A commercial diver inspects, maintains, and repairs underwater structures and equipment for businesses and government agencies. The work is technical, physically demanding, and requires specialized training. You can enter the field with a certificate and on-the-job preparation.
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Commercial divers work underwater to inspect, maintain, and repair structures like bridges, dams, pipelines, and offshore platforms. You perform general physical activities in challenging underwater environments, inspect equipment and materials for damage or wear, handle and move objects underwater, and make decisions about safety and repair strategies. You communicate findings to supervisors and colleagues, gather information about job requirements, and apply knowledge of mechanics, physics, and construction principles to solve problems below the surface.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Commercial Divers earn a median of $72,990 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 400 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most commercial divers earn a certificate in diving or a related field before entering the profession. The path requires medium-level preparation and hands-on training. You will need to develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, and reading comprehension as you learn diving techniques and safety protocols. Many divers combine classroom instruction with job-zone training that builds mechanical knowledge, physics understanding, and public safety awareness. Your counselor can help you find certificate programs and apprenticeships that match your timeline and location.
Commercial diving offers both certificate and apprenticeship routes into the field. The choice depends on your schedule and how you learn best, so if you are exploring your options, Pathly can map the commercial diver path that fits you and work through them step by step with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a commercial diver, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to hands-on, practical work and solving real problems in demanding environments. You think critically, listen carefully, and stay calm under pressure.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).