Commercial Divers vs. Maintenance and Repair Workers, General: Who Earns More?
Commercial Divers out-earn Maintenance and Repair Workers, General by $23K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Commercial Divers land at $72,990 and Maintenance and Repair Workers, General at $49,590. The education gap is real: commercial diver programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while maintenance and repair workers, general programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Commercial Divers is Washington ($161,800); for Maintenance and Repair Workers, General it's District of Columbia ($60,310).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Commercial Divers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Commercial Divers or Maintenance and Repair Workers, General?
Commercial Divers earn more nationally. The median is $72,990 for Commercial Divers versus $49,590 for Maintenance and Repair Workers, General, a difference of $23K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Commercial Divers or Maintenance and Repair Workers, General?
Commercial Divers has the better 10-year outlook at 8.5% projected growth, compared to 3.8% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Commercial Divers or Maintenance and Repair Workers, General?
Commercial Divers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Maintenance and Repair Workers, General requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Commercial Divers get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Commercial Divers at $161,800/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Commercial Divers vs. Maintenance and Repair Workers, General pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Commercial Divers earn $161,800 vs. $59,160 for Maintenance and Repair Workers, General. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.