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Saturation Diver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Although all or part of the Saturation Superintendent's authority may be delegated to another, in no way does this relieve him of his responsibility. * Maintain quality control of all operational ...

Although all or part of the Saturation Superintendent's authority may be delegated to another, in no way does this relieve him of his responsibility. * Maintain quality control of all operational ...

Saturation Diver information

See salary details

$11

$23

$44

How much do saturation diver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for saturation 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Saturation Diver position, and why are they important?

Saturation Divers must possess advanced diving skills, physical fitness, and specialized training such as a commercial diving certification (e.g., IMCA or DCBC certification) and prior experience with underwater operations. Mastery of diving life-support systems, mixed-gas operations, and hyperbaric chambers is essential, along with up-to-date first aid and emergency response credentials. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and mental resilience set top performers apart in this demanding field. These abilities are critical because the role involves complex, high-risk tasks in confined underwater environments where safety and precision are paramount.

What is a Saturation Diver job?

A Saturation Diver is a commercial diver who works at great depths for extended periods, primarily in offshore oil and gas industries. They live in a pressurized environment, allowing their bodies to remain saturated with inert gases, reducing the need for multiple decompression cycles. Their tasks include underwater welding, construction, inspections, and repairs. Divers are transported to and from work sites using pressurized diving bells. Due to the extreme conditions and specialized training required, it is a highly demanding but well-compensated profession.

What is a typical work rotation or schedule like for saturation divers?

Saturation divers usually work in rotation cycles that can range from several weeks offshore followed by a corresponding period of rest onshore, such as 28 days working and 28 days off. While on assignment, you'll live in a pressurized habitat onboard a support vessel or platform, performing daily underwater tasks during scheduled shifts. The work environment is highly collaborative, as divers and support crew must coordinate closely for safe operations. These rotations are designed to balance the physical and mental demands of the job with adequate periods for recovery and personal time.

More about Saturation Diver jobs
What states have the most Saturation Diver jobs? States with the most job openings for Saturation Diver jobs include:
Infographic showing various Saturation Diver job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 77% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,577 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

US Navy

Badger, AK

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Title: Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver
Category / Component: Enlisted • Active
Overview
Join an elite community that operates in the air and under the sea as an enlisted aircrew member and Navy diver, performing helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier and expeditionary strike groups, mine countermeasures, special operations, and joint partners worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
Operate as enlisted aircrew during flight operations; perform helicopter sea rescues and provide advanced first aid; execute underwater search, salvage, harbor clearance, and security missions; inspect, cut, weld, and repair ships and submarines; conduct deep and saturation diving using SCUBA, surface supplied and mixed gas systems, and rebreathers; operate and supervise hyperbaric chamber treatments; plan and conduct demolition; maintain and repair specialized flight, survival, and diving equipment while managing records and readiness.
What to Expect
Highly physical, safety critical missions with rigorous performance standards; frequent operations in demanding environments such as heavy seas, cold and low visibility waters, flight lines, ship decks, and austere field sites; continuous training and qualification sustainment, with rapid shifts between precise technical tasks and field operations; small team culture that requires attention to detail, calm under pressure, and strong leadership potential.
Work Environment
Worldwide assignments at sea and ashore with aviation squadrons, fleet replacement units, and expeditionary detachments; work in flight operations areas, rescue training pools, ocean training sites, dive lockers, recompression chambers, shipyards, ranges, and forward locations; frequent work aboard carriers and auxiliaries, on piers and flight decks, and alongside joint and interagency partners.
Pathways, Training & Advancement
Recruit Training followed by Naval Aircrew Candidate School in Pensacola; Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in an assigned aircrew rating pipeline such as AWF, AWO, AWR, AWS, or AWV; Fleet Replacement Squadron training and survival, evasion, resistance, and escape instruction; ongoing qualification and advanced training in diving, rescue, and mission systems throughout the career.
Enlist under an advanced technical field or Warrior Challenge style contract that specifies the aircrew, rescue swimmer, or diver training pipeline; qualified Fleet Sailors may volunteer and request conversion into aircrew or diving roles after screening, physical testing, and command endorsement.
Qualifications
All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:

  • Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
  • A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor’s or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
  • Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
  • Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards
  • Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
  • Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
  • Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
  • Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include:
United States citizenship and eligibility for at least a Secret clearance; strong swimming ability, comfort in open water, and excellent overall physical condition; ability to pass an aviation flight physical for aircrew duties and a diving medical exam with Undersea or Diving Medical Officer approval; meeting Physical Fitness Assessment standards and passing the Physical Screening Test that includes timed swims, runs, and calisthenics; meeting age limits that are typically more restrictive than general enlistment standards.
Education
Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor’s status, training, and current Navy policy.
Pay, Benefits & Service
Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.
Incentives
Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.
Notes and Disclaimers
This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.


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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

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