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Assistant Ship Fitter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Ship Fitter information

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$14

$25

$37

How much do assistant ship fitter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant ship fitter in the United States is $25.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a shipfitter a good job?

A shipfitter is a skilled tradesperson who repairs and maintains ships' structures, often working in shipyards or on vessels. The job typically requires physical strength, technical skills, and safety awareness, with opportunities for overtime and union benefits. It can offer stable employment and good wages for those with relevant training and experience.

Do you need experience to be a shipfitter?

For an assistant ship fitter position, prior experience is often preferred but not always required, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills in metalworking, welding, and reading blueprints can be helpful, and some employers may require a high school diploma or equivalent. Certifications in welding or safety may also improve job prospects.

How do I get into shipfitting?

To become an assistant ship fitter, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant technical training or apprenticeship programs. Gaining skills in welding, metalworking, and reading blueprints is important, and some employers may require certifications such as OSHA safety training. On-the-job training is common in this skilled trade, often starting with entry-level tasks in shipyards or marine repair facilities.

How does an Assistant Ship Fitter typically collaborate with other trades during a shipbuilding project?

Assistant Ship Fitters regularly work alongside welders, pipefitters, and engineers to ensure that metal components are accurately positioned and securely installed on ships. Collaboration often involves interpreting blueprints together, coordinating the sequence of tasks, and assisting with adjustments as designs evolve. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as projects require tight schedules and precision to meet safety and quality standards. This role offers a dynamic environment where learning from experienced tradespeople is common, helping assistants build valuable skills for career advancement in shipbuilding.

What is the difference between Assistant Ship Fitter vs Ship Fitter?

AspectAssistant Ship FitterShip Fitter
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, apprenticeship or technical training
Work EnvironmentAssists in shipbuilding, repair, and maintenancePerforms detailed fitting, welding, and assembly of ship components
Employer & IndustryShipyards, marine constructionShipyards, marine repair facilities

The main difference between an Assistant Ship Fitter and a Ship Fitter lies in experience and responsibilities. An Assistant Ship Fitter supports and assists with fitting tasks, often under supervision, while a Ship Fitter performs more complex fitting, welding, and assembly work independently. Both roles require similar credentials and are essential in shipbuilding and repair industries.

What are Assistant Ship Fitters?

Assistant Ship Fitters are skilled workers who help in the construction, maintenance, and repair of ships. They assist experienced ship fitters in measuring, cutting, shaping, and assembling metal parts of a ship’s structure. Their tasks may include handling tools, reading blueprints, and ensuring all components are securely installed. Assistant Ship Fitters often work in shipyards or docks, collaborating with welders, fabricators, and other tradespeople. This role requires a strong attention to detail, physical stamina, and knowledge of safety procedures.

What is the highest paying job in the shipyard?

In shipyards, the highest paying roles often include shipyard managers, project managers, and specialized trades such as marine engineers or welding supervisors. These positions typically require extensive experience, technical skills, and certifications, and they oversee complex projects or operations, commanding higher salaries than entry-level roles like assistant ship fitters.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Ship Fitter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Ship Fitter, you need basic knowledge of metalworking, blueprint reading, and hand and power tool operation, typically supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with welding equipment, cutting torches, and shipyard safety protocols is often essential. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring precision, safety, and efficiency in ship construction and repair projects.
What cities are hiring for Assistant Ship Fitter jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Ship Fitter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ship Fitter jobs? The most popular types of Ship Fitter jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Ship Fitter jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Ship Fitter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Assistant Ship Fitter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,672 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Shipfitter - Hiring Now

Continental Tide Defense System INC.

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assemble, modify, lay out, fabricate, repair, and install plates, shapes, and pipe as part of structural assemblies in ship alteration and repair.

  • Lay out, position, align, and fit structural metal parts according to blueprints and specifications.

  • Fabricate and assemble metal parts using tools such as welding equipment, torches, grinders, and cutting tools.


