Diver

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Work Tasks

• Build and keep up repairs to underwater structures, lines, boats, etc.
• Maintain and repair offshore oil rigs and pipelines; rig underwater explosives
• Pull sunken boats out of the water; rescue people in sunken boats
• Build, inspect, and repair bridges and piers, dams, and power plants
• Work for construction companies, oil and gas companies, emergency and rescue service companies, federal, state, and local government, the military
• Work with diving suits and scuba gear, signal lines and telephones, rigging and crane lines, hand and power tools, welding equipment, cameras, sonar, underwater videos and recording equipment, and explosives

Salary, Size & Growth

• $57,000 average per year ($27.50 per hour)
• A small occupation (3,700 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.5% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A commercial diver's license and certification of needed skills
• Employers Prefer: A high school diploma and an diving apprenticeship
• Skills/Courses: Skill in construction and diving; courses in welding, plumbing, electric shop, physics, and physical science
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is based on type of air supply and type of work.