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- Water divers salary
Water divers salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
29 500 - 41 700 SEK / month
Women earn 94% of what men do.
Säkerhetsarbete
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Salary progression Water divers
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 36 400 SEK per month, which increased to 37 400 in 2023, representing an increase of approximately 3.7%. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 38 500 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: 38 500 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 94% of men's wages (men: 38 700 SEK, women: 36 400 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.
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: 38 500 SEK/month
- Education requirements: Vocational diving training and certification
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 94% 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 38 500 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 94% 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31300 kr | 33500 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 35000 kr | 36000 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 37300 kr | 38100 kr |
| 45-54 | 39100 kr | 40100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 40300 kr | 41900 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 37500 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31300 kr | 33400 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 35000 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 37300 kr | 38000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 39200 kr | 40000 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40400 kr | 41700 kr |
| 65-68 | 38700 kr | 42900 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 37500 kr | 38400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 27000 kr | 29700 kr |
| 25-34 | 31200 kr | 34700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 32200 kr | 35000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32500 kr | 34300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34900 kr | 35000 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 30000 kr | 32800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 32800 kr | 34700 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 35100 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 37400 kr | 38000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 39200 kr | 40100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40500 kr | 41800 kr |
| 65-68 | 38800 kr | 42600 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 37600 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 37500 kr | 41500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 37500 kr | 41500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31400 kr | 33600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 35000 kr | 36000 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 37400 kr | 38200 kr |
| 45-54 | 39200 kr | 40200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 40300 kr | 41900 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 37600 kr | 38700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31300 kr | 33500 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 35000 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 37400 kr | 38100 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 39300 kr | 40100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40400 kr | 41700 kr |
| 65-68 | 38700 kr | 42900 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 37600 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 27100 kr | 29800 kr |
| 25-34 | 31500 kr | 34400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 32600 kr | 35700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32500 kr | 34300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34900 kr | 35000 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 30400 kr | 33100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 32900 kr | 34800 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 35100 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 37500 kr | 38100 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 39300 kr | 40100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40500 kr | 41800 kr |
| 65-68 | 38800 kr | 42600 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 37700 kr | 38600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 37500 kr | 41700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 37500 kr | 41700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 35100 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 36400 kr | 36700 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 35600 kr | 36400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31200 kr | 33200 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 35100 kr | 35600 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 36300 kr | 36600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 36900 kr | 38400 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 41000 kr | 41000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 35500 kr | 36200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 26500 kr | 29000 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 27300 kr | 30800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 32500 kr | 34400 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 35200 kr | 35600 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 36400 kr | 36700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 36900 kr | 38400 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 41000 kr | 41000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 35800 kr | 36400 kr |
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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