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Merchant Marine Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kokosing

Welder (Marine)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

D1.1 needed for all other structural welding * Driver's license and good driving record - Class B CDL preferred * Merchant Marine and Able-Bodied Seaman credentials preferred. * Transportation Worker ...

Kokosing

Welder (Marine)

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

D1.1 needed for all other structural welding * Driver's license and good driving record - Class B CDL preferred * Merchant Marine and Able-Bodied Seaman credentials preferred. * Transportation Worker ...

Kokosing

Welder (Marine)

Colonial Heights, VA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

D1.1 needed for all other structural welding * Driver's license and good driving record - Class B CDL preferred * Merchant Marine and Able-Bodied Seaman credentials preferred. * Transportation Worker ...

Bureau Veritas

... merchant marine training program in the area of marine or stationary boilers, pressure vessels or nuclear reactors. * Completion of Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification program from the ...

Bureau Veritas

... merchant marine training program in the area of marine or stationary boilers, pressure vessels or nuclear reactors. * Completion of Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification program from the ...

Bureau Veritas

... merchant marine training program in the area of marine or stationary boilers, pressure vessels or nuclear reactors. * Completion of Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification program from the ...

Dann Marine Towing

Licensed Engineer

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with appropriate endorsements (DDE, QMED, or higher) * Strong ... Prior experience as a tugboat engineer or similar marine engineering role. * Welding and ...

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Merchant Marine Welding information

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How much do merchant marine welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant marine welding in the United States is $27.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a merchant marine welder?

Merchant Marine Welders are skilled tradespeople who specialize in joining and repairing metal structures on ships, boats, and offshore platforms within the maritime industry. They perform welding, cutting, and fabrication tasks to maintain the structural integrity of vessels and marine equipment. Merchant Marine Welders often work in challenging environments, both at sea and in shipyards, and must adhere to strict safety and quality standards. Their work is essential for ensuring the safety and functionality of marine vessels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a merchant marine welder?

To thrive as a Merchant Marine Welder, you need strong welding skills, knowledge of maritime safety standards, and typically a welding certification such as AWS or equivalent maritime credentials. Familiarity with tools like MIG, TIG, and arc welding equipment, as well as safety systems and blueprint reading, is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for working safely and efficiently in challenging, confined, or remote environments. These competencies ensure structural integrity, compliance with maritime regulations, and the safety of both crew and vessel.

What are some common challenges faced by merchant marine welders while working at sea?

Merchant marine welders often encounter challenges such as working in confined or awkward spaces, dealing with variable weather and sea conditions, and handling the unique demands of shipboard repairs. Safety is a constant focus due to the presence of flammable materials and the potential movement of the vessel. Additionally, welders must be adaptable, as they may work long shifts and need to collaborate closely with engineers and deck crews to keep operations running smoothly.

What is the difference between Merchant Marine Welding vs Marine Welder?

AspectMerchant Marine WeldingMarine Welder
CertificationsSTCW certifications, welding licensesWelding certifications, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentShips, offshore vessels, maritime settingsShips, docks, offshore platforms
Industry UsageMaritime transportation, shipping companiesShipbuilding, repair yards, offshore construction
Job FocusWelding on ships and maritime equipmentWelding on ships, offshore structures, marine equipment

Merchant Marine Welders specialize in welding on ships and maritime vessels, often working at sea and holding maritime certifications. Marine Welders focus on shipbuilding and repair, working primarily in shipyards or offshore facilities. Both roles require welding skills and safety training, but Merchant Marine Welders are uniquely trained for maritime environments and international maritime standards.

How much do merchant marine welders make?

Merchant marine welders typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the type of vessels they work on. They often work in challenging environments and may require specialized skills in underwater or shipyard welding.

How to become a merchant marine welder?

To become a merchant marine welder, you typically need to complete a maritime welding training program or apprenticeship, obtain relevant certifications such as the American Welding Society (AWS) certification, and meet physical and safety requirements for working at sea. Experience with shipbuilding, repair, and familiarity with welding tools and techniques are also important. Some positions may require a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
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Merchant Marine Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Welding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,939 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Welder (Marine)

Kokosing

Richmond, VA • On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Kokosing rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Kokosing (www.kokosing.biz) is one of America's 50 largest General Contractors and services a broad spectrum of clients in both the private and public business sectors. Kokosing's services include heavy civil/industrial construction such as highways, bridges, underground utilities, water/wastewater facilities, and marine construction. For over 75 years, Kokosing has successfully attracted the most qualified technical personnel in the construction industry by offering visible challenges, superior quality, and attractive rewards. With over $2.8 billion in annual sales and a commitment to its workforce, Kokosing is the winning team.

Job Description:

Kokosing is seeking certifiedWelders in Baltimore, MD and Hopewell, VA
*Must have or able to pass AWS D1.1 FCAW, preferred AWS D1.5 SMAW

SUMMARY

Fabricates, joins, and repairs equipment, fixtures, and structures by using various welding techniques.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESinclude the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Must be able to work while tied off to fall protection.
  • Skilled in use of necessary hand and power tools.
  • Designs, fabricates, joins, and/or repairs equipment, fixtures and various types of metal objects and structures using oxygen-acetylene, electric arc, MIG and TIG welding techniques.
  • Operates drill presses, power saws, grinders, metal lathes and a variety of welding equipment and hand tools.
  • Analyzes plans, drawings, work samples, specifications, and work orders to determine work requirements.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • AWS certified
    • D1.5(3G & 4G) needed for bridge work
    • D1.1 needed for all other structural welding
  • Driver's license and good driving record - Class B CDL preferred
  • Merchant Marine and Able-Bodied Seaman credentials preferred.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to high, precarious places and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and talk or hear. The employee must regularly work or walk on uneven ground or onboard floating equipment. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Access and egress to barges, boats and piers requires ability to do so from moving surfaces due to water motion. Must have good vision and hearing for details at close range or in the distance.

The employee must occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Expected base pay range for this position is: $28.00/hr - $35.00/hr

This compensation range is specific to the job level and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to: education, experience, licensure, certifications, geographic location, and internal equity. The range has been created in good faith based on information known to Kokosing at the time of the posting. Compensation decisions are dependent on the circumstances of each case. This salary range does not include any potential incentive pay or benefits, however, such information will be provided separately when appropriate.

BENEFITS
Kokosing offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, life, and disability insurance, paid time off and a 401K plan.

Kokosing is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action federal and state contractor. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.

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