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Apprentice Shipyard Painter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Painter Blaster Journeyman

Everett, WA · On-site

$33.90 - $35.70/hr

Meet environmental requirements and best Shipyard practices in acquisition, application, removal ... Share your knowledge in the trade with other employees, especially those in learning or apprentice ...

Painter Blaster Journeyman

Everett, WA · On-site

$33.90 - $35.70/hr

Meet environmental requirements and best Shipyard practices in acquisition, application, removal ... Share your knowledge in the trade with other employees, especially those in learning or apprentice ...

Preservation Painter

National City, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

SOUTH BAY SANDBLASTING & TANK CLEANING, INC. located in San Diego, CA shipyard related ... A., Technical/Vocational trade school, or apprenticeship Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

Meet environmental requirements and best Shipyard practices in acquisition, application, removal ... Share your knowledge in the trade with other employees, especially those in learning or apprentice ...

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... Marine Painters Insulators Sheet Metal Mechanics HVAC Mechanics Shipboard Carpenters ... Relevant trade certifications or completion of a recognized apprenticeship program. What We Offer ...

Marine Painter

Pearl, IL · On-site

$21.26 - $32.02/hr

... shipyard work. * Apply and remove various paint coatings on ships and non-nuclear components ... as an APPRENTICE MASTER TITLE (any industry) in learning a trade or craft, or can give written ...

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Apprentice Shipyard Painter information

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$12

$18

$24

How much do apprentice shipyard painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice shipyard painter in the United States is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an apprentice shipyard painter do?

An Apprentice Shipyard Painter assists experienced painters in preparing and painting ships and ship components. Their tasks typically include surface preparation, such as sanding and cleaning, applying primers and paints using brushes, rollers, or spray equipment, and learning about safety procedures and proper handling of painting materials. Apprentices gain hands-on experience and technical knowledge under supervision, progressing toward becoming fully qualified shipyard painters.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice shipyard painters, and how can they be overcome?

Apprentice shipyard painters often encounter challenges such as working in confined or elevated spaces, managing exposure to hazardous materials, and adapting to varying weather conditions. To overcome these, it's important to strictly follow safety protocols, use personal protective equipment, and communicate proactively with more experienced team members. Building strong teamwork skills and seeking mentorship can also help apprentices quickly adapt to the unique demands of shipyard environments and grow their technical abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice shipyard painter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Shipyard Painter, you need a basic understanding of surface preparation, painting techniques, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools such as spray guns, sandblasters, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential, and OSHA safety certification is often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work well in teams are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure high-quality work, workplace safety, and effective collaboration in demanding shipyard environments.

What is the difference between Apprentice Shipyard Painter vs Shipyard Painter?

AspectApprentice Shipyard PainterShipyard Painter
CredentialsBasic high school diploma, on-the-job trainingExperience in painting, certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised tasksFull responsibility for painting projects in shipyards
Job RoleAssists and learns painting techniques under supervisionPerforms painting, surface preparation, and finishing tasks independently

The main difference is that an Apprentice Shipyard Painter is in training and works under supervision, focusing on learning skills, while a Shipyard Painter is experienced and handles painting projects independently. Apprentices develop their skills before advancing to full painter roles.

More about Apprentice Shipyard Painter jobs

What cities are hiring for Apprentice Shipyard Painter jobs?

Cities with the most Apprentice Shipyard Painter job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Shipyard Painter jobs?

The most popular types of Shipyard Painter jobs are:

What states have the most Apprentice Shipyard Painter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Apprentice Shipyard Painter jobs include:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Shipyard Painter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,870 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Craft Apprentice (Job ID: 1448)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Craft Apprentice
Purpose:
Colonna's Shipyard, Inc. is seeking interested candidates to join our Craft Apprenticeship! We offer a comprehensive program for motivated individuals interested in starting careers in the ship repair and industrial fabrication industries.
About the Apprenticeship Program:
Colonna's Apprenticeship Program combines college-level technical instruction with on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced educators, skilled tradespeople, and industry leaders.
Being a Colonna's Apprentice takes dedication and commitment. Through the established pathway, apprentices navigate through educational requirements and hands-on experience, resulting in a journeyworker's card and in-demand industry experience and credentials.
This opportunity allows emerging professionals to earn while they learn and join the next generation of skilled tradespeople. For questions or additional information about the program, please contact us at Talent@ColonnaShip.com.
We offer apprenticeship opportunities in multiple trades pathways.
Particular pathway availability will be discussed during the information session. Info session available once adequate VPT results have been submitted.
The position is located onsite in Norfolk, VA and will often require hours beyond a standard work week with flexible schedule availability to support production/operations. Position may require limited travel.
*Current Apprentice Openings:
Outside Machine Shop
Paint Shop
Gas Free
Rigging
*Availability is subject to change.
Program Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be a United States Citizen and at least 18 years of age or older.
  • Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
  • Must submit Virginia Placement Test (VPT) results dated within the last 12 months to nrogers@colonnaship.com. To be eligible for an interview, the "Placement based upon results" must say:
    • For Math: Eligible for MAT 111
    • For English: Eligible for ENF 3, EDE 11 or ENG 111.
  • Must demonstrate a reasonable amount of mechanical aptitude including the ability to read a ruler and perform accurate measurement.
  • Must successfully pass a background check and be able to obtain/maintain access credentials to include DBIDS (for various base and shipyard access).
  • Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug and physical screening.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 20 lbs.
  • Must be physically agile to perform tasks in naval ships. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces, including enter and moving through manholes.
  • Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels.
  • Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment.
  • Employee is required to operate trucks, forklifts & man-lifts.
  • While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk & sit; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, squat, kneel, twist and crawl.
  • Work in extreme temperatures and conditions. At times you will work in areas that have less adequate ventilation.
  • Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.
  • Position may require frequent use of respirator.

Benefits:
  • Colonna's Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurance, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family - These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.
Colonna's Shipyard, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Additionally, Colonna's Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurances, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
Pay Range: Position starts at $18.00
Determination of base salary considers various factors, including but not limited to scope of responsibility, candidate's relative and specific experience, education level, key skills, as well as other business considerations. The company also provides a variety of benefits to support employees' best health and wellness. Additionally, the company offers a 401k retirement program with match, paid holidays, and competitive paid time off (PTO)