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Apprentice Shipyard Painter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$36.77 - $43.26/hr

Colonna's Shipyard is seeking a Lead Mechanic Supervisor - Corrosion Control to support our ... Must have a Bachelors or Registered Apprentice (grad) or HS and at least 6 years related trade ...

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Training Program Manager

Portsmouth, VA ยท On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Office, Shipyard(s), Customer Facilities SUMMARY The Training Manager designs, administers, and ... Responsible for developing a variety of training programs outside of the apprentice track. Directly ...

Preservation Sandblaster

National City, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

SOUTH BAY SANDBLASTING & TANK CLEANING, INC. located in San Diego, CA shipyard related ... Remove dirt, paint, grease, and other built-up material from surfaces * Set up and operate a blast ...

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Apprentice Shipyard Painter information

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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.

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

The most popular types of Shipyard Painter jobs are:

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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.

Lead Mechanic Supervisor - Corrosion Control (Job ID: 1484)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

Chesapeake, VA โ€ข On-site

$36.77 - $43.26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Lead Mechanic Supervisor - Corrosion Control
Purpose:
Colonna's Shipyard is seeking a Lead Mechanic Supervisor - Corrosion Control to support our Dayshift operations in our Shipyard in Norfolk, VA.
Position Summary:
Position will support management with training and assignment of semi-skilled and skilled trades personnel according to their ability, experience, and job knowledge in support and execution of production goals in ship repair/industrial fabrication operations.
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 occasional travel.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities include:
  • Primary duty is to execute routine (and non-routine) production duties in support of operational goals and in compliance with Company procedures and policies.
  • Performs skilled tasking (relative to their assigned trade) in the maintenance, repair, installation/removal, new construction, etc. activities supporting ship repair/industrial fabrication operations.
  • Supports management to facilitate daily production activities of the team and helps ensure employees (assigned to their work crew) have all necessary tools, equipment, work procedures, etc. to work safely and efficiently.
  • May assist management with timekeeping validation, training, performance management, coaching/counselling, supervision, etc. for employees assigned to their work crews.
  • Breaks broader production requirements down to practical action plans to support safety, quality, cost, and schedule goals while providing constant monitoring of job sites.
  • Utilizing their production knowledge, make recommendations to support Plan of the Day (POD) for their assigned projects and utilizing their assigned resources to efficiently achieve operational requirements of projects.
  • Evaluates job sites and work environments prior to work starting to ensure safe project set ups and efficient work evolutions.
  • Responsible for understanding and complying with all technical aspects of the job including adherence to all contract requirements, drawings, procedures/work instructions, etc.
  • Manage, supervise, and direct the day-to-day efforts of the Corrosion Control employees.
  • 75-80% of the time will be spent aboard ship or in the shop supervising staff.

Additionally, position will:
  • Review project specifications/SOWs and support creation of requisitions of all needed materials in accordance with contract requirements and associated references.
  • Generate and submits production reports to management (to include condition and surveillance reports, operational briefs, executed quality checks, etc.) meeting all technical/customer reporting requirements.
  • Support management in ensuring tools/resources are mobilized and demobilized from project appropriately, providing updates on damaged or lost equipment.
  • Initiates QA/Customer call out and attends/executes TIP inspections.
  • May serve as backup/makeup to supervisor, as needed.
  • Provides input to management and project teams to support schedule, progress, ETC/EAC updates for all projects assigned to them.

Required Qualifications:
  • Must have a Bachelors or Registered Apprentice (grad) or HS and at least 6 years related trade experience (in the trade to be supervised).
  • Must have the ability to understand job specifications, drawings, and corresponding technical references.
  • Must be able to work effectively with others.
  • Must be steady, flexible, reliable worker.

Preferred Skilled/Qualifications:
  • Some previous supervisory/mentoring experience (such as make-up supervisor)
  • NBPI Certification (NAVSEA basic paint inspector) preferred.
  • C-7 (Abrasive Blaster) Certification preferred.
  • C-12 (Airless Spray Applicator) Certification preferred.
  • C-13 (Ultra- High-Pressure water-jetting) Certification preferred.
  • C-14 (Plural Component Pump operator/Sprayer) Certification preferred.

Security Requirements:
  • Must be able to access government facilities and be DBIDS eligible.
  • Position requires US Citizenship.

Travel Requirements:
  • Minimal Travel; 10% or less.

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.
  • May ride ships at sea for extended periods
  • 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
  • Frequent use of respirator.
  • Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.

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: $36.77 - $43.26
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)