Job description

Job Description
Company Overview:
Continental Tide Defense Systems Inc. (Continental Tide) is headquartered in Reading, PA with additional locations in Philadelphia; San Diego, CA; Bremerton, WA and Norfolk, VA. We specialize in providing engineering and industrial services to the US Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other Department of Defense Organizations. At Continental Tide, we understand that a great company culture is one where employees know their voice is heard, no matter what their title is, and letting them grow in their role as the company does. We want to provide our employees with the opportunity to learn, be challenged and be in a position where they can succeed, develop new skills, and do things they wouldn't have the opportunity to do elsewhere. Our fast-paced and challenging environment, employees here at Continental Tide can catapult themselves to the top and we're looking for 'the best at what they do' to join our team and help us grow in new ways.
*Please note due to the anticipated volume of responses, we will contact only those candidates who most closely match our requirements. Only local candidates will be considered.
Job Overview:
Continental Tide is seeking an experienced and skilled Shipfitter for our Norfolk, VA office. The successful candidate will join our Fleet Services Group performing various ship repair, modernization and Alteration Installation Team (AIT) projects. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in structural fitting, blueprint reading, and fabrication work in a shipyard environment. Candidates must be safety-conscious, dependable, and able to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting.
Essential Duties & responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Utilize knowledge, skills, and abilities to assemble, modify, lay out, fabricate, repair, and install plates, shapes, and/or pipe as part of a structural assembly in ship alteration and repair.
  • Lay out, position, align, and fit structural metal parts according to blueprints and specifications.
  • Fabricate and assemble metal parts using tools such as welding equipment, torches, grinders, and cutting tools.
  • Interpret ship construction drawings and technical specifications to guide fabrication and installation.
  • Perform tack welding and assist certified welders as needed, ensuring proper alignment and fit-up of structural components per project requirements.
  • Inspect completed assemblies to ensure conformance to specifications and adherence to safety and environmental compliance standards.
  • Employ appropriate trade methods to ensure watertight integrity on metal hulls, including precise fitting and securing of components.
  • Manufacture and install interior and exterior structural items, such as bulkheads, foundations, and framing systems.
  • Repair, remove, and/or replace damaged ship structures and fittings, creating structural welds and fittings as needed.
  • Manufacture and install parts and assemblies from templates, ensuring accuracy and fit.
  • Prepare surfaces for welding, burning, and riveting; lay out holes for drilling using various hand, electric, and pneumatic tools.
  • Measure and verify dimensions using precision instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and tape measures.
  • Coordinate and arrange for the work of multiple trades based on technical work documents, blueprints, specifications, and written or oral instructions.

Experience and Skills
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred
  • Minimum 5-8 years of marine or industrial ship fitting experience required
  • Proficient in blueprint reading and layout techniques
  • Familiarity with welding, burning, and cutting tools
  • Ability to pass pre-employment physical and background check
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States
  • Ability to obtain & maintain a Secret clearance
  • Demonstrated reliability and punctuality; must be able to consistently report to work on time

Other Requirements
  • Must be able to read, write and comprehend simple instructions
  • Must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral or diagram form
  • Must be able to calculate and understand units of measure, including fractions and decimals
  • Must know how to measure using a scale and tape measure
  • Must be able to wear standard PPE and use basic ship fitting tool list
  • Must be able to withstand extreme temperatures & weather conditions

Licenses/Certifications Preferred But Not Required:
  • Weld Certification
  • Ultrasonic Impact Testing Treatment (UIT Treatment) - certification
  • Carbon steel certification
  • Passing grade on breaking test
  • Certification in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as manual metal arc welding (MMA or MMAW), flux shielded arc welding or informally as stick welding (manual arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode covered with a flux to lay the weld)
  • Certification in flux-cored arc welding (FCAW or FCA) (a semi-automatic or automatic arc welding process)
  • Tack Welding via the welding school
  • Preferred tack welding certification
  • Preferred SMAW and FCAW or FCA certifications

Physical Requirements:
  • Exposure to open-air environments, including noisy, hot, and cold conditions.
  • Required to visit project sites aboard ships and rigs, both onshore and offshore.
  • Must wear various types of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hearing, eye, head, and hand protection, as required.
  • Site visits may involve standing on a variety of surfaces and angles, bending, crouching, and climbing over obstructions such as scaffolding, ladders, and internal barge or boat structural components.
  • Exposure to sound levels exceeding 100 decibels.
  • Must possess sufficient visual acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception, and night vision to inspect marine components and systems, identify defects or irregularities, and safely operate tools and equipment.
  • May work in confined spaces with limited ventilation.
  • Requires prolonged periods of sedentary work, including sitting and/or standing.
  • May be required to operate machinery, power tools, and/or heavy equipment.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively to exchange and comprehend information.
  • Frequent exposure to extreme weather conditions, including high heat and extreme cold.
  • Must be able to lift and carry 30 lbs. or more, depending on the task requirements.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform the essential job duties satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of employee or others. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Job Benefits
Continental Tide offers an empowering professional environment in a culture that emphasizes teamwork, shared responsibility for company and client success, and personal growth. We offer competitive wages in salaried and hourly positions, educational opportunities, competitive employee benefit options, and 401K plan with company match.
Why Join Us?
At Continental Tide, we foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. By joining our team, you'll work on impactful projects supporting our nation's fleet, with opportunities to advance your career in a fast-paced and rewarding environment.
Apply Today:
If you're ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our mission to deliver quality solutions to the Fleet.
See all of our latest opportunities at www.continentaltide.com or follow us on our LinkedIn page at www.linkedin.com/company/continental-tide-defense-systems
Reasonable Accommodations Statement:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform the essential job duties satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of employee or others. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Continental Tide is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify and U.S. citizenship is required for most positions. Continental Tide prohibits discrimination against any protected class from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs. Consistent with these obligations, Continental Tide also provides reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
"This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans."