Explore Careers
Divers
What do Divers do in the Military?
Where do Divers work?
Divers work under water. However, they plan and prepare for work on land or aboard ships. Because diving is not usually a full-time job, divers often have another job specialty in which they work.
How much do they make?
Median Military Salary
This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
$73,528
Military Salary Range
This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
$23,396 - $331,665
How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Set based on rank and years of service.
- Paid every month.
Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.
- Tax-free payments.
- Varies by location and family status.
Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.
- Based on specialized roles.
- Varies by position and duty.
What training do Divers gain in the Military?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for divers consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction, including practice in diving and repair work. Training content varies depending on specialty and may include:
- Water adaptability
- Air and mixed gas diving
- Use and maintenance of tools and diving equipment
- Underwater welding and cutting
- Use of explosives for underwater demolition
- Recompression chamber operations
- Ship maintenance repair and salvage
Military Training for Officers
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree. All officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
What skills help Divers succeed?
- A high degree of self-reliance
- Ability to stay calm under stress
- Interest in underwater diving
What are possible career paths after the Military?
- Commercial Divers
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
- Motorboat Operators
- Captains, Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels