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Marine Structural Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marine Welder

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$29 - $36/hr

A Marine Structural Welder is responsible for performing welding tasks to assemble and fabricate steel structures on marine vessels in accordance with shipyard specifications, blueprints, and ...

Marine Welder

Groton, CT · On-site

$29 - $36/hr

A Marine Structural Welder is responsible for performing welding tasks to assemble and fabricate steel structures on marine vessels in accordance with shipyard specifications, blueprints, and ...

Marine Welder

Houma, LA · On-site

$29 - $36/hr

A Marine Structural Welder is responsible for performing welding tasks to assemble and fabricate steel structures on marine vessels in accordance with shipyard specifications, blueprints, and ...

Marine Welder

Lockport, LA · On-site

$29 - $36/hr

A Marine Structural Welder is responsible for performing welding tasks to assemble and fabricate steel structures on marine vessels in accordance with shipyard specifications, blueprints, and ...

Marine Welder

Coden, AL · On-site

$29 - $36/hr

A Marine Structural Welder is responsible for performing welding tasks to assemble and fabricate steel structures on marine vessels in accordance with shipyard specifications, blueprints, and ...

Marine Welder

Mobile, AL · On-site

$29 - $36/hr

A Marine Structural Welder is responsible for performing welding tasks to assemble and fabricate steel structures on marine vessels in accordance with shipyard specifications, blueprints, and ...

Marine Welder

Theodore, AL · On-site

$29 - $36/hr

A Marine Structural Welder is responsible for performing welding tasks to assemble and fabricate steel structures on marine vessels in accordance with shipyard specifications, blueprints, and ...

Structural Welder

Paducah, KY · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Marine Structural Welder Job Location: 4540 Clarks River Road Paducah, Ky 42003 Hutco Branch: Paducah, Ky. Rate of Pay: $20.00 to $22.00 per hour, $130.00 daily per diem for those who qualify.

Structural Welder

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

This position is responsible for performing structural welding on ships, barges, and marine vessels during new construction, repair, and modernization projects. Structural Welders use various welding ...

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Marine Structural Welder information

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$18

$25

$41

How much do marine structural welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine structural welder in the United States is $25.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Marine Structural Welders?

Marine Structural Welders are skilled tradespeople who specialize in welding and fabricating metal structures used in marine environments, such as ships, offshore platforms, and docks. They use various welding techniques to join metal components, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of marine vessels and infrastructure. Their work often requires knowledge of maritime safety standards and the ability to work in challenging environments, sometimes including underwater welding. Marine Structural Welders play a crucial role in shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance industries.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Marine structural welders can potentially earn $300,000 annually with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand environments such as offshore or large-scale projects. However, such high earnings are uncommon and typically require overtime, certifications, and working in remote or hazardous conditions. Most welders earn significantly less, with top earners reaching high five-figure or low six-figure incomes.

What is the difference between Marine Structural Welder vs Marine Pipe Welder?

AspectMarine Structural WelderMarine Pipe Welder
CertificationsAWS D1.1, marine welding certificationsAWS 6G, marine pipe welding certifications
Work EnvironmentShipyards, offshore platforms, marine constructionPipeline installation, shipbuilding, offshore facilities
Job FocusWelding steel structures, hulls, decksWelding pipes, tubing, and pressure vessels

Marine Structural Welders primarily focus on welding steel structures like hulls and decks in shipyards and offshore environments. Marine Pipe Welders specialize in pipe and tubing welding for pipelines and pressure systems. Both roles require similar certifications and work in marine settings, but their specific tasks differ, making each role distinct within the maritime industry.

Are structural welders in demand?

Structural welders are in steady demand due to ongoing construction, infrastructure projects, and maintenance of industrial facilities. The maritime and heavy industry sectors also require skilled welders for shipbuilding and offshore structures, often requiring certifications and experience with specific welding techniques. Job prospects are generally favorable for those with specialized skills and safety training.

