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The Global Insight

What is the highest paying diving job?

Author

Robert Miller

Updated on March 21, 2026

Offshore diving is probably one of the highest paid positions for commercial divers. A diver can make over $1,000 a day doing this type of work. Of course, it is not without risk and the pay reflects that. Inland divers generally will make less than offshore work but can still expect to make over $100 day.

How much money do dive instructors make?

Most instructors will earn between $18,000 to $36,000, and while this is not great you are doing a job you love, often accommodation is included, and there are chances for progression as experience grows.

Is there work for commercial divers?

The most common job for a commercial diver is to work for offshore oil and gas exploration and production companies. In the U.S., a commercial diver may spend a lot of hours at work. It is also common for divers to spend days or weeks on site (especially for offshore and media divers), and not have days off.

How much do divemasters make?

Divemaster Salary and Industry ZipRecruiter reports that in the U.S., a divemaster salary can range from $19,500 to $146,000, and average about $64,802. These numbers reflect different skills levels, years of experience and location. A divemaster salary can also fluctuate depending on the season and the seas.

How many sat divers die each year?

It touted drowning as the number one cause of death. Based on old fatality rates and new population statistics, approximately 11 welder-divers die every year.

Are there still Navy divers?

The U.S. Navy is the lead agency in military diving technology and training within the U.S. Department of Defense. The foundation of the Navy diving program consists of the Navy Diver (ND) rating for enlisted personnel who perform diving as their occupational specialty in the Navy….Navy diver (United States Navy)

Navy Diver
AbbreviationND

Can you make a living as a dive instructor?

Some Dive Instructors make as low as US$500/month while others can make US$4000-US$6000/month and others will make anything in between. A dive instructor salary and how much a diving instructor can make, depends on a few important factors. For example: Fixed salary or commission based dive salary.

How much do dive shop owners make?

With average revenues of about $500K annually, the local dive shop is either a small or micro business. There’s nothing wrong with that, except it can be challenging at times. With this level of annual revenues, it is unlikely you can afford a vice-president for each one of these functions.

Is being a commercial diver worth it?

No, commercial diving is not a good career option. The pay is low and if you are a fresher you will be exploited like hell if you get a job. This field used to be a professional work and with good day rate job. The safety is not good especially onshore diving you will be working on your own life risk.

Is there a high demand for commercial divers?

Commercial divers inspect, repair, remove or install equipment as well as conduct tests and rig explosives underwater. Commercial diving will be one profession where the demand is expected to grow significantly by 2024. BLS projects a high growth rate of 37% by 2024, resulting in 1,600 new jobs.

Where can I get a job as a commercial diver?

Seeking Commercial Divers or US Navy 1st Class Divers with a minimum of 3 to 5… Currently looking for divers to aid in the growth of the company, expanding the coverage and services offered. Midco Diving & Marine Services, Inc. Currently looking for divers to aid in the growth of the company, expanding the coverage and services offered.

How to become a certified inland commercial diver?

Join the exciting world of inland commercial diving in a supervisor role, assisting and developing divers and team members. Midco Diving & Marine Services, Inc. We are seeking an experienced, certified commercial diver to strengthen our dive teams. 3+ years’ experience as a ADCI Surface-Supplied Air Diver.

What kind of certification do you need to be a scuba diver?

Verifiable Commercial Dive certification preferred or verifiable Scuba certification (advanced scuba preferred). Must Have to be considered for interviews: Divers must be an ADCI certified commercial diver successfully graduating from a creditable ACDE school.