ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Shipfitter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HII

SHIPFITTER-ENTRY LEVEL

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$21.58/hr

Become a Shipfitter. Do you want to learn a skilled trade, work with your hands, and help build the most advanced naval vessels in the world? As an Ingalls Shipfitter, you are part of a team that ...

HII

$57K - $62K/yr

SHIPFITTER ENTRY LEVEL (CARPENTRY, CONSTRUCTION, STEEL WORK, STEEL FABRICATION) Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Jul 23, 2026 Req ID: 48062 Team: X11 FITTERS Entity: Newport News ...

All JobsShipfitter 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 Aug 10, 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.

How long does it take to become an entry level shipfitter?

Becoming an entry-level shipfitter typically requires completing a formal apprenticeship program, which usually lasts 3 to 4 years. During this time, trainees learn welding, metal fabrication, and safety procedures while gaining hands-on experience in shipyards or manufacturing facilities.

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 metalworking or blueprint reading can be beneficial for starting in this role.

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 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 3% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,324 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Shipfitter Trainee (Bootcamp) (Houma/Lockport)

Bollinger Shipyards

Houma, LA • On-site

$14.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Bollinger Shipyards rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Title: Shipfitter Trainee (Bootcamp)

Location: Lockport/Houma, LA

Position Overview: A Shipfitter Trainee learns the necessary skills to become an entry level Shipfitter.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Learns to grind, tack, and assist fitters.
  • Becomes familiar with basic welding or fitting processes.
  • Develops a basic working knowledge of shipbuilding operations and job-related tools.
  • May learn some stick, short arc, flux core, aluminum tack-welding skills.
  • Gains insight on providing ship fitter with assistance and on providing fire watch duties.
  • Learns to use levels, squares, chipping hammer, grinders, tape measures, and other basic tools such as a torch.
  • Must follow all Company policies and procedures, including those relative to employee safety, environmental policy, and the principles of our quality system.
  • Other duties assigned or requested by Management.
  • Works overtime as required.
  • Reports to work daily and on time.

Qualifications:

  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalency (i.e. General Education Diploma).
  • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
  • Hands-on experience using hand tools and/or welding equipment is a plus.

Skills and Abilities:

  •  Ability to work outdoors.
  • Must be able to work in confined/enclosed spaces.
  • Must be able to work/climb in elevations greater than 5’.
  • Must be able to wear/work a respirator when applicable.
  • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
  • Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, and climb.
  • Must have good math skills.

Bollinger is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, females, veterans and disabled individuals, and without regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Bollinger Shipyards employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply