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?
Entry Level
$39,130
10th percentile
Early Career
$49,370
25th percentile
Median
$61,130
50th percentile
Experienced
$93,840
75th percentile
Top Earners
$152,580
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$39,130
25th
$49,370
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$61,130
Mean: $78,110
75th
$93,840
90th
$152,580
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $113,450 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $49,370 and $93,840
- •Salary spread is 72.7% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 3,430 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:4,200
Top Industries
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services35.6%
Administrative and Support Services35%
Other Support Services35%
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
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Commercial Divers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 18 locations
Florida
570 jobs$52,6802.63x
Louisiana
350 jobs$48,5508.34x
Texas
250 jobs$56,3400.80x
New York
200 jobs$153,9900.94x
Connecticut
160 jobs$58,1704.25x
Maine
140 jobs$72,8009.62x
Virginia
120 jobs$79,0901.30x
Washington
100 jobs$117,2101.28x
Indiana
60 jobs$78,6800.81x
Wisconsin
50 jobs$85,3100.80x
Hawaii
40 jobs$94,7102.87x
Vermont
0 jobs$98,6100.00x
New Jersey
0 jobs$94,8200.00x
Missouri
0 jobs$61,4200.00x
California
0 jobs$61,1000.00x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
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
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
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
MODERATE
👥
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 moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Communication & Coordination (1)General Responsibilities (13)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Planning & Development (1)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Training & Development (1)Operations & Execution (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Communicate with workers on the surface while underwater, using signal lines or telephones.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination100% perform100%
2
Take appropriate safety precautions, such as monitoring dive lengths and depths and registering with authorities before diving expeditions begin.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Check and maintain diving equipment, such as helmets, masks, air tanks, harnesses, or gauges.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Descend into water with the aid of diver helpers, using scuba gear or diving suits.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Obtain information about diving tasks and environmental conditions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Inspect and test docks, ships, buoyage systems, plant intakes or outflows, or underwater pipelines, cables, or sewers, using closed circuit television, still photography, and testing equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Repair ships, bridge foundations, or other structures below the water line, using caulk, bolts, and hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Cut and weld steel, using underwater welding equipment, jigs, and supports.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Recover objects by placing rigging around sunken objects, hooking rigging to crane lines, and operating winches, derricks, or cranes to raise objects.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Install pilings or footings for piers or bridges.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on communication & coordination activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Commercial Divers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Commercial Divers professionals typically have a RIC Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
IInvestigative
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Commercial Divers
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.66
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.57
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.44
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.38
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.32
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.31
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.7
Attention to Detail
4.6
Stress Tolerance
4.4
Persistence
4.4
Integrity
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.3
Self-Control
4.3
Initiative
4.2
Cooperation
4.2
Achievement/Effort
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
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