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Underwater Inspection Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Diver - Midwest

La Crosse, WI · On-site

$34.32/hr

Inspect and or repair dock walls, plant intakes and outflows, underwater pipelines, cables, vessels, bridge foundations, or other structures below the water line, using underwater video system ...

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Underwater Inspection information

See Wisconsin salary details

$10

$20

$31

How much do underwater inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for underwater inspection in Wisconsin is $20.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underwater inspection?

Underwater inspection jobs involve evaluating and assessing the condition of structures, vessels, or equipment located below the surface of water. These professionals use specialized diving techniques and tools to inspect items such as bridges, dams, pipelines, ship hulls, and offshore platforms for damage, corrosion, or other issues. Inspections are critical for ensuring the safety, maintenance, and compliance of these submerged structures. Workers in this field may also document findings, perform minor repairs, and prepare detailed reports for engineers or regulatory authorities.

What are some common challenges faced during underwater inspections, and how are they typically addressed?

Underwater inspection professionals often encounter challenges such as limited visibility, strong currents, and variable water conditions, which can make thorough assessments difficult. To address these issues, inspectors use specialized equipment like remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), underwater cameras, and sonar technology to enhance visibility and precision. Additionally, strong teamwork and clear communication with surface support teams are crucial for ensuring safety and accurate data collection. Regular training and adherence to safety protocols help minimize risks and improve inspection outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underwater inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underwater Inspector, you need expertise in diving techniques, familiarity with inspection protocols, and relevant certifications such as commercial diving and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) qualifications. Proficiency in using underwater cameras, sonar equipment, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and digital reporting tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for conducting thorough inspections and reporting findings. These competencies ensure safe, accurate assessments of underwater structures and facilitate timely maintenance or repairs.

What is the difference between Underwater Inspection vs Underwater Welding?

AspectUnderwater InspectionUnderwater Welding
CertificationsCommercial Diver Certification, Inspection CertificationsCommercial Diver Certification, Welding Certifications (e.g., AWS)
Work EnvironmentInspecting structures, pipelines, and hulls underwaterWelding and repairing structures underwater
Industry UsageMarine, offshore, infrastructure inspectionShipbuilding, offshore oil & gas, repair projects

Underwater Inspection focuses on assessing the condition of underwater structures, while Underwater Welding involves repairing or joining metal components beneath the water. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but their primary tasks differ significantly. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path in the underwater industry.

How to become an underwater inspector?

To become an underwater inspector, you typically need a commercial diving certification from a recognized training program, along with experience in underwater inspection or related fields. Knowledge of inspection techniques, safety procedures, and tools such as underwater cameras and sonar is essential, and physical fitness is important due to the demanding environment.

What are popular job titles related to Underwater Inspection jobs in Wisconsin?

For Underwater Inspection jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Underwater Inspection jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Underwater Inspection jobs in Wisconsin are:

Infographic showing various Underwater Inspection job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,627 per year, or $20 per hour.

$34.32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


J.F. Brennan rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We are hiring Divers for our Midwest Operations! Our Divers will work below the surface of water to inspect, repair, move, and install equipment and structures.
If you have proven experience in commercial diving for construction or related industry this is an ideal position for you.
Diver Responsibilities:
  • Take appropriate safety precautions, such as monitoring dive lengths and depths before diving expeditions begin
  • Check and maintain diving equipment, such as helmets, masks, air tanks, harnesses, and gauges
  • Perform activities related to underwater search, salvage, recovery, and cleanup operations
  • Inspect and or repair dock walls, plant intakes and outflows, underwater pipelines, cables, vessels, bridge foundations, or other structures below the water line, using underwater video system, acoustic imagining equipment, small hydraulic or pneumatic hand tools
  • Cut and weld steel, using underwater welding equipment and burning equipment.
  • Recover objects by placing rigging around sunken objects, hooking rigging to crane lines, and operating winches, derricks, or cranes to raise objects
  • Take test samples or photographs to assess the condition of vessels or structures
  • Remove obstructions from screens or marine railway or launching ways, using pneumatic or hydraulic power hand tools
  • Set or guide placement of pilings to provide support for structures such as docks, bridges, cofferdams, or platforms
  • Ability to travel 100% of the time

Diver Qualifications:
  • 5 years of previous commercial diving experience
  • Dive school diploma required
  • ADCI compliant physical (requires MD or DO signature)
  • First Aid/CPR/AED (meets requirements of Red Cross)
  • Emergency O2 provider (meets requirements DAN)
  • Dive supervisor card preferred
  • Current ADCI certification card, HAZWOPER and rigging preferred
  • The ability to verbally and draw/sketch images to accurately describe your underwater findings to topside personnel while underwater
  • Strong interpersonal skills; must be a self-starter, highly organized, and creative
  • Superior time management and organizational capabilities, including the ability to accurately benchmark project length, deliver on deadlines

Who is Brennan?
J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) is a 100-year-old, family-owned company that specializes in water-based environmental remediation and marine construction headquartered in La Crosse, WI that offers our employees growth, challenging work, empowerment, and meaningful work. Brennan is known for tackling complex maritime projects, providing unique solutions through teamwork and collaboration, and maintaining a family-orientated culture.
Why choose us?
  • We are a company voted by our employees as a certified Great Place to Work®, and recognized by Fortune magazine as a Best Workplace in Construction.
  • Our culture sets us apart. We strive to make our company the best possible place to work. We work hard to continue to build a culture in which every individual is important and the key to our success.
  • Our focus on safety and quality is unmatched in the industry, and our ability to innovate has enabled us to succeed.
  • We are a family-focused company and are determined to provide a rewarding career that offers above-average compensation.
  • We offer an industry-leading benefits package. We are proud to offer our employees and their families group health, dental and vision insurance plans, 401(K) program with generous matching, annual bonus eligibility and profit-sharing program.

Compensation:
  • Pay Range: $34.32/hour to $61.72/hour based on union journeyman pay scale; apprentice rates start at $25.85/hour. Pay rates may vary based on negotiations, collective bargaining agreements and other factors.
  • Additional fringe benefits may also be provided as per union agreements.

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Notice to Staffing Agencies
J.F. Brennan Company Inc. ("Brennan") and its subsidiaries will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Brennan, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Brennan mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Brennan employees, or to Brennan's resume database will be considered Brennan property. Brennan will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Brennan will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Brennan's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Brennan will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such an agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Brennan's Chief Human Resources Officer or his/her designee. No other Brennan employee is authorized to bind Brennan to any agreement regarding the placement of candidate by Agencies.
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Capital at:
Phone: 608-784-7173
Email: jobs@jfbrennan.com
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster and/or view the Pay Transparency Policy State please click here.
For more information on federal labor laws please click here.

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