ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Shipfitter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works

$31.31 - $32.58/hr

This is an entry level position to work in the Shipfitting Trade. Applicants may be assigned any ... assist a more experienced Shipfitter in more complex fabrication and installation operations.

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works

$31.31 - $32.58/hr

This is an entry level position to work in the Shipfitting Trade. Applicants may be assigned any ... assist a more experienced Shipfitter in more complex fabrication and installation operations.

HII

$57K - $62K/yr

SHIPFITTER ENTRY LEVEL (CARPENTRY, CONSTRUCTION, STEEL WORK, STEEL FABRICATION) Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Aug 28, 2026 Req ID: 48062 Team: X11 FITTERS Entity: Newport News ...

HII

$57K - $62K/yr

Note that if you have 3 or more years of job-related experience and/or technical/vocational school training, you should apply for the X11-Shipfitter Experienced job posting. Why HII We build the ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTravel JobsMaritime JobsShip Engineer JobsEntry Level Shipfitter Jobs

Entry Level Shipfitter information

See salary details

$12

$17

$23

How much do entry level shipfitter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level shipfitter in the United States is $17.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level shipfitter?

Entry level shipfitters are workers who assist in the construction, assembly, and repair of ships and other marine vessels. They typically work under the supervision of experienced shipfitters, learning to read blueprints, measure and cut metal parts, and join structural components using welding or other methods. This role often serves as an introduction to the shipbuilding industry and provides hands-on training in fabrication, safety procedures, and teamwork. Entry level shipfitters usually work in shipyards or manufacturing facilities and may advance to more specialized positions with experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level shipfitter?

To thrive as an Entry Level Shipfitter, you need basic mechanical aptitude, proficiency in reading blueprints, and foundational skills in metal fabrication or welding, often supported by a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with hand and power tools, basic welding equipment, and safety protocols is typically required, and some positions may prefer candidates with OSHA safety certifications. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help individuals excel in collaborative and safety-focused shipyard environments. These skills are crucial to ensure safe, precise, and efficient assembly and repair of ship structures.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level shipfitters during their first year on the job?

Entry level shipfitters often face challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work environments, learning to read and interpret blueprints or technical drawings, and mastering the use of specialized tools and equipment. Additionally, they may need to quickly develop strong teamwork and communication skills, as shipfitting projects require close collaboration with welders, engineers, and other tradespeople. With guidance from experienced coworkers and a willingness to learn, new shipfitters can overcome these challenges and build a solid foundation for career advancement.

What is the difference between Entry Level Shipfitter vs Apprentice Shipfitter?

AspectEntry Level ShipfitterApprentice Shipfitter
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic trainingEnrolled in apprenticeship program; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentAssists experienced shipfitters in shipyard settingsLearning and shadowing experienced workers in shipyard
Employer UsageEntry-level position for new hiresTraining role for those developing skills

While both roles involve working in shipbuilding environments, an Entry Level Shipfitter is a paid position requiring basic skills, whereas an Apprentice Shipfitter is in training, gaining skills through an apprenticeship program. The apprentice role focuses on learning, with the goal of becoming a fully qualified shipfitter.

Do you need experience to be an entry level shipfitter?

Entry level shipfitters typically do not need prior experience, as these positions often provide on-the-job training. However, having a high school diploma or equivalent and basic skills in reading blueprints and using hand tools can be beneficial for starting in this role.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Shipfitter jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Shipfitter job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Shipfitter jobs?

The most popular types of Shipfitter jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Shipfitter jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Shipfitter jobs are:

Entry Level Shipfitter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Shipfitter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,324 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Shipfitter - Manufacturing

Bath, ME • On-site

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works
Ship and Boat Building • 501 - 1,000 employees

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about General Dynamics Bath Iron Worksexternal

$31.31 - $32.58/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Job Description
The pay range for this position ranges from $31.31/hr - $32.58/hr.
This is an entry level position to work in the Shipfitting Trade. Applicants may be assigned any Shipfitting Trade tasks, but will initially be assigned to assist in basic Shipfitting trade functions including (but not limited to): fabrication and installation of items made from steel, stainless steel and aluminum, and/or assist a more experienced Shipfitter in more complex fabrication and installation operations. Additionally, this entry level position would be involved in many types of prep work and grinding in way of part installation in all areas.
Required/Preferred Education/Training
Preferred:
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Technical or Vocational training in steel fabrication and/or carpentry trade.
Required/Preferred Experience
Required:
- Must have some experience working with metal, hand tools, and power tools.
- Must be able to read a tape measure, perform basic layout and perform simple math calculations.
- Must meet the requirements of the S40 physical task analysis.
Preferred:
- Ability to read blue prints.

What General Dynamics Bath Iron Works employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply