Diving assistant

What does a diving assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A diving assistant works closely with professional divers in facility, construction, and infrastructure projects where underwater work is required. Tasks include assisting the diver before, during, and after the dive, which involves preparing and checking equipment, monitoring safety routines, and managing communication between divers and other team members. The environment is often challenging, with work sites near water, in ports, at bridge constructions, or industrial facilities. Safety is a central part of the profession, and the work demands high accuracy, stress resilience, and teamwork skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for a diving assistant has shown a relatively stable development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,434 kronor per month, which increased slightly to 38 747 kronor in 2023 and further to 38 909 kronor in 2024. This increase corresponds to about 1.2% over the three-year period. The limited salary increase reflects a sector with steady demand and relatively stable supply of labor. Since the profession requires specialized knowledge and often involves working under demanding conditions, salary levels tend to remain competitive but without major jumps or drops. Market conditions are influenced by infrastructure projects and investments in water-related facilities, contributing to slow but steady salary growth.

Diving assistant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 38 909 kr/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Salary range varies depending on experience and employer
• Hourly wage: 234 kr/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: No specific data available on salaries for men and women
• Regional differences: No available statistics on regional salary differences

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a diving assistant usually involves on-the-job training or specialized courses within the diving and facility industry. The role does not require a formal university degree, but practical experience and technical skills are highly valued. Certifications in safety and diving technology are often a requirement, and many employers offer internal training or internship programs to ensure employees have the right competence.

• Formal education: High school diploma, preferably with a technical or practical focus
• Certifications: Safety and diving certificates according to industry standards
• Practical training: On-site internships or trainee programs are common
• Prerequisites: Good physical health and swimming skills
• Tips: Experience from the construction industry and technical interest are advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Benefits for diving assistants often include overtime pay for inconvenient working hours, additional compensation, access to wellness allowances, and work clothing. Some employers also offer health insurance and opportunities for further training in diving and safety technology. Occupational pension schemes and insurance against workplace accidents are common.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a diving assistant belongs to a niche sector where competition for jobs varies depending on economic cycles and ongoing projects in construction and infrastructure. With 379 available jobs according to current statistics, there is relatively good demand, but the job market can change quickly with shifts in public and private investments. Challenges mainly involve working under pressure, often outdoors and in weather-exposed environments. Safety requirements are strict, and the work may involve long working hours or travel to different sites. Physical endurance and problem-solving skills are essential for success in the role.

Tips for those wishing to become a diving assistant

To succeed as a diving assistant, it is good to have both technical interest and practical skills, as the work involves handling specialized equipment and troubleshooting on-site. Being stress-resistant helps you act calmly in unexpected situations, which is crucial in environments where safety always comes first. Teamwork and good communication are important qualities since you constantly work in a team and need to give and receive instructions clearly. Attention to detail is also central, as both divers and equipment must be checked according to strict routines. It is an advantage to be flexible and able to adapt to varying work environments, especially when projects require work at new locations or under changing weather conditions. Finally, a willingness to learn and develop allows you to acquire new work methods or certifications that make you more attractive in the job market.

Key facts about Diving Assistant

• Education level: High school diploma and industry-specific certification
• Work environment: Outdoors, often near or in water, under varying weather conditions
• Work form: Teamwork focused on safety and communication
• Demand: 379 available jobs within the profession according to current statistics
• Special skills: Safety routines and technical equipment handling

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a diving assistant, opportunities open to advance to more specialized roles such as supervisor, dive leader, or underwater work technician. Some choose to further their education to become professional divers or take on responsibility for larger projects and teams. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued stable demand for diving assistants, especially with increased investments in infrastructure and maintenance of water-related facilities. The industry values experience highly, and opportunities for further development within technology, safety, and leadership are good for those wishing to progress in their careers.

Frequently asked questions about Diving Assistant

• What does a diving assistant earn?
  - The average salary is 38 909 kronor per month, with an hourly rate of approximately 234.
• What education is required to become a diving assistant?
  - High school diploma and industry-specific certificates in safety and diving technology are usually required.
• What is the working environment like for a diving assistant?
  - The work is often outdoors, near water, and under varying weather conditions, with a strong focus on safety.
• Are there many jobs for diving assistants?
  - Yes, according to current statistics, there are 379 available jobs within the profession.
• What personal qualities are important as a diving assistant?
  - Attention to detail, stress tolerance, teamwork skills, and technical interest are particularly important.
• How has the salary development looked over time?
  - Salary development has been stable over the past three years, with an increase of about 1.2%.