Saturation divers are among the highest-paid commercial divers due to the demanding and hazardous nature of their work. Their salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and specific skills.
- Entry-level saturation divers can earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, often working shorter contracts with limited experience
- Experienced saturation divers typically earn from $80,000 up to $150,000 or more per year, with some specialized skills like underwater welding or non-destructive testing increasing pay further
- Daily rates for saturation divers can be quite high; for example, in Australia, offshore saturation divers may earn around $3,000 per day or more
- In the U.S., saturation divers' hourly wages average around $23.84, with annual salaries often exceeding $100,000. Some reports indicate saturation divers can make over $500,000 annually, particularly in oil and gas sectors with "depth pay" bonuses
- Reddit accounts from saturation divers suggest typical annual earnings in the range of $150,000 to $250,000 depending on workload and contract specifics
Overall, saturation diving is a highly specialized and well-compensated profession, with pay reflecting the skill level, risk, and extended underwater working conditions involved