How to become a Diver

Swims underwater to undertake tasks such as seafood gathering, research, salvage and construction.

Main tasks

• Plans and prepares for diving operations, including assessing risks and determining appropriate equipment and techniques
• Inspects and maintains diving equipment
• Enters water and swims underwater to perform tasks such as seafood gathering, research, salvage and construction
• Uses tools and equipment underwater to complete tasks
• Monitors and records data and observations during underwater tasks
• Follows safety procedures and protocols to ensure personal safety and the safety of others

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Aquaculture (SFI30119); Certificate III in Fishing Operations (SFI30219)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $105,872 a year
• About 24,900 people work in this job group now, and about 28,300 are projected by 2035. (+13.9%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Diver?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Aquaculture; Certificate III in Fishing Operations.

How much does a Diver earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $105,872 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Diver a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2035, from about 24,900 to about 28,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Diver?

Usually not. Only 14% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Aquaculture; Certificate III in Fishing Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Diver?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04