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Boat Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Welder

Summerville, SC · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Will be TIG welding anodized aluminum and mill finish aluminum to create the end product ... We have customers in various locations, and each has a wide range of boat models and interior ...

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Welder

Summerville, SC · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Will be TIG welding anodized aluminum and mill finish aluminum to create the end product ... We have customers in various locations, and each has a wide range of boat models and interior ...

Welder (SMAW)

Houston, TX · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Grind barge & boat repair areas, internal compartments & cargo tanks, and external surface areas in preparation for welding. * Weld barge & boat repair areas, internal compartments & cargo tanks ...

Welder (SMAW)

Houston, TX · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Grind barge & boat repair areas, internal compartments & cargo tanks, and external surface areas in preparation for welding. * Weld barge & boat repair areas, internal compartments & cargo tanks ...

Welder (SMAW)

Houston, TX

$18 - $24/hr

Grind barge & boat repair areas, internal compartments & cargo tanks, and external surface areas in preparation for welding. * Weld barge & boat repair areas, internal compartments & cargo tanks ...

Welder (SMAW)

Channelview, TX

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Grind barge & boat repair areas, internal compartments & cargo tanks, and external surface areas in preparation for welding. * Weld barge & boat repair areas, internal compartments & cargo tanks ...

Welder I

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Operate welding equipment according to job guidelines and verify work to print(s) * Performs basic ... Harris Pontoon Boatsis a North American luxury pontoon boat brand. It is a subsidiary of the ...

Welder (SMAW)

Channelview, TX

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Grind barge & boat repair areas, internal compartments & cargo tanks, and external surface areas in preparation for welding. * Weld barge & boat repair areas, internal compartments & cargo tanks ...

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Boat Welding information

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$24

$41

$56

How much do boat welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 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.

Do underwater welders make $100 an hour?

Underwater welders, a specialized form of boat welding, can earn around $100 or more per hour, especially with experience, certifications, and in high-demand environments. However, wages vary based on location, job complexity, and risk factors, with some earning less and others significantly more due to hazardous conditions and specialized skills.

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 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.

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.

How much does a marine welder make?

Marine welders typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled welders with certifications in underwater or aluminum welding can earn higher wages, especially when working on specialized projects or overtime in maritime environments.

Do underwater welders make 300k?

Underwater welders, a specialized form of boat welding, can earn high salaries, with some experienced professionals making around $200,000 to $300,000 annually. However, such earnings are typically achieved through extensive experience, certifications, and working in high-risk environments or remote locations. Most underwater welders' salaries vary based on factors like location, project complexity, and union membership.

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. Factors such as overtime, union membership, and working in remote or offshore environments can also influence earning potential.
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 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,554 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
AFC Welder-Fitter/Fabricator

AFC Welder-Fitter/Fabricator

General Dynamics Electric Boat

North Kingstown, RI • On-site

$20.25 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


General Dynamics Electric Boat rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

Overview
Have you ever wanted to join a team that builds the most sophisticated piece of machinery that plays a critical role in our nation's defense?
Our function: Build the outer hull of the Virginia and Columbia Class Nuclear Powered Submarines.
The How: Encompassing both manual and mechanized pulse/spray welding processes along with shipfitting/metal fabrication functions.
Duties include but are not limited to following:
  • This position entails fabrication & welding plus all tasks associated with the steel trade
  • Fabricate frames/cylinders to produce the pressure hull that are ready for outfitting functions; through the use of our variety of hydraulic fixtures
  • Following work packages, fixture set up sheets, drawings, ER's, and SSP's in order to produce a quality product
  • Reading and interpreting blueprints, welding symbols and fabrication drawing
  • Preparing steel surfaces per drawing specifications for fabrication & welding of frames & cylinders
  • Pass a semi-automatic and mechanized spray and pulse arc test (GMAPLS, GMASPS & GMASPM) to remain in the position after completing training

Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Prescription Coverage
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • 401K
  • Commuter/Van Services
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Paid Training
  • Shift Differential for 2nd and 3rd Shift
  • Professional Development and Advancement Opportunities

This position is located at the Quonset Point facility in North Kingstown, RI.
Qualifications
Required:
  • High school diploma or equivalent OR a minimum of 2 years related technical experience
  • On the job welding experience or formal welding training or EB welding qualifications
  • Ability to read and interpret welding and shipyard procedures, structural drawings, technical manuals, test documents and diagrams
  • Available to work all shifts
  • Ability to work at heights, confined spaces and extreme temperature conditions as required
  • Pass a destructive bend weld test, a semi-automatic and mechanized spray and pulse test and meet minimum visual acceptance requirements
  • Individuals are required to possess their own basic hand tools
  • Some lifting & overhead welding will be required
  • Ability to operate impact guns and high torque machinery
  • Basic math skills

Preferred:
  • Shipfitting/metal fabrication experience
  • EB AFC (Automated Frame & Cylinder) experience
  • Experience in manual and/or semi-automatic welding processes
  • Electric Boat apprentice programs
  • Vocational, Technical and Community Colleges or Apprentice programs
  • Military

Skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in a collaborative and team environment, meet organizational goals and follow all verbal and written instructions as directed

Physical Qualifications
Climbing, Crawling, Kneeling, Light Lifting, Medium Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Stooping, Twisting
Environmental Attributes
Cold, Dry, Dusty, Fumes, Hot, Inside, Noise, Oily

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