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Boat Building Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

BOATBUILDER

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$36.32/hr

Building wooden boat furniture such as tables, desks, chairs, cabinets, and lockers. * Laminating, veneering, plastic overlaying, steam bending, and grain matching wood working materials.

Apprentice Marine (Technician)

Hampton, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

SHM teammates are committed to thinking critically, providing outstanding service and building ... Using diagnostic equipment, test and repair boat engines, hulls, propellers, rigging, masts, sails ...

Apprentice Marine (Technician)

Hampton, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

SHM teammates are committed to thinking critically, providing outstanding service and building ... Using diagnostic equipment, test and repair boat engines, hulls, propellers, rigging, masts, sails ...

Marine Carpenter (Technician)

Hampton, VA · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

SHM teammates are committed to thinking critically, providing outstanding service and building ... Knowledge of wooden boat construction and repair techniques * Ability to assess the quality of ...

Marine Carpenter (Technician)

Hampton, VA · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

SHM teammates are committed to thinking critically, providing outstanding service and building ... Knowledge of wooden boat construction and repair techniques * Ability to assess the quality of ...

Showing results 21-40

Boat Building information

See Virginia salary details

$27.8K

$97.3K

$146.7K

How much do boat building jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat building in Virginia is $97,304.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a boat building?

A Boat Building job involves constructing, repairing, and maintaining boats using materials such as wood, fiberglass, or metal. Boat builders work with blueprints, tools, and machinery to assemble hulls, decks, and interiors. They may specialize in certain types of boats, such as sailboats, yachts, or commercial vessels. Skills in carpentry, welding, and fiberglass work are often required. This job can be performed in boatyards, manufacturing facilities, or custom workshops.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in boat building?

A typical day in boat building often involves reading design plans, preparing or shaping materials like wood or fiberglass, assembling components, and conducting quality checks to ensure safety and functionality. Employees may work individually on specialized tasks or as part of a team to bring various sections of a vessel together. The work environment can range from small artisan workshops to large shipyards, with an emphasis on both hands-on craftsmanship and project deadlines. Throughout the day, boat builders frequently collaborate with engineers, designers, and quality assurance staff to address challenges and maintain construction standards. This dynamic environment offers problem-solving opportunities and the satisfaction of seeing tangible progress on marine vessels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in boat building, and why are they important?

To excel in Boat Building, a strong background in woodworking, metalworking, and marine engineering is typically required, often with experience or education in marine trades or vocational programs. Familiarity with tools such as saws, sanders, CAD design software, and, in some cases, relevant safety certifications are crucial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are valuable soft skills in this field. Mastery of these skills ensures precision crafting, structural integrity, and efficient collaboration throughout the boat construction process.

How do you get into boat building?

To become a boat builder, gaining experience through vocational training, apprenticeships, or technical education in woodworking, fiberglass, or marine systems is essential. Developing skills in blueprint reading, carpentry, and working with tools is important, and some positions may require relevant certifications or a background in construction or engineering.

How much money can you make building boats?

Boat builders typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the vessels they construct. Skilled workers with certifications or specialized tools may earn higher wages, especially in larger or custom boat manufacturing facilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Building jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Boat Building jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Boat Building jobs in Virginia?

For Boat Building jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Boat Building jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Boat Building jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Boat Building job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,304 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Engineering Technician II (842)

Reliance Test & Technology

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Overview
Duties/General Functions/Requirements/ Experience/Skills:
  • Provide support to the Atlantic Targets and Marine Operations Division both on the east and west coast.
  • Responsibilities to include boat operations, maintenance on both mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Shipboard support to include knowledge of launching and recovery of small boats.
  • Applicant must be able to perform said duties with minimal supervision.
  • Position will be a part of an established Marine Operations division that supports multiple other systems on a variety of projects nationwide.
  • Candidate can expect to be trained to participate in functions beyond normal operations.
  • Ability to travel 40-50% of the year, from one to six weeks at a time.
  • Ability to obtain a passport.
  • Possess valid state driver's license, Commercial Driver License is a plus.
  • Physically capable of transferring between vessels at sea.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Basic Microsoft Office proficiency
  • Minimum general mechanical and boat operations experience as follows:
    • Tech II - 2 Years
  • General knowledge of boat operations, mechanical and electrical operating system.
  • Experience with driving pickup trucks with trailers on the road and in enclosed or limited spaces.
  • The employees can expect to work varying hours due to our customers' requirements. We often operate the boats at night and frequently leave shore in the pre-dawn hours to arrive at our required location on time.

Education Required:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent. Trade school training a plus.
  • Professional certifications/licenses a plus

Work Conditions:
The working conditions at our main building will vary from sitting a desk submitting data, reports, and completing work orders in a data base to working in the shops (Engine& Engine Rebuild Shop, metal shop, wood shop, paint booth, Electrical/Electronic Shop, to include Micro Mini repair Facility, Target Shop, Trailer Shop and various administrative / support rooms and warehouse spaces. The employees operate small boats in both our local waters and offshore in the fleet operating areas. The environmental conditions will vary due to the nature of the requirements.
  • U S Citizenship required and ability to obtain a US DoD Interim Secret Security clearance. Ability to maintain clearance throughout employment.
  • All candidates will be required to pass a Drug Screening.

****InDyne is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability needing special accommodations to the application process please call our Human Resources department.
InDyne is a full-service military, civilian and commercial operations company. Our Mission is to provide tailored cost effective, quality services and solutions. Our Vision is to exceed customer expectations by delivering results through agility, flexibility and responsiveness. Our Core Values include integrity, trust and loyalty.