- Salary statistics
- Inspection divers
Inspection divers
38 412 - 38 909 kr / month
Bygg & anläggning
Salary progression Inspection divers
What does an inspection diver do? – Tasks and working environment
An inspection diver primarily works on conducting technical inspections beneath the water surface. Tasks can include checking bridge foundations, quays, dams, pipelines, ship hulls, and other structural constructions. Video equipment and advanced tools are often used to document and report findings. The working environment is varied and can be challenging and risky, as work takes place in water environments with limited visibility, flowing water, or extreme weather conditions. Safety procedures are always a top priority, and collaboration with other personnel on site is crucial for safe and efficient work.
Salary development over time
The salary for an inspection diver has shown steady growth over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,434 SEK per month, increasing slightly to 38 747 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 38 909 SEK per month. This development reflects a total increase of approximately 1.2 % over three years, indicating a relatively low but stable salary growth. The reasons for this slow increase are linked to the fact that inspection divers belong to a specialized but small occupational group with relatively constant demand, where salary setting is influenced by project-based employment and the overall construction and infrastructure market. Despite modest salary increases, the profession remains attractive due to its specialized skills and unique work environments.
Inspection diver salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 38 909 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 234 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Limited information, but salary levels may vary depending on project and location
Education and qualifications
To work as an inspection diver, both formal education and extensive practical experience are required. The profession is based on basic diving training with additional specialization in inspection and construction work. Certification in professional diving is mandatory, and courses in safety, technology, and materials knowledge are often required. Internships or trainee positions are common to gain experience in various work environments and inspection assignments.
- Formal education: Professional diving training (about 1–2 years)
- Certifications: Diving certificates class A/B and specialization in inspection diving
- Internships/trainee: Extensive practical training required during education
- Prerequisites: Good health and swimming ability, often high school diploma required
- Tips for choosing: Select training programs closely linked to the industry with opportunities for internships with established employers
Inspection divers combine advanced technical knowledge with physically demanding work environments that require high safety standards and teamwork. The profession often works closely with engineers and construction project managers, making communication skills just as important as practical diving skills.
Common benefits and compensations
Inspection divers are often offered competitive allowances for unsociable hours, per diems for work in other locations, as well as insurance and wellness contributions. Some employers also provide equipment, paid further training, or skill development in new techniques and safety procedures.
Competition and challenges
The competition in the profession of inspection divers is relatively low, as it requires both specialized training and physical and mental qualities to perform the tasks. The biggest challenges are the tough working environments, where safety risks and varying weather conditions can be strenuous. Project-based employment and seasonal variations often affect workload. Additionally, the profession requires ongoing training and certification updates to keep up with technological developments in the industry.
Tips for aspiring inspection divers
To succeed as an inspection diver, it’s good to be both meticulous and stress-resistant, as inspection tasks often involve quickly adapting to new environments and work situations. Good self-leadership helps take responsibility for safety, both for oneself and the team. Technical interest is a big advantage, especially when it comes to understanding and handling advanced equipment underwater. It’s also important to be communicative and attentive, as collaboration with colleagues and clients significantly impacts workflow. Being in good physical shape and having endurance are crucial for long working days in demanding environments. Flexibility and problem-solving skills facilitate handling unforeseen situations. Finally, actively seeking internships and networking within the industry helps build experience and contacts.
Key facts about inspection divers
- Education level: Professional diving training (1–2 years) with certification
- Work environment: Underwater, often in tough and varied environments
- Employment type: Project-based or employed by contracting companies
- Demand: 378 job openings within the profession (2024)
- Special skills: Material technology, safety, and technical reporting
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as an inspection diver, it is common to move into more advanced roles such as dive team leader, underwater inspection specialist, or project manager for larger construction projects. Some choose to further their education in engineering or safety related to underwater environments. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, demand for inspection divers is expected to remain stable, especially with increased investments in infrastructure and the need for maintenance of water-adjacent structures. The large number of job openings within the profession indicates good employment opportunities for qualified candidates.
Frequently asked questions about inspection divers
- What does an inspection diver earn?
- The average salary for an inspection diver is 38 909 SEK per month. - What education is required to become an inspection diver?
- Professional diving training and certification in inspection diving are necessary. - What is the working environment like for inspection divers?
- The work takes place underwater in varied and often demanding environments. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Salaries may vary depending on location and project scope. - What are the future prospects for inspection divers?
- The outlook is stable with many job openings in the profession. - What personal qualities are important?
- Attention to detail, stress tolerance, technical interest, and good teamwork skills are important qualities. - What does the job entail?
- Inspection, documentation, and reporting of underwater structures.
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 Inspection 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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