- Salary statistics
- Salvage divers
Salvage divers
38 412 - 38 909 kr / month
Bygg & anläggning
Salary progression Salvage divers
What does a rescue diver do? – Tasks and work environment
A rescue diver works with locating, securing, and recovering objects or vehicles from aquatic environments such as lakes, seas, or harbors. Tasks may include assisting in accidents, saving property, conducting underwater inspections, and collaborating with authorities and other actors during major operations. The work environment is often challenging, involving underwater work in varying weather conditions, sometimes under time pressure and with high safety standards. Rescue divers need to be flexible and ready to respond when needed, which may entail irregular working hours and readiness for emergency assignments.
Salary development over time
The salary for rescue divers has shown a steady but moderate increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,434 kronor per month, followed by a slight rise to 38 747 kronor in 2023. In 2024, the trend continued with an average salary of 38 909 kronor, representing a total salary increase of approximately 1.2% over the three-year period. This development reflects a stable demand for the profession and generally high skill levels among practitioners. The market is influenced by factors such as safety regulations, technological development, and the number of major infrastructure projects requiring diving expertise. Despite the modest salary growth, the profession remains attractive for qualified individuals, as demand for rescue missions and specialized diving skills remains constant.
Rescue diver salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 38 909 kr/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 234 kr/hour (calculated on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a rescue diver, specialized training in professional diving is required, complemented by certifications suited for underwater rescue work. Basic diving certificates are not enough; instead, a vocational training and often practical experience with established employers are necessary. Besides technical skills, good physical condition, swimming ability, and the capacity to work under pressure are essential. Many employers also value experience from related fields, such as construction diving or rescue services.
- Vocational diving education: 1–2 years, often via Technical College or specialized training providers
- Certifications: Professional diving certificates and rescue competencies
- Practical training: Often mandatory internships or trainee periods with employers
- Prerequisites: Good physical health, swimming ability, and medical clearance for diving
- Tips for choosing: Select training providers with strong industry contacts
Many rescue divers have the opportunity to work on exciting assignments involving both technology and problem-solving, such as recovering historic ships or conducting environmental rescue operations. The profession offers great variation and often requires quick decision-making underwater. Many appreciate the close teamwork and trust, where communication is crucial for safety.
Common benefits and compensations
In the profession, rescue divers often receive additional pay for unsociable hours, on-call duty, and risk factors. Beyond base salary, compensation may be provided for standby work, call-outs, and particularly demanding missions. Some employers also offer wellness contributions, insurance, and further training as part of the employment package.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a rescue diver is moderate, but the number of specialized jobs is limited and requires high competence. Challenges in the profession include not only physical demands and risky tasks but also the need for ongoing training and staying updated on new safety regulations. Technological advances in diving equipment and rescue methods mean professionals must be adaptable and willing to learn new skills. The job market is affected by economic cycles and regional infrastructure, which can lead to fluctuations in demand for labor.
Tips for those who want to become rescue divers
To succeed as a rescue diver, it is beneficial to have strong physical endurance, as the work often takes place under demanding conditions and sometimes over extended periods. Initiative is important for quickly solving unexpected problems underwater. Teamwork skills are crucial since assignments are almost always carried out in teams where trust and clear communication are central to safety. Being meticulous and following safety routines is also essential to minimize risks. Flexibility makes it easier when working hours and tasks vary. Finally, having an interest in technology is advantageous, as modern rescue work often involves advanced equipment and innovative methods.
Key facts about rescue divers
- Education level: Vocational diving training (1–2 years)
- Work environment: Underwater, often in challenging and risky environments
- Typical work form: Full-time with on-call duty and standby
- Demand: 379 job openings in 2024 within the profession
- Special skills: Rescue techniques, safety routines, and technical problem-solving
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years as a rescue diver, many move on to more responsible roles, such as team leader for rescue operations, diving instructor, or specialist in underwater inspection. Some choose to work internationally or on larger projects related to infrastructure and environmental work. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate a stable job market, where demand for qualified rescue divers is expected to remain high due to increased safety requirements and ongoing need for rescue services, especially in maritime and major construction projects.
Frequently asked questions about rescue divers
- What does a rescue diver earn?
- A rescue diver has an average salary of 38 909 kronor per month and an hourly wage of 234 kronor. - What education is required to become a rescue diver?
- A vocational diving education of 1–2 years and certifications in rescue and safety are required. - What is the work environment like for rescue divers?
- The work environment is varied and often challenging, involving underwater work and sometimes in risky or stressful situations. - Are there good future prospects in the profession?
- Yes, demand is stable and there are currently 379 job openings within the profession. - What personal qualities are important for rescue divers?
- Physical endurance, teamwork skills, initiative, and precision are crucial qualities. - What benefits can be offered beyond salary?
- Add-ons for unsociable hours, on-call duty, wellness contributions, and insurance are common. - Are there opportunities for further education?
- Yes, many employers offer further training and specialized courses in advanced rescue techniques.
Salary distributed by age and sector
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Salvage divers has the SSYK code 7115, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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