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Ship Breaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Everett Ship Repair

SHIPFITTER JOURNEYMAN ESR

Everett, WA · On-site

$33.90 - $35.70/hr

Everett Ship Repair is the Pacific Northwests Premier Ship Repair Facility. Founded in 2019 ... breaks. * Use Oxygen/Propane cutting torches and plasma cutters. * Work as a member of a team ...

Group CBS

Breaker Technician

Matthews, NC · On-site

Circuit Breaker Technician Location Matthews, NC Schedule Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm ... ships • You maintain pace without cutting corners and keep a clean, organized workspace • You ...

ICE CAP

SHIPFITTER JOURNEYMAN ESR

Everett, WA · On-site

$33.90 - $35.70/hr

Everett Ship Repair is the Pacific Northwests Premier Ship Repair Facility. Founded in 2019 ... breaks. * Use Oxygen/Propane cutting torches and plasma cutters. * Work as a member of a team ...

BAE Systems

Shipfitter

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

Create temporary access cuts to take something out of a ship or facilitate another trade to get ... Passing grade on breaking test * Certification in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as ...

BAE Systems

Shipfitter - Hiring Now

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Create temporary access cuts to take something out of a ship or facilitate another trade to get ... Passing grade on breaking test * Certification in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as ...

BAE Systems

Shipfitter - Hiring Now

Newport News, VA · On-site

Create temporary access cuts to take something out of a ship or facilitate another trade to get ... Passing grade on breaking test * Certification in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as ...

BAE Systems

Shipfitter - Navy

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

Create temporary access cuts to take something out of a ship or facilitate another trade to get ... Passing grade on breaking test * Certification in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as ...

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Ship Breaker information

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$12

$17

$22

How much do ship breaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship breaker in the United States is $17.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills are needed for ship breaking?

Ship breakers need physical strength, stamina, and the ability to work in hazardous environments. Skills in welding, cutting, and dismantling metal structures are essential, along with knowledge of safety procedures and the use of specialized tools. Physical fitness and adherence to safety regulations are critical for this demanding job.

What is the difference between Ship Breaker vs Marine Salvage Worker?

AspectShip BreakerMarine Salvage Worker
CredentialsBasic safety training, possibly welding or mechanical skillsSafety certifications, diving licenses, specialized salvage training
Work EnvironmentShipbreaking yards, coastal areas, shipyardsOffshore sites, docks, wreck sites, sometimes underwater
Industry UsagePrimarily in shipbreaking and dismantling industriesIn salvage operations, wreck removal, and recovery projects

Ship Breakers focus on dismantling ships in yards, often involving cutting and heavy machinery, while Marine Salvage Workers perform recovery and wreck removal, often in offshore or underwater environments. Both roles require safety training, but Marine Salvage Workers typically need specialized certifications like diving licenses. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in maritime industries.

What are ship breakers?

Ship breakers are workers who dismantle decommissioned ships and vessels for scrap metal and reