Military Divers
Military Career
General Information
Description
Underwater missions undertaken by military divers can be very demanding. They perform such tasks as reconnaissance, demolition, ship repair, search for missing persons, and salvage in underwater conditions. They usually specialize in either scuba diving or deep-sea diving.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork 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.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Architecture & Construction
Related Military Careers
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Divers in the Military
33,557
Salary
Salary Information
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. Learn more about Military benefits.
$22,740 - $229,900
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
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Post-secondary certificate 72%
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Associate's degree 11%
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High school 7%
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Bachelor's degree 5%
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Some college 3%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
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 adaptabilityAir and mixed gas divingUse and maintenance of tools and diving equipmentUnderwater welding and cuttingUse of explosives for underwater demolitionRecompression chamber operationsShip maintenance repair and salvage
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Related College Majors
Select major to see colleges that offer it
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Physics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
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