Commercial Diver Salary
Commercial Divers earn a median $72,990 a year nationally. Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
What commercial divers do
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.
- Typical education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +4.8% (about average)
- Openings per year
- 400
- Self-employed
- 15%
Employment of commercial divers is projected to grow 4.8% from 2025 to 2035, about the same as the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 400 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Commercial Diver take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$7,228
- Social Security (6.2%)$4,525
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,058
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$60,178
Marginal rate: 22% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $43,330 | $20.83 | $36,996 |
| 25th percentile | $54,810 | $26.35 | $46,220 |
| Median (50th) | $72,990 | $35.09 | $60,178 |
| 75th percentile | $101,550 | $48.82 | $80,270 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $157,790 | $75.86 | $119,115 |
Commercial Diver salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $161,800 | +38.0% | $121,856 | $122,290 – $239,200+ | — |
| New York | $157,800 | +2.5% | $110,852 | $62,400 – $157,820 | 170 |
| Rhode Island | $126,320 | — | $93,207 | $73,130 – $126,340 | — |
| California | $101,540 | +66.2% | $73,730 | $39,980 – $152,760 | 310 |
| Hawaii | $95,750 | +1.1% | $70,443 | $49,010 – $134,060 | 70 |
| New Jersey | $86,920 | −8.3% | $66,631 | $65,200 – $144,470 | — |
| Arizona | $85,990 | — | $67,383 | $85,810 – $92,530 | — |
| Vermont | $85,780 | −13.0% | $65,975 | $83,260 – $101,690 | 80 |
| Indiana | $83,510 | +6.1% | $65,145 | $79,040 – $104,980 | — |
| Maine | $74,610 | +2.5% | $57,464 | $37,300 – $80,110 | — |
| Kentucky | $63,550 | — | $51,136 | $37,550 – $84,950 | — |
| Missouri | $63,030 | +2.6% | $50,800 | $50,710 – $89,530 | — |
| Virginia | $62,340 | −21.2% | $49,500 | $45,200 – $97,100 | — |
| Louisiana | $62,230 | +28.2% | $50,701 | $32,430 – $99,160 | 230 |
| Connecticut | $59,690 | +2.6% | $48,380 | $53,540 – $83,700 | 120 |
| Michigan | $54,620 | +4.3% | $43,997 | $49,420 – $76,450 | 80 |
| Florida | $49,640 | −5.8% | $42,066 | $39,200 – $70,120 | 370 |
| South Carolina | $49,260 | +2.6% | $39,962 | $43,110 – $92,720 | 30 |
| Texas | $46,490 | −17.5% | $39,535 | $33,050 – $62,510 | — |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rigger | $62,640 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.9% |
| Signal and Track Switch Repairer | $92,460 | High school diploma or equivalent | +1.8% |
| Locksmith and Safe Repairer | $51,320 | High school diploma or equivalent | -11.7% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | $49,230 | High school diploma or equivalent | +2.6% |
| Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers | $47,450 | High school diploma or equivalent | -3.4% |
| Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installer | $45,990 | High school diploma or equivalent | +5.8% |
| Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers | $39,630 | High school diploma or equivalent | +5.3% |
| Telecommunications Line Installer and Repairer | $74,330 | High school diploma or equivalent | -3.4% |
| Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door | $74,340 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.3% |
| Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other | $68,990 | High school diploma or equivalent | +2.5% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a commercial diver make?
The national median salary for commercial divers is $72,990 a year ($35.09 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $43,330 and the top 10% earn over $157,790. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays commercial divers the most?
Washington has the highest median pay at $161,800.
How many commercial divers are there in the U.S.?
About 3,450 people work as commercial divers nationwide.