The Average Income Of A Golf Ball Diver Will Make You Pause

After a shot, a golf ball can end up in many different places. If the ball disappears into a nearby pond or lake, a golf ball diver is needed to retrieve it. While plunging into murky ponds in order to hunt for lost golf balls isn't necessarily the most common way to earn a living, golf ball divers can make a decent income for their work, if not quite on the level of the highest-paying American jobs. Many golf ball divers operate as independent contractors, and either pay a fee to the course for access, or agree to split a portion of the sale of the retrieved balls with the course. Once recovered, the balls are cleaned and sold to distributors or retailers. Divers can make between 6 and 12 cents per ball sold, with seasoned divers recovering thousands of balls in a single session. This can work out to between $30 to $60 per hour — meaning a diver working with multiple courses can realistically earn several thousand dollars a month.

With that said, according to Indeed, the average annual income of a diver in 2025 is about $52,000. It's worth noting that this figure is not exclusive to golf ball divers but reflects diving professionals broadly. Also, this varies by location, with divers in states like Florida earning around $94,000. While working as a golf ball diver is one of the many well-paying jobs that don't require a degree, divers still must meet certain requirements before starting.

A scuba diving certification is the primary requirement for golf ball divers. To get certified, divers can join an accredited scuba diving program, or attend on-the-job training if a employer offers it. Scuba diving courses vary in cost depending on type and location. For example, classes cost between $465 and $620 at the Denver Divers and Swim School of Denver. In coastal states like California and Florida, dive shops typically charge between $300 and $700 for these courses. 

During training, divers receive guidance and instruction in underwater navigation, low-visibility diving, and search and recovery — a key element of being a golf ball diver. Because of the challenging work environment, which can include adverse conditions like low visibility as well as the dangers of wildlife and submerged objects, divers must also be trained in first aid and dive rescue – which can be an additional expense. In addition to proper training, golf ball divers need scuba gear and equipment, which are essential for navigating safely underwater. A full set of gear can cost anywhere from $800 and $5,000, depending on the brand and quality. While some things should only ever be purchased brand new, you might be surprised to find that used scuba gear can be a great way to save new divers money — but it's essential to have them inspected for safety before use.