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$30

How much do submarine driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for submarine driver in the United States is $18.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Submarine Driver vs Underwater Vehicle Operator?

AspectSubmarine DriverUnderwater Vehicle Operator
CredentialsMarine licenses, specialized trainingMarine certifications, remote operation training
Work EnvironmentSubmarine cabins, underwater navigationControl rooms, underwater vehicles or ROVs
Industry UsageNaval, research, explorationResearch, offshore industries, inspection

Submarine Drivers and Underwater Vehicle Operators both work in underwater environments and require marine certifications. However, Submarine Drivers typically operate manned submarines in naval or research settings, while Underwater Vehicle Operators control remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or unmanned underwater craft. Their roles overlap in underwater navigation and technical skills, but differ in equipment and operational scope.

What are some common challenges faced by submarine drivers during extended underwater missions?

Submarine drivers often face unique challenges during extended underwater missions, including maintaining focus and situational awareness in a confined, low-light environment. Navigating undersea terrain, managing sonar and navigation systems, and coordinating closely with the crew are critical daily tasks. Adapting to a regimented schedule and coping with limited personal space can also be demanding. Teamwork and effective communication are essential for ensuring both safety and mission success.

How much does a submarine driver make?

Submarine drivers, often called submarine navigation or operations personnel, typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and location. They usually require specialized training and security clearances, and may work in shifts aboard submarines or naval vessels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Submarine Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Submarine Driver, you need expertise in navigation, mechanical systems, and underwater operations, often backed by military training or specialized maritime certifications. Familiarity with sonar, radar, GPS, and vessel control systems is essential, along with certifications such as Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) or military equivalents. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and stress management skills help individuals excel in high-pressure, confined environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and coordinated submarine missions in challenging underwater conditions.

How do you get a job on a submarine?

To become a submarine driver, you typically need to join the military or a specialized maritime organization, complete relevant training programs, and obtain necessary security clearances. Candidates usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and technical aptitude, with some roles demanding college-level education or prior experience in engineering or navigation.

What is a driver of a submarine called?

A submarine driver is commonly referred to as a submarine pilot or helmsman. They are responsible for operating the vessel's controls and navigating underwater, often requiring specialized training and certifications. The role involves working in confined environments and following strict safety protocols.

What are submarine drivers?

Submarine drivers, often referred to as submarine pilots or operators, are professionals responsible for navigating and controlling submarines, whether for military, research, or tourism purposes. They operate the vessel’s systems, ensure safe underwater travel, and maintain communication with surface teams. Submarine drivers must have specialized training in navigation, mechanics, and safety procedures to handle the unique challenges of underwater environments. Their expertise is critical to the successful operation and mission of the submarine.

Is it hard to become a submariner?

Becoming a submariner requires completing specialized training, including technical and safety courses, and passing physical and psychological assessments. The process is rigorous due to the demanding environment and responsibilities involved in operating submarine systems.
More about Submarine Driver jobs
What job categories do people searching Submarine Driver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Submarine Driver jobs are:
Submarine Driver jobs near you
Ship/Submarine Engineering Technician 2 - San Diego, CA

Ship/Submarine Engineering Technician 2 - San Diego, CA

M.C. Dean, Inc

Spring Valley, CA • On-site

$24.80 - $37.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 357 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
General:
The M.C. Dean, Inc. Maritime Division works at shipyards around the world from our regional offices in Chesapeake, VA, and San Diego, CA. Become a key member of our Alteration Installation Teams, supporting C4ISR system installations on ships and submarines. Join the top team on the waterfront, working for unrivaled compensation and benefits.
Minimum Education:
  • High School Diploma or GED

Experience: 3+ Years
  • The Engineering Technician 2 has a thorough knowledge of shipboard C5ISR installation practices and procedures, as demonstrated by successful accomplishment of installation tasks. Build infrastructure (cabling, connections, racks) and install and test equipment and devices on ships and submarines. A minimum of three (3) years of applicable experience performing alteration installation tasks to include fabrication and assembly or repairs of electromechanical and electronic assemblies per fabrication/assembly drawings. Experience shall include soldering with low wattage (under 30 watts) soldering devices, assembling cable harnesses, and making high-density electrical cable connectors, coaxial connectors, and waveguide connectors.

Skills and Proficiency:
  • Works with a team supporting cabling, equipment, and C5ISR system installations
  • Read and understand shipboard installation drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and cable running sheets.
  • Demonstrate skill in the operation of all commonly used installation test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, voltmeters, VSWR meters, Bit-Error Rate Test Sets, and Category 5e/6 cable testers.
  • Demonstrate advanced speed and accuracy when performing tasks such as attaching fiber optic connectors, RJ-45 connectors, and DB type connectors, and when dressing cable installations so that the finished product presents a well-organized and professional appearance.
  • Demonstrate superior skills in complex mechanical, sub-assembly, rack and chassis assembly
  • Demonstrate your leadership abilities
  • Provide superior workmanship in a mission-critical environment

Safety and Physical Requirements:
  • Occupation Safety Haz-Mat Certification
  • Shipyard Competent Person Certification
  • Aloft/Climbing / Climbing Shipyard Stairs and Ladders Certification
  • Working in Confined Spaces Certification
  • Training and the Ability to Safely Lift and Move Objects of 50 LBS

Security and Work Locations:
  • Work is primarily in San Diego, CA and Norfolk, VA but you may travel for extended periods to other shipyards in the USA and to other Navy ports outside the USA
  • You will work at government facilities. You must be a US Citizenship eligible for clearance.
  • You must pass a background investigation
  • You must have a valid driver's license
  • This position may require ongoing or intermittent use of a company vehicle. Selected candidates must possess an acceptable driving record in accordance to our policy.

Other Responsibilities:
  • Work overtime upon management request
  • Maintain and safeguard company equipment and tools
  • Maintain and safeguard welding inventory
  • Organize and schedule welding jobs to an on-time completion

Pay range: $24.80 - $37.20
We offer an excellent benefits package including
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid-time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Abilities:
  • Lifts at least 100 pounds at one time and 60 pounds for an extended period of time.
  • Relocates a 12 foot stepladder without assistance.
  • Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
  • Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
  • Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
  • May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
  • Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Possible travel locations include the below but not limited to:
  • San Diego, CA
  • Vallejo, CA
  • Everett, WA
  • Seattle, WA
  • Portland, OR
  • Groton, CT
  • Mayport, FL
  • Panama City, FL
  • Charleston, SC
  • Pearl Harbor, HI
  • Portland, OR
  • Earl, NJ
  • Guam

What M.C. Dean employees say

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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