Commercial Divers
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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Commercial Divers to increase by 4.8% between 2024 and 2034, from 4,000 to 4,200 jobs. Its estimate of 400 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($72,990), education (Postsecondary nondegree award), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
4,000
Projected employment (2034)
4,200
Projected change (2024–2034)
5%
Annual openings (projected average)
400
Pay & Preparation
$72,990
Postsecondary nondegree award
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Critical Thinking (3.62/5) • Active Listening (3.62/5) • Speaking (3.5/5) • Operations Monitoring (3.5/5) • Quality Control Analysis (3.38/5) • Judgment and Decision Making (3.12/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
Market data tells you what is happening.
SmartBid shows you where you fit.
Evaluate opportunities using demand, competition, client quality, and your experience—then focus your effort where you have the strongest chance to win.
Find my best opportunities