1

Boat Building Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Pipefitter, Level 3

Manitowoc, WI ยท On-site

$28.06 - $33.75/hr

Pipefitters are expected to do all piping related functions associated with boat building. This includes, but is not limited to building and/or installing systems such as: fresh water, salt water ...

Pipefitter, Level 4

Manitowoc, WI ยท On-site

$31.05 - $35.77/hr

Pipefitters are expected to do all piping related functions associated with boat building. This includes, but is not limited to building and/or installing systems such as: fresh water, salt water ...

Mechanic, Level 4

Manitowoc, WI ยท On-site

$27.14 - $32.68/hr

SUMMARY: Mechanics are expected to work on all mechanical systems associated with boat building. This includes, but is not limited to installing, aligning and commissioning propulsion systems ...

Mechanic, Level 3

Manitowoc, WI ยท On-site

$23 - $29.50/hr

SUMMARY: Mechanics are expected to work on all mechanical systems associated with boat building. This includes, but is not limited to installing, aligning and commissioning propulsion systems ...

Maintenance, Level 3

Manitowoc, WI ยท On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Maintenance employees are expected to perform all preventative maintenance and maintenance-related functions associated with a boat building yard. This includes, but is not limited to repairing ...

Assembler

Richfield, WI ยท On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Previous experience in boat building, manufacturing, or mechanical assembly is a plus. Proficiency with hand and power tools. Ability to read and understand technical work instructions. Strong ...

Be Seen First

One or more years of experience in fiberglass fabrication, composites, boat building, tank manufacturing, or a related industry preferred. * Knowledge of fiberglass lay-up, laminating, rolling, and ...

Carpenter, Level 4

Manitowoc, WI ยท On-site

$29.90 - $35.32/hr

Carpenters are expected to do all joinery-related functions associated with boat building. This includes, but is not limited to, building and/or installing: floors, partitions, ceilings, insulation ...

Carpenter, Level 3

Manitowoc, WI ยท On-site

$25.76 - $32.50/hr

Carpenters are expected to do all joinery-related functions associated with boat building. This includes, but is not limited to, building and/or installing: floors, partitions, ceilings, insulation ...

Be Seen First

Winter time is spent doing repairs on wood docks and boat lifts and building boat lifts for the next season. Spring, Summer, and Fall are spent on the water installing and repairing boat lifts and ...

Team building and promote interdepartmental relationships. * Work directly with techs to coordinate all boat and trailer movement. * Attend instructional courses as needed Sales & Customer Relations

New

Team building and promote interdepartmental relationships. * Work directly with techs to coordinate all boat and trailer movement. * Attend instructional courses as needed Sales & Customer Relations

Be Seen First

Winter time is spent doing repairs on wood docks and boat lifts and building boat lifts for the next season. Spring, Summer, and Fall are spent on the water installing and repairing boat lifts and ...

Team building and promote interdepartmental relationships. * Work directly with techs to coordinate all boat and trailer movement. * Attend instructional courses as needed Sales & Customer Relations

Team building and promote interdepartmental relationships. * Work directly with techs to coordinate all boat and trailer movement. * Attend instructional courses as needed Sales & Customer Relations

Team building and promote interdepartmental relationships. * Work directly with techs to coordinate all boat and trailer movement. * Attend instructional courses as needed Sales & Customer Relations

Pier & Lift Crew Member

Elkhorn, WI ยท On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Key ResponsibilitiesAssist with building, repairing, servicing, and removing piers and boat lifts at assigned locationsDrive and haul boats as needed for marina and service operationsWork comfortably ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Boat Building information

See Wisconsin salary details

$28.3K

$99.1K

$149.4K

How much do boat building jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat building in Wisconsin is $99,064.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,700.00 and $121,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 certifications or a background in mechanical or marine trades.

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 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 environments.

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 are popular job titles related to Boat Building jobs in Wisconsin? For Boat Building jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Boat Building jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Boat Building jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Boat Building jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Boat Building job openings:
Infographic showing various Boat Building job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,064 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Pipefitter, Level 3

Burger Boat Company

Manitowoc, WI โ€ข On-site

$28.06 - $33.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY:

Pipefitters are expected to do all piping related functions associated with boat building. This includes, but is not limited to building and/or installing systems such as: fresh water, salt water, black water, gray water, bilge and deck drainage, finish plumbing, HVAC and any other systems during the entire construction phase and any jobs as may be requested by the owners at the time of delivery. They must be able to test, troubleshoot and repair any plumbing related systems.

Department: Mechanical

Reports to: Mechanical Systems Manager

WORKING MATERIALS:

Must be able to work comfortably with copper, PVC, aluminum, Copper Nickel, stainless tubing as well as expensive materials such as: sinks, faucets, showers, toilets, insulation materials, adhesives, assorted fasteners, hardware, various appliances and pieces of equipment commonly used in luxury yachts.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

Must have the ability to safely and properly operate equipment such as: table saw, band saw, drill press and an assortment of hand and power tools and such other tools required in the pipefitting trade.

Each person must directly supply their own hand tools per the attached tool list and must have them available in the yard and in working order throughout their employment period.

