How much does a Water divers make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Water divers

Water divers

37 400 kr

Firefighters

29 800 - 41 300 kr / month

Women earn 93% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Water divers

Average salary 37 400 kr
Males 37 600 kr
Females 34 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 15 Vacant jobs ->

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

A commercial diver performs advanced underwater tasks, often in environments requiring special safety equipment and specialized skills. Tasks may include inspecting bridge foundations, rescue operations, repairs, salvage, and maintenance of hydroelectric plants and other underwater structures. Commercial divers work in both freshwater and saltwater, sometimes in strong currents or murky and hazardous environments. The work demands high physical endurance, technical skill, and meticulousness, as each operation often involves potential risks and strict adherence to safety regulations.

Salary development over time

The profession of commercial diving has shown steady salary increases over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34 900 SEK per month, which increased to 36 200 in 2023, representing an increase of approximately 3.7%. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 37 400 SEK, amounting to a total increase of about 7.2% over the three-year period. Salary growth has been influenced by the general demand for qualified divers in infrastructure projects and safety work, as well as increased requirements for certifications and specialized knowledge. Although the profession falls under the firefighters’ occupational group, where statistics are collected, there is a clear trend of increased valuation of this specialized skill set in the labor market.

Commercial diver salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 37 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,800 SEK/month (female, public sector, secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 41,300 SEK/month (male, private sector)
  • Hourly wage: 225 SEK/hour
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 93% of men's wages (men: 37 600 SEK, women: 34 900 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a commercial diver, specialized vocational training in diving is required, often supplemented with certifications and practical experience. The training includes both theoretical and practical components, with a strong emphasis on safety, technical equipment, and rescue simulations. Physical tests and medical examinations are common, as the work demands high physical and mental resilience.

  • Formal education: Vocational diving training, approximately 1 year
  • Certifications: Swedish professional diver certificates (e.g., S30, A40)
  • Practical training: Mandatory internship during training
  • Prerequisites: Secondary education, swimming proficiency, and good health
  • Additional courses: Specializations such as rescue diving or inspection techniques

Many commercial divers work in teams where underwater communication is facilitated through special radio systems, requiring both technical skills and the ability to collaborate under pressure.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Commercial divers often have access to benefits such as additional insurance, wellness allowances, and extra pay for inconvenient working hours or risky assignments. Compensation for on-call duties, training, and specialized missions may also be provided, along with opportunities for skill development and further education in safety and technology.

Competition and challenges

The job market for commercial divers is characterized by a limited number of positions and high skill requirements. Competition for the most attractive assignments can be intense, especially within large infrastructure projects and specialized rescue operations. Challenges in the profession include not only physical and technical demands but also psychological pressure from working underwater in potentially dangerous environments. Continuous training and certification are common, and workplace accidents and health risks must be managed with utmost seriousness. Fluctuations in the construction and infrastructure sectors also affect demand for divers over time.

Tips for aspiring commercial divers

To succeed as a commercial diver, it is beneficial to combine technical skills with good physical condition and stress resilience. Building endurance and swimming proficiency provides an important advantage during training, while the ability to work carefully and methodically under pressure is crucial. Being attentive to safety procedures and able to make quick decisions in unexpected situations are key to thriving in the profession. An interest in technology and a willingness to continuously upgrade skills contribute to long-term development. For those who are social and communicative, the opportunity to collaborate effectively with colleagues above and below the water increases. Engagement and a sense of responsibility are qualities appreciated by employers in this specialized field.

Key facts about commercial divers

  • Average salary: 37 400 SEK/month
  • Education requirements: Vocational diving training and certification
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 93% of men's wages
  • Work environment: Underwater, often hazardous and physically demanding
  • Available jobs in the profession: 191 positions (2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a commercial diver can advance to leadership roles such as dive supervisor, site manager, or instructor in diving safety. Specializations in inspection diving, rescue diving, or working with advanced underwater technology are common. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for the firefighter occupational group, there is no separate assessment for the future prospects of commercial divers, but about 191 jobs were available within the group in 2024. The labor market is expected to be relatively stable, but demand for assignments may vary depending on societal infrastructure projects and regional needs. Continuing education and broadening skills increase opportunities for career development within the profession.

Common questions about commercial divers

  • What is the average salary of a commercial diver?
    - The average salary is 37 400 SEK per month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a commercial diver?
    - The highest salary is 41,300 SEK and the lowest is 29,800 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a commercial diver?
    - Vocational diving certification is required, along with a medical examination and practical training.
  • Is there a salary difference between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 93% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the job market outlook for commercial divers?
    - There are 191 available jobs, but specific forecasts are lacking.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Good physical fitness, stress tolerance, technical interest, and a sense of responsibility are especially important.
  • What is the typical hourly wage for a commercial diver?
    - The hourly wage is 225 SEK.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-07 11:47:58

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Water divers is 41300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a data missing. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 37000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Water divers is 29800 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 30500 kr 32400 kr
25-34 97% 33800 kr 34700 kr
35-44 97% 36200 kr 37100 kr
45-54 37900 kr 39100 kr
55-64 39200 kr 40800 kr
Snitt 93% 36300 kr 37400 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Water divers has the SSYK code 5411, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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