Work below surface of water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.
Commercial Divers
SOC: 49-9092 O*NET: 49-9092.00
Median Salary
$61,130
per year
Job Growth
🚀 8.5%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Work below surface of water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.
What does a Commercial Divers do?
How much can you earn?
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$36,678
25th
$48,904
50th (Median)
$61,130
75th
$73,356
90th
$91,695
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:4,200
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+8.5%
Annual Openings:400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)4,200
Current
2034 (Projected)4,500
+8.5%
+400
Employment Change
+8.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Operations Monitoring
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Quality Control Analysis
74%
#6
Time Management
66%
#7
Operation and Control
60%
#8
Repairing
54%
#9
Complex Problem Solving
46%
#10
Coordination
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.7
74%
Time Management
intermediate3.3
66%
Operation and Control
intermediate3.0
60%
Repairing
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Repairing
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Pipelayers70%
5 shared skills
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators67%
5 shared skills
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas67%
5 shared skills
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters67%
5 shared skills
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers67%
5 shared skills
Machinists67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Time Management
- →Operation and Control
- →Repairing
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Quality Control Analysis
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Commercial Divers
Technology Intensity
Medium
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
VERY HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet very high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What education is required?
Education Required
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Experience Required
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Job Training
Training of more than one year