usage | Salvage, rescue, environmental cleanup | Oil & gas, infrastructure, ship repair |
Recovery Divers focus on underwater salvage and rescue operations, requiring certifications in open water and rescue diving. Commercial Divers perform underwater construction, inspection, and repair, often holding specialized commercial diving certifications. While both work underwater, Recovery Divers typically operate in salvage and recovery scenarios, whereas Commercial Divers are involved in industrial projects. The roles differ in scope, certifications, and work environments, but both are vital in underwater operations.
How much do recovery divers get paid?
Recovery divers typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Pay can increase with certifications, specialized skills, and working in high-demand environments such as shipwrecks or underwater salvage projects.
More about Recovery Diver jobs
What cities are hiring for Recovery Diver jobs?
Cities with the most Recovery Diver job openings:
What states have the most Recovery Diver jobs?
States with the most job openings for Recovery Diver jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Recovery Diver jobs?
For Recovery Diver jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Navy Diver
Naples, FL
U.S. Navy •
National Security • 10K+ employees10,000+ employees
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Retirement
Re-posted 20 days ago
United States Navy rating
6.4
Based on 381 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
43rd of 50 rated military and defense
Job description
About
As a Navy Diver, you will be part of an elite team performing underwater salvage, repair, and rescue missions in some of the most challenging environments.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct salvage, recovery, and rescue missions.
- Repair and maintain ships and submarines.
- Operate advanced diving equipment and hyperbaric chambers.
- Train in deep-sea diving and high-risk underwater operations.
- Support EOD and special warfare missions.
Qualifications
- U.S. citizen, 17–31 years old.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Meet physical and medical requirements.
- Strong swimming ability and ability to qualify for a security clearance.
Training and Benefits
- Advanced diving and survival training at Navy Diving School.
- Competitive salary with bonuses and specialty pay.
- Full medical and dental coverage.
- Housing allowance and retirement benefits.
- GI Bill® education benefits.
What United States Navy employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About US Navy
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US