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Divers

Architecture & Construction

Service Branches

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  • Marines logo
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  • Coast Guard logo

Work Environment

Divers work under water. However they plan and prepare for work on land or aboard ships. Because diving is not usually a full-time job divers often have another job specialty in which they work.

  • Military Status

    Enlisted

  • Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

    $76,207

    Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.

    $22,740 - $229,900

Overview

They perform such tasks as reconnaissance, demolition, ship repair, search for missing persons, salvage in underwater conditions, or construction. They usually specialize in either scuba diving or deep-sea diving.

Military Training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field and covers tactical and survival skills physical training military life and customs and weapons training. Job training for divers consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction including practice in diving and repair work. Training content varies depending on specialty and may include:

  • Water adaptability
  • Air and mixed gas diving
  • Use and maintenance of tools and diving equipment
  • Underwater welding and cutting
  • Use of explosives for underwater demolition
  • Recompression chamber operations
  • Ship maintenance repair and salvage

Helpful Attributes

  • A high degree of self-reliance
  • Ability to stay calm under stress
  • Interest in underwater diving

Related Civilian Careers

  • Commercial Divers
  • Lifeguards, Ski Patrol and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers