Commercial Divers
SOC Code: 49-9092 Job Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
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.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Commercial Divers. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $87,152 | $121,285 | $155,397 | $189,530 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $87,339 | $120,661 | $154,003 | $187,325 |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area | $86,403 | $119,163 | $151,902 | $184,662 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $83,533 | $117,083 | $150,634 | $184,184 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $81,286 | $114,962 | $148,637 | $182,312 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $81,203 | $114,400 | $147,576 | $180,773 |
| Yakima, WA | $81,390 | $114,275 | $147,181 | $180,066 |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area | $82,118 | $113,922 | $145,746 | $177,549 |
| Bellingham, WA | $73,944 | $106,621 | $139,298 | $171,974 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $73,944 | $106,621 | $139,298 | $171,974 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.8 | |
| Active Listening | 3.8 | |
| Speaking | 3.6 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.5 | |
| Operation and Control | 3.4 | |
| Time Management | 3.4 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.2 | |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.2 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.2 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Mechanical | 4.1 |
| Building and Construction | 3.8 |
| Physics | 3.5 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.2 |
| Mathematics | 3.1 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.1 |
| Education and Training | 3.0 |
| English Language | 3.0 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Some college | 72.4% |
| Associate's degree | 11.6% |
| High school diploma | 7.7% |
| Bachelor's degree | 5.0% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 3.3% |
Typical Tasks
- Communicate with workers on the surface while underwater, using signal lines or telephones.
- Take appropriate safety precautions, such as monitoring dive lengths and depths and registering with authorities before diving expeditions begin.
- Check and maintain diving equipment, such as helmets, masks, air tanks, harnesses, or gauges.
- Descend into water with the aid of diver helpers, using scuba gear or diving suits.
- Obtain information about diving tasks and environmental conditions.
- Inspect and test docks, ships, buoyage systems, plant intakes or outflows, or underwater pipelines, cables, or sewers, using closed circuit television, still photography, and testing equipment.
- Repair ships, bridge foundations, or other structures below the water line, using caulk, bolts, and hand tools.
- Cut and weld steel, using underwater welding equipment, jigs, and supports.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Diving logbook software Diving table software Dynamic positioning DP software Remote operated vehicle ROV dive log software Web browser software
Calculate your wage level for Commercial Divers →
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