Commercial Diver

Your Fit

Income

$58K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

6.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Commercial Diver?

Commercial Divers are skilled professionals who perform underwater work for various industrial purposes, including construction, repair, inspection, and salvage. They utilize specialized diving equipment to access underwater sites and perform tasks that can range from welding to photography.

Sample job titles:

Commercial Diver, Diver, Diver Tender, Tender

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Commercial Diver.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Commercial Diver earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Commercial Diver.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$44K per year	$50K per year	$58K per year	$79K per year	$91K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $6.76K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Commercial Diver do?

Work environment

Commercial Divers typically work in challenging and variable environments, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and other underwater settings. The work can be physically demanding and often requires travel to different locations. Divers must adhere to strict safety protocols due to the hazardous nature of underwater work.

Quick task list

Conducts underwater surveys and inspections.
Installs, repairs, or removes equipment and structures.
Makes underwater welds and cuts.
Collects samples or data for research.
Communicates with surface team during dives.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Underwater Welding: Specializing in welding and cutting tasks underwater.
Marine Salvage: Focusing on the recovery of sunken objects or vessels.
Offshore Oil and Gas: Working on underwater infrastructure related to oil and gas extraction.
Underwater Photography and Videography: Capturing images and videos for research, documentation, or media.

Description

Commercial Diving is a field that combines physical skill, technical knowledge, and a high degree of bravery. Divers often work on complex tasks such as repairing pipelines, conducting surveys for construction projects, or salvaging sunken objects. These tasks require a thorough understanding of diving techniques and the ability to operate specialized equipment, such as underwater welding gear or cameras.

The job demands excellent physical fitness, as commercial diving can be physically strenuous and sometimes performed in challenging conditions with limited visibility. Divers must be capable of making quick decisions and problem-solving under pressure, as underwater environments can be unpredictable. Safety is a top priority in this field, requiring divers to be well-trained in emergency procedures and the use of diving safety equipment.

Continuous learning and adaptation are key in this profession. Divers often need to stay updated with the latest technologies and techniques in diving and their area of specialization. They may also need to obtain additional certifications or undergo further training as part of their career development.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Engaging in unique and challenging underwater tasks.
Being part of important industrial and environmental projects.
The thrill and adventure associated with diving in various environments.

You might make a good Commercial Diver if you are...

Physically fit and comfortable in water.
Fascinated by marine environments and underwater work.
Adept at handling specialized tools and equipment.
Capable of staying calm and making decisions under pressure.
Interested in a career that combines physical activity with technical skills.

Pros:

Unique and exciting work environment, offering experiences not found in traditional occupations.
Opportunity to work in a variety of industries, such as underwater construction, salvage, or scientific research.
High earning potential, especially for specialized diving skills in demanding environments.
The physical nature of the job can promote a strong sense of fitness and health.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially hazardous job conditions, including working in deep water and adverse weather.
The risk of diving-related injuries or health issues such as decompression sickness.
Often requires long periods away from home, which can be challenging for personal and family life.
Irregular work hours and the need to be on call for emergency response situations.

How to become a Commercial Diver

Typical education

A high school diploma is usually required, followed by specialized training from a diving school accredited by the Association of Commercial Diving Educators (ACDE). Additional certifications in areas like underwater welding or inspection may be necessary for specific jobs.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical Education for building stamina and physical fitness.
Basic courses in Physics to understand principles like buoyancy and pressure.
Shop or mechanical classes to gain familiarity with tools and equipment repair.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a swimming or diving team to develop comfort and skill in the water.
Participating in outdoor or adventure clubs to build resilience and adaptability.
Volunteering with local water-based organizations or environmental groups to gain experience with water environments.

Preparation after high school

Attending a commercial diving academy or school to receive formal training and certification.
Obtaining certifications in first aid and CPR, as well as specialized training in underwater welding, rigging, or non-destructive testing.
Seeking internships or entry-level positions with diving companies to gain practical experience.
Pursuing additional certifications in areas like underwater photography or marine biology for diversifying skills.

More resources

Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) - Provides industry standards, certification information, and resources for commercial divers.
Commercial Diving Academy - A comprehensive training facility for commercial diving certification.
Divers Institute of Technology - Offers training and education in commercial diving, including underwater welding and hazardous materials diving.
Underwater Welding Guide - A resource for those interested in underwater welding, a key skill in commercial diving.
International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) - Provides guidance on best practices in offshore diving and marine operations.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.