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Boat Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Welders, Laborers, Helpers, and other skilled or semi-skilled crafts persons. PRIMARY ... A minimum of 3 years of Boat Captain experience and master boat license for tugboat is required.

... Welders, Laborers, Helpers, and other skilled or semi-skilled crafts persons. PRIMARY ... A minimum of 3 years of Boat Captain experience and master boat license for tugboat is required.

... Welders, Laborers, Helpers, and other skilled or semi-skilled crafts persons. PRIMARY ... A minimum of 3 years of Boat Captain experience and master boat license for tugboat is required.

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Boat Welding information

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$41

$56

How much do boat welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat welding in the United States is $41.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $47.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by boat welders when working on marine vessels?

Boat welders often encounter challenges such as working in confined or awkward spaces, dealing with corrosion from saltwater exposure, and ensuring welds meet strict safety and regulatory standards. The work environment can be physically demanding, sometimes requiring welding outdoors or in varying weather conditions. Successful boat welders must be attentive to detail to maintain the integrity of the vessel's structure, and they typically work closely with marine engineers, fabricators, and quality control teams to ensure all specifications are met.

What is boat welding?

Boat welding is the process of joining metal components on boats and marine vessels using various welding techniques, such as MIG, TIG, or stick welding. This job often involves working with materials like aluminum and steel to fabricate, repair, or maintain boat hulls and structures. Boat welders must ensure their work is strong, watertight, and able to withstand harsh marine environments. Safety, precision, and knowledge of marine-grade materials are essential in this field.

What welding jobs pay $50 an hour?

Boat welding jobs that pay $50 an hour typically require specialized skills in aluminum or stainless steel welding, often involving underwater or marine environment work. These positions may also require certifications such as AWS or ASME and experience with specific tools and techniques, with pay rates varying based on experience, location, and project complexity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Boat Welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Boat Welder, you need expertise in welding techniques such as MIG, TIG, and stick welding, along with knowledge of marine materials and a relevant certification or apprenticeship. Familiarity with welding equipment, blueprint reading, and safety standards like OSHA is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong teamwork skills help ensure high-quality work and safe project execution. These competencies are critical for producing durable, seaworthy vessels that meet stringent safety and quality standards.

How much do boat welders make?

Boat welders typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled welders with specialized knowledge of marine environments and certifications like AWS are often paid higher wages.

What is the difference between Boat Welding vs Marine Fabricator?

AspectBoat WeldingMarine Fabricator
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS)Welding and fabrication certifications
Work EnvironmentShipyards, boatyards, on-site weldingFabrication shops, shipyards, on-site assembly
Job FocusJoining metal parts of boats, hull repairsConstructing and assembling boat components
Industry UsageCommonly used in boat repair and manufacturingUsed in custom boat building and large-scale fabrication

Boat Welding primarily involves welding metal parts of boats, focusing on repairs and modifications. Marine Fabricators design and assemble boat components, often working on larger structures. While both roles require welding skills and certifications, Boat Welders focus on metal joining, whereas Marine Fabricators handle broader fabrication tasks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Boat welders can potentially earn $300,000 annually if they have extensive experience, specialized skills, and work in high-paying industries or locations. Such earnings are typically achieved through overtime, certifications, and working on large or complex projects. Most welders' salaries vary based on experience, certification, and geographic region, with top earners in specialized fields reaching higher income levels.

Can you make $100,000 as a welder?

Boat welders can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with specialized skills, certifications, and experience in high-demand areas or industries such as shipbuilding or offshore construction. However, reaching this income level typically requires advanced expertise, overtime, and working in regions with higher wage rates.
More about Boat Welding jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Welding jobs? The most popular types of Boat Welding jobs are:
What states have the most Boat Welding jobs? States with the most job openings for Boat Welding jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Boat Welding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Boat Welding jobs are:
Infographic showing various Boat Welding job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,554 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Welder Entry Level & Semi-Skilled

Welder Entry Level & Semi-Skilled

General Dynamics Electric Boat

Groton, CT • On-site

$23.12 - $28.70/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


General Dynamics Electric Boat rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 160 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

Electric Boat is the premier designer and builder of nuclear powered submarines for the US Navy and we are experiencing a period of unprecedented growth! We are looking for people who want to learn and grow within our Welding Department as we continue to build the most advanced submarines.

Interested in learning a new trade, but don't have any experience yet?

Apply today! As long as you are eager and willing to learn, we will provide training to teach you how to excel as a Welder. In collaboration with the State of Connecticut, Electric Boat offers pre-employment training (EWIB) to get you started on learning the fundamentals of the trade.

To register for EWIB:

https://mpiapplication.ewib.org

Support Services that EWIB provides: 

  • Attendance Stipends
  • Transportation Assistance
    • Mileage Reimbursement (IRS Rate)
    • Car Based Solutions (car repairs, registration, auto insurance)
    • Organizing Uber or Taxi rides
  • Childcare assistance
  • Clothing or boots
  • Rent, Utilities, Technology, and other supports

***Not required for current Electric Boat Employees***

Welding at Electric Boat is performed on a wide variety of materials, using an ever growing number of welding processes.  Qualification is required for each process, as welders participate in continuous training in new and traditional welding processes using both conventional and state of the art equipment. 

Duties include:

  • Welding structural assemblies using GMAW and SMAW during fabrication and installation of submarine construction
  • Use of pneumatic tools such as grinders, burr tools, wire brushes, etc.
  • Oxy/fuel pre-heat and carbon/arc gouging as well as verifying weld size using weld guages
  • Reading and interpretation of weld symbols, technique sheets, and work packages
  • Additional tasks as assigned

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 401K Plan
  • Paid Vacation and holidays
  • Shift Premium
  • Health and Wellness Programs including Onsite Wellness Facility, Pharmacy, and Physical Therapy
  • Commuter/Van Services
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Safety Boot Reimbursement Program
  • Hourly Rates from $23.12 - $28.70

Required:

  • Must have a High School Diploma, GED, be a current High School Senior, OR have 2+ years of related technical experience
  • 0-5 years of relevant experience to this job description
  • Successful completion of the Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board (EWIB) Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative training program if applicable
  • Must be available to work any shift

Preferred:

  • Vocational, Technical and Community Colleges or Apprentice programs, Military Shipbuilding, manufacturing and automotive experience
  • Ability to interpret welding and shipyard procedures, structural drawings, technical manuals, test documents and diagrams
  • Knowledge and experience in Pipe Welding

  • Must be able to work all shifts and in all environments as well as Radiological areas of the boat
  • Willing to accept road jobs assignments
  • Individuals are required to possess their own basic hand tools

Climbing, Color Vision, Crawling, Heavy Lifting, Kneeling, Light Lifting, Medium Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Stooping, Twisting
Acids or Alkalis, Cold, Dry, Dusty, Fumes, Hot, Inside, Noise, Oily, Outside, Wet

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