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Salvage Diver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Global Diving & Salvage, Inc.

Diver/Tender

Signal Hill, CA · On-site

$47.37 - $102.74/hr

Position Overview Global is currently seeking a Diver/Tender based in Long Beach, CA. This person ... It is the objective of Global Diving & Salvage, Inc. to obtain qualified employees consistent with ...

U.S. Army

Diver (12D)

Allentown, PA · On-site

$23K - $97K/yr

ELIGIBLE FOR UP TO 20K SIGNING BONUS As a Diver, you'll have the unique skills to conduct reconnaissance, demolition, and salvage underwater. You'll also assist with underwater construction and ...

Resolve Marine

Dive Supervisor

Tacoma, WA · On-site

Salvage Divers must be available for deployment to remote and offshore locations for varying durations based on operational needs. Deployed pay is provided for full-time employees during active field ...

Resolve Marine

Dive Supervisor

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$25 - $48/hr

Salvage Divers must be available for deployment to remote and offshore locations for varying durations based on operational needs. Deployed pay is provided for full-time employees during active field ...

Ballard

Commercial Diver / Tender

Washougal, WA · On-site

Our divers support inspection, rehabilitation, maintenance, construction, salvage, and emergency-response work on critical infrastructure throughout North America. At Ballard, commercial diving is ...

J.F. Brennan

Diver - Southeast Region

Spartanburg, SC · On-site

Our Divers will work below the surface of water to inspect, repair, move, and install equipment and ... Perform activities related to underwater search, salvage, recovery, and cleanup operations

U.S. Army

US Army Diver (12D)

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$50K/yr

A diver performs tasks such as reconnaissance, demolition and salvage in underwater conditions ... Salvage sunken equipment * Patrol the waters * Assist with underwater construction of piers and ...

T&T Companies

DIVE SUPERVISOR

Galveston, TX · On-site

$32 - $40/hr

T&T Marine Salvage, Inc. interprets continuously tended as the designated tender will maintain physical contact with the diver's umbilical. • Ensure the dive is terminated when: - The diver ...

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Salvage Diver information

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How much do salvage diver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for salvage 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 does a salvage diver do?

A Salvage Diver is a professional diver who recovers sunken vessels, cargo, and other submerged objects from underwater environments. They work in challenging conditions, including deep water, strong currents, and low visibility. Their tasks may involve using specialized equipment like cutting torches, hydraulic tools, and lift bags to refloat or remove wreckage. Salvage Divers often collaborate with marine engineers, naval architects, and salvage crews to safely complete recovery operations. This job requires extensive diving training, physical endurance, and knowledge of underwater construction and demolition techniques.

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

Salvage Divers require expertise in commercial diving, underwater construction, and equipment handling, often backed by a commercial diving certification and relevant safety training. Familiarity with tools such as underwater cutting and welding equipment, lift bags, sonar, and communication systems is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for managing dynamic underwater challenges. These combined skills ensure safe, efficient recovery operations and effective collaboration with surface crews in high-risk environments.

What are some of the most common challenges salvage divers face on the job?

Salvage divers often work in hazardous conditions, including low visibility, strong currents, and confined underwater spaces, making adaptability and vigilance essential. Physical demands are high, as the job can require long hours in the water handling heavy equipment and complex rigging systems. Teamwork is crucial since divers must coordinate closely with surface support crews and other specialists to ensure both safety and mission success. Overcoming these challenges requires strong training, a solid understanding of safety protocols, and good communication skills.

How do you become a salvage diver?

To become a salvage diver, you typically need to complete open water and advanced diving certifications such as PADI or NAUI, gain experience in underwater operations, and often obtain specialized salvage or commercial diving training. Physical fitness, a clean medical exam, and sometimes a commercial diving license are also required for working in salvage operations.

Is being a salvage diver a viable career?

Salvage diving is a specialized profession that involves recovering objects from underwater environments, often requiring certifications such as commercial diving licenses and safety training. While it can offer steady employment in industries like maritime salvage and underwater construction, it is physically demanding and can be risky, which may limit long-term career viability for some individuals.
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Salvage Diver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Salvage Diver job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,577 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Diver/Tender

Global Diving & Salvage, Inc.

Signal Hill, CA • On-site

$47.37 - $102.74/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

 Global is currently seeking a Diver/Tender based in Long Beach, CA. This person will report to the company’s Regional Dive Operations Manager. The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Undertake dives and other duties as directed by the Supervisor; 
  • Ensure that personal diving equipment is working correctly and is suitable for the planned dive.
  • Ensure full understanding of the dive plan and be competent to carry out the planned task; 
  • Know the routine and emergency procedures; 
  • Report any medical problems or symptoms experienced during or after the dive; 
  • Ability to identify and report any equipment faults, other potential hazards, near misses, or accidents; 
  • Keep your Dive logbook up to date and have it signed by the Supervisor after each dive.

Required Skills

  • Previous maritime experience and knowledge of diving support equipment
  • Must possess working knowledge of industry requirements for equipment
  • All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States 
  • Must have a valid driver’s license, valid car insurance, and submit a driving record for the past three years 
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check
  • Must submit the last 4 dive logs 
  • Current certifications of all diver-owned equipment (i.e., hat, bottle, harness, etc.) 
  • Must possess a current diving physical or be able to pass a diving physical 
  • Ability to wear a commercial diving hat, 25-30 lbs, for approximately 4 hours daily 
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions; rain, sleet, storm, snow, heat, etc. 
  • Ability to work out on remote or distant projects as needed for several months at a time 
  • Ability to lift 50lbs repetitively 
  • 24-hour and 7-day-a-week availability based on project or emergency response needs 
  • Current ADCI Card 
  • Oxygen Provider/DANO2 
  • NITROX/Enriched Air Oxygen
  • First Aid, CPR & AED
  • 5+ Years of underwater diving experience
  • 5+ Years of experience in the construction industry
  • Must be eligible to enter or be a member of a local union

Required Experience

Must be a graduate of a commercial diver training program accredited by the Association of Diving Educators (ACDE) or others as recognized in IMCA.

Preferred Credentials

  • Current Passport
  • IMCA Certified/International Certification Card
  • OSHA 10 or higher construction course certificate
  • 40hr HAZWOPER
  • Boaters Card

  **Qualified candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.  The company will not provide a work visa or relocation for this position.

Work Location: Long Beach, CA 
   

Union Representation Statement:

This is an hourly position governed by the Southern California Local 562 Carpenters Union Collective Bargaining agreement.

Summary hourly range: $47.37 – $102.74, per Schedule A, with opportunities for overtime.  

Union members will be eligible for the benefits provided by the Union. Union benefits include:

  • Southwest Carpenters Training Fund
  • Health & Welfare
  • Pension 
  • Annuity
  • Grievance
  • Vacation, Sick Leave, and Paid Time Off
  • Contractors Cooperation Committee
  • Contractors Cooperation Committee/Partnership for Jobs
  • Industry Advancement Fund

Newly hired employees will accrue sick time at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked in California state per applicable law.



Equal Employment Opportunity

Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the objective of Global Diving & Salvage, Inc. to obtain qualified employees consistent with position requirements: to seek, employ, promote, and treat all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion/creed, handicap/disability, marital status, genetic information/history, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by law.

If you are a candidate with a disability in need of accommodation in the application process, please contact 206-623-0621 or email hr@gdiving.com.