What You Can Expect To Spend

The curriculum for commercial diver training is offered in a wide variety of programs. But while the locations and setup may vary, the tuition costs and length of the training are similar in most cases. Here are some of the typical costs:

• $8,000 - minimum 8-week training program for obtaining certification
• $12,000 - more extensive training over 16 weeks
• $15,000 to $20,000 - out of state tuition costs for a two-year college program towards Associate of Science degree in marine diving technologies

Keep in mind that in addition to these tuition costs, you will also need to pay for rent, food, transportation and other living expenses.

Diving As A Career

Traditionally, upon graduation the students will begin their new careers as “tenders,” with starting salaries ranging between $18,000 and $35,000. The responsibilities that go with this entry-level position include- assisting in dressing/undressing divers, tracking divers locations, recording dive data, warning off boat traffic, and a host of other tasks.

Once you’ve paid your dues, the amount of money a diver can earn will vary. The time it will take to advance from the lower paying tender to the higher paying diving position will depend on several factors including the location of the job (East/West/Gulf coast, International, etc.), the size of the company, if a diver is a union member, and the specific kind of job the diver is working on (inland or offshore).

Under the right conditions, salary increases could average $10,000 to $15,000 per year. The top salary a veteran professional can earn is usually in the $60,000 to $100,000 range.