Rescue divers

What does a rescue diver do? – Tasks and work environment

A rescue diver works performing dives during rescue operations where persons or objects need to be located and recovered underwater. Tasks include search and rescue operations, responding to accidents and disasters, and maintaining diving equipment. The environment is often demanding and can involve working under stressful and dangerous conditions with varying water conditions and temperatures. Safety and precision are crucial to minimize risks in this profession.

Salary development over time

Rescue divers have experienced a positive salary development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34 900 SEK per month, which increased to 36 200 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 37 400 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.2% over the period. This trend can be explained by increased demand for specialized rescue services, higher skill requirements, and general salary adjustments within the firefighting profession. Continued focus on safety and training also contributes to raising salary levels in the field.

Rescue diver salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 37 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,800 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 41,300 SEK/month (male, private sector)
• Hourly wage: 225 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 34 900 SEK, men earn 37 600 SEK, women earn 93% of men's salary
• Regional differences: Data is missing or limited

Training and qualifications

Training for rescue divers requires specialized diving education and basic firefighter training. Qualifications include certifications in professional diving and practical experience from rescue services.

• Formal qualifications: Firefighter training, often at upper secondary level with additional training in diving
• Certifications/courses: Professional diver certificates and safety training
• Internship/trainee: Practical experience within rescue services and diving operations
• Prerequisites: Good physical health and swimming skills
• Tips for choosing: Select training focusing on safety and practical skills

Common benefits and compensations

Rescue divers are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, health insurance, and holiday pay. The work may also include overtime compensation during shifts and standby duties, as well as opportunities for further training and career development within rescue services.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a rescue diver is specialized with relatively few training places, which results in moderate competition in the job market. Challenges include working under physically and mentally demanding conditions, maintaining high safety standards, and making quick decisions in stressful situations. Good teamwork and collaboration skills are essential for success in rescue operations.

Tips for those who want to become rescue divers

To succeed as a rescue diver, it is beneficial to have strong physical endurance and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Developing technical skills through careful training and being prepared for continuous competence development is important. Good teamwork skills facilitate work in teams during rescue missions, while problem-solving abilities help when unexpected situations arise. Being meticulous and safety-conscious is crucial to minimize risks in underwater environments. An practical tip is to engage early in swimming and diving training to build a solid foundation before specialized education.

Key facts about rescue divers

• Education level: Upper secondary firefighter training with specialization in diving
• Salary range: 29,800–41,300 SEK/month
• Work environment: Physically demanding and often stressful underwater environment
• Work form: Shift work with standby and response to accidents
• Demand: Stable within firefighting with about 191 job openings in security and surveillance

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a rescue diver, there are opportunities to advance to specialist roles within rescue services, such as instructor or incident commander. Some choose to broaden their competence in safety and crisis management or move on to other technical specializations. The Employment Service's forecasts for the firefighting profession do not provide specific assessments for rescue divers but show a stable labor market with several available positions. The profession requires high competence and good physical health, which often results in recruitment from well-trained and motivated candidates.

Common questions about rescue divers

• What does a rescue diver earn?
  - The average salary is approximately 37 400 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and employment type.
• What training is required to become a rescue diver?
  - Basic firefighter training and specialized diving certification are required.
• What is the work environment like for a rescue diver?
  - The work often takes place in demanding and sometimes dangerous underwater environments under high stress.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 93% of men's salary.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Physical endurance, calmness under pressure, and good teamwork skills are important qualities.
• What are the future prospects?
  - The profession has stable future prospects within firefighting with several job openings.