SKILL LEVELS AND ADVANCEMENT:

Pipefitters are categorized into three different skill levels beginning with level 1, with the highest level being 3. The advancement of an employee to a higher skill/wage level shall be made only when the Company has a continuing need for an employee to perform work at that level and when the employee convincingly meets the next level’s criteria. An employee’s immediate supervisor may recommend that they be advanced. This nomination will be reviewed by at least the Mechanical Systems Manager for approval with input from the Engine Room Coordinator, Pipefitting Coordinator or Boat Manager.

Employees should expect that based on the ability of the person involved, they may move up a level or stay at the current level for longer periods than others working around them. In extremely rare cases, some may remain at their current skill level indefinitely. Although this would not be the Company’s goal, and likely not the goal of most employees, management does recognize that certain individuals are either unable or unwilling to learn the skills required to attain a higher level. Some employees may learn and adapt more quickly than others.

We are equally committed to creating an environment of continuous learning, creativity and process improvement whereby our wealth of talent and knowledge may be grown and developed on behalf of ourselves, Burger Boat Company and its customers.


EDUCATION:

High school or technical school where print reading, basic measurement skills and tool use has been learned.

Pipefitter – Skill Level 1

Employees in this level are expected to demonstrate through a positive attitude towards their job and the company, they are anxious to learn the trade and contribute positively to the company’s goals. They are expected to begin to formally educate themselves technically.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Assist Plumbers with tool setup
  1. Learn tool safety and proper PPE use
  2. Develop proficiency in blueprint reading with a skilled Plumber
  3. Perform basic layout work
  4. Willingness to complete Spears CPVC glue training
  5. Willingness to train on Pro-press tools with a level 4 Pipefitter
  6. Assist with running deck drains
  7. Assist with roughing in black and gray water piping
  8. Assist with fresh and tech water piping
  9. Assist with HVAC chilled water piping
  10. Support setup, cleanup and organizing materials for individual jobs
  11. Build pipe Brackets, layout and install
  12. Demonstrate the ability to follow instructions and policies that can be given either orally or in written form.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Read and write in English
  2. Use decimal or fractional tape measure
  3. Physical strength to perform work standing, bending, squatting, kneeling and climbing
  4. Work with hands and arms overhead for extended periods
  5. Possess willingness and ability to learn new jobs and take instructions
  6. Be flexible and willing to work various shift schedules as required

Pipefitter – Skill Level 2

For employees to advance to this level, they are expected to demonstrate that they are anxious to progress in the trade, have started to broaden their skills and have gained more experience. At this level, the quality, appearance, accuracy and quantity of their work will become key elements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Perform all skill level 1 duties and responsibilities
  1. Perform advanced layout work
  2. Proficient in blueprint reading
  3. Assist with pipe testing of all systems
  4. Install deck drain systems according to BBC prints
  5. Install fresh and tech water systems
  6. Install HVAC circulating water systems
  7. Install compressed air and hydraulic piping
  8. Install and connect plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets and valves
  9. Assist with fire suppression systems
  10. Assist with refit and repair plumbing systems
  11. Possess knowledge of all types of fittings, applications and proper pipe sizes for specific applications
  12. Possess the ability and willingness to guide at least one level 1 plumber

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

  1. All skill level 1 qualifications and requirements
  2. Possess a background consistent with requirements for skill level 2

Pipefitter – Skill Level 3

For employees to advance to this level, they are expected to have demonstrated that they consistently produce high quality work in a given time frame and that they can work independently with little or no supervision. They are further expected to have demonstrated that they belong on top of their field and have a thorough working knowledge of how other trades interface with their department in order to efficiently meet our production and quality goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Perform all skill level 1 and 2 duties and responsibilities
  2. Perform extensive layout work
  3. Troubleshoot and repair all types of plumbing related systems
  4. Independently repair or install plumbing systems on refit vessels
  5. Independently install fire suppression and hydraulic systems
  6. Perform advanced pipefitting such as soldering, brazing and bending of stainless-steel pipe.
  7. Coordinate with other trades for interference and sequence
  8. Possess knowledge of plumbing system operation and testing
  9. Assist vendors with system start-up testing and commissioning
  10. Posses the ability to successfully train level 1 and 2 pipefitters

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

  1. All skill level 1 and 2 qualifications and requirements
  2. Possess a background consistent with requirements for skill level 3

Pipefitter– Skill Level 4

A level 4 employee is expected to have demonstrated leadership and technical skills as a level 3 employee and is a uniquely trusted subject matter expert within the Pipefitting department, able to tackle our most challenging tasks and driving forward progress that the levels prior would not be able to do on their own.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Lead level 1 through 3 pipefitters on all large-scale installations
  1. Troubleshoot high level plumbing systems and successfully modify or repair
  2. Mentor and train all levels of the plumbing department
  3. Set up pipe testing and coordinate the correct inspection paperwork with the Quality Manager
  4. Provide subcontractors where planned or required
  5. Work with engineering to ensure all blueprints and models have the correct information to build plumbing systems
  6. Ensure project milestones are met
  7. Identify material requirements, schedules and delivery status for planning
  8. Ensure piping systems are in accordance with Burger Boat Company standards of quality
  9. Ensure all final work is complete, all documentation is submitted, and testing is completed

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

  1. All level 1 through 3 qualifications and requirements
  2. Possess a background consistent with requirements for skill level 4

1st Shift: Monday - Thursday, 6:00am - 3:30pm, Friday, 6:00am - 10:00am