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

To thrive as a Marine Structural Welder, you must have expertise in welding techniques, blueprint reading, and metal fabrication, supported by a welding certification such as AWS or NAVSEA. Familiarity with welding equipment, safety protocols, and shipyard tools like MIG, TIG, and stick welders is essential. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong teamwork skills help ensure precision and safety in challenging marine environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of marine vessels and meeting stringent industry standards.

How much do marine welders make?

Marine structural welders typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled welders with certifications such as AWS or ASME and experience working in challenging environments can earn higher wages, often with opportunities for overtime and hazard pay.

Do underwater welders make 300k?

Marine structural welders, including underwater welders, can earn high salaries, with some experienced professionals making around $200,000 to $300,000 annually. However, such earnings typically require extensive experience, specialized certifications, and working in challenging environments, often with hazardous conditions and irregular schedules.

What are some common challenges Marine Structural Welders face when working on ships or offshore platforms?

Marine Structural Welders often work in challenging environments, such as confined spaces, heights, or underwater, which can make welding tasks physically demanding and require strict adherence to safety protocols. They must also deal with variable weather conditions and the need for precision to ensure structural integrity in harsh marine environments. Additionally, collaborating closely with engineers, inspectors, and other trades is key to meeting project deadlines and maintaining quality standards. Overcoming these challenges requires strong technical skills, adaptability, and effective communication within multidisciplinary teams.

What Does a Marine Structural Welder Do?

As a marine structural welder, your duties are to install, modify, and repair metal structures in the water, such as metal bridges, offshore oil platforms, or other marine structures. Marine structural welders often work on the assembly or modification of components below the surface of the water, so much of your time is spent diving to assess issues and perform the necessary work using specialized underwater welding equipment. Marine structural welders often travel great distances for work, and you may spend long periods of time in remote locations.

Who are the top companies hiring for Marine Structural Welder jobs? The top employers for Marine Structural Welder jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Marine Structural Welder jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Marine Structural Welder jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Marine Structural Welder jobs? For Marine Structural Welder jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Marine Structural Welder job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,834 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
Marine Structural Welder

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

⚓ Structural Welders Wanted – Build the Backbone of the Fleet

We’re actively seeking experienced Structural Welders to support ongoing shipyard production projects throughout Hampton Roads. This role is perfect for welders who take pride in clean beads, strong joints, and contributing to large-scale marine construction.

If you thrive in industrial environments and enjoy working on major shipbuilding projects, this is your opportunity to put your welding skills to work where they truly matter.

???? Structural Welder Responsibilities:
  • Perform structural welding on shipyard assemblies including frames, decks, bulkheads, and foundations

  • Weld carbon steel and stainless steel using SMAW (Stick), FCAW, or MIG processes (depending on project needs)

  • Read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and fabrication drawings

  • Prep materials by grinding, fitting, and cleaning prior to welding

  • Maintain weld quality to meet shipyard and inspection standards

  • Work safely in confined spaces, elevated areas, and industrial environments

  • Collaborate with shipfitters and production teams to meet schedules

✅ Structural Welder Qualifications:
  • Prior shipyard or heavy structural welding experience preferred

  • Ability to pass structural weld tests (as required by project)

  • Experience welding carbon steel; stainless a plus

  • Ability to read blueprints and understand weld symbols

  • Physically capable of lifting 50 lbs and standing for extended periods

  • Knowledge of OSHA shipyard safety practices

  • Reliable transportation and consistent attendance

???? What We Offer:
  • Competitive hourly pay based on experience and weld process

  • Overtime opportunities

  • Long-term shipyard assignments

  • Weekly pay

  • Support from recruiters who understand skilled trades

  • Career growth opportunities within shipyard operations


Tidewater Staffing logo

About Tidewater Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.” Our deep industry experience and established local presence allow us to maintain a consistent, updated, and expansive network of skilled candidates, and our proprietary digital onboarding process. When you partner with Tidewater Staffing, you get employees who are trained, screened, supplied, and access to our proprietary digital onboarding process.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Virginia Beach, VA, US

Year founded

1992