- Salary statistics
- Diver salary
Diver salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
40 543 - 41 068 SEK / month
Bygg & anläggning
Salary progression Diver
What does a diver do? – Tasks and work environment
Divers mainly work underwater and perform technically advanced tasks such as inspection, repair, welding, and construction on bridges, quays, ships, and underwater pipelines. The profession requires great precision and the ability to work in challenging environments where safety is always prioritized. The work environment can vary greatly depending on the project and geographical location; work often takes place in cold, dark, and sometimes strong currents, demanding high physical and mental endurance. Additionally, work may occur at inconvenient hours and involve travel to different sites across the country.
Salary development over time
The salary for divers has shown a steady but slow increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,434 SEK per month, followed by 38 909 SEK in 2023 and 41 068 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 1.2 % over three years, which is slightly below the average salary growth in many other technical professions. The relatively low increase can partly be explained by stable but not rapidly growing demand for diving services, as well as the profession's requirement for highly specialized training and certification, limiting the number of practitioners. The market is also influenced by larger infrastructure projects and maintenance needs, which can vary from year to year. Despite the slow salary growth, diver salaries remain competitive compared to similar technical fields.
Diver salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 41 068 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 234 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a diver, specialized training in professional diving is required, often combined with technical courses and practical experience. The training is both theoretical and practical and leads to certification according to national and international standards. The prerequisites vary but typically include good health and swimming ability.
- Formal education: Professional diving training (about 20–40 weeks)
- Certifications: Swedish or international diving certificates (e.g., IDSA, HSE)
- Internship: An internship period during training is mandatory
- Prerequisites: Approved health check, swimming proficiency, and sometimes a B-driving license
- Tips for choosing: Select a school that offers recognized certification and has good industry contacts
Many divers have the opportunity to work in exciting locations, such as bridge construction, port facilities, or marine archaeology excavations. The variety of tasks and environments makes the profession both diverse and challenging.
Common benefits and compensation
Typical benefits for divers include shift allowances, additional insurances, wellness contributions, and sometimes the possibility of special compensation for high-risk assignments. It is also common for employers to cover costs for ongoing health checks and further training.
Competition and challenges
The profession of diver belongs to a relatively small and specialized labor market where competition for jobs varies depending on economic cycles and infrastructure projects. Limited training places and high requirements for health and safety mean relatively few choose this career path. The main challenges include the physical and mental strain of working underwater, often in inhospitable environments. Safety is always a priority and requires continuous training and practice. The industry is also affected by seasonal variations and geographical differences in demand.
Tips for those who want to become a diver
To succeed as a diver, it is good to be both resilient and precise, as the tasks often require high concentration and safety awareness. Good physical condition is essential since the work can be physically demanding and strenuous, especially in cold or strong currents. Flexibility and adaptability facilitate working in varying environments and locations. Teamwork and communication skills are important, as divers always work in teams where trust is crucial for safety. Being solution-oriented and able to handle unexpected situations under pressure are also valuable qualities for those looking to develop and thrive in the profession.
Key facts about divers
- Education level: Professional diving training (20–40 weeks)
- Work environment: Underwater, often outdoors and in tough conditions
- Work form: Project-based and often involves travel to different sites
- Demand: 379 job openings according to latest statistics
- Special skills: Diving safety, technical problem-solving, certifications
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, many divers have the opportunity to advance to more qualified roles such as supervisor, dive master, or specialist in areas like underwater welding or inspection diving. Further education and experience can also lead to consultancy roles or training positions within the industry. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand for divers remains relatively stable, especially in connection with large-scale urban development projects and infrastructure investments. Technological advancements in underwater techniques and increasing requirements for maintenance of older facilities contribute to ongoing need for competent divers.
Frequently asked questions about divers
- What does a diver earn?
- The average salary for a diver is 41 068 SEK/month. - What education is required to become a diver?
- A professional diving training of 20–40 weeks and an approved health examination are required. - What is the work environment like for divers?
- Divers work underwater, often in challenging and changing environments. - Are there good future prospects for divers?
- Yes, demand is stable and there are approximately 379 job openings in the profession. - What personal qualities are important for divers?
- Endurance, precision, teamwork skills, and safety awareness are central qualities. - What is a typical hourly wage for a diver?
- The hourly wage is on average 234 SEK. - What benefits can divers receive?
- Common benefits include shift allowances, extra insurances, and wellness contributions.
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 Diver has the SSYK code 7115, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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