Installation & Repair · SOC 49-9092
Commercial diving combines physical danger, underwater inspection, and technical judgment — AI can analyze photos and data but cannot dive.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: ROVs are taking over some inspection work in accessible areas now, but complex manual work and tight-space access ensure human divers remain essential through 2035.
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$78,680 median pay
$45,320 median pay
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AI job-risk card
Commercial Divers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Commercial Divers is 18/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
18 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Taking underwater photographs and test samples for surface analysis, Dive logging and safety documentation, Surface communication and record keeping. Harder to automate: Physical inspection of submerged structures with hands, Underwater welding, cutting, and repair operations, Equipment maintenance and pre-dive safety checks, Supervising and training less-experienced divers.
Lean into Underwater welding and wet/dry cutting certification, ROV operation and underwater photographic documentation, Hyperbaric safety and decompression protocols, Non-destructive testing (NDT) underwater. Consider roles such as Dive supervisor or dive safety officer or ROV (remotely operated vehicle) pilot or Offshore inspection specialist.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.