Commercial Diver Salary in 2026
How Much Do Commercial Divers Make?
Commercial Divers earn a median annual salary of $61,130 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $39,130 at the 10th percentile to $152,580 at the 90th percentile — a range of $113,450. The highest-paying state is New York at $153,990.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,130 |
| 25th percentile | $49,370 |
| Median (50th) | $61,130 |
| 75th percentile | $93,840 |
| 90th percentile | $152,580 |
Commercial Diver Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Yorktop | $153,990 |
| Washington | $117,210 |
| Vermont | $98,610 |
| New Jersey | $94,820 |
| Hawaii | $94,710 |
| Wisconsin | $85,310 |
| Virginia | $79,090 |
| Indiana | $78,680 |
| Maine | $72,800 |
| Missouri | $61,420 |
| California | $61,100 |
| Connecticut | $58,170 |
| Texas | $56,340 |
| West Virginia | $55,680 |
| Florida | $52,680 |
| Michigan | $52,360 |
| Louisiana | $48,550 |
| South Carolina | $48,010 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Commercial Divers
Commercial Diver Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$39,130 – $49,370 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$61,130 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$93,840 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $152,580+ |
How to Earn More as a Commercial Diver
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Commercial Divers in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ earn $154,000 — $92,870 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($93,840) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Commercial Diver Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Commercial Diverthis career | $61,130 |
| Marine Engineers and Naval Architect | $105,670 |
| Boilermaker | $73,340 |
| Construction Laborer | $46,730 |
| Construction Equipment Operator | $58,710 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Commercial Diver requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 49-9092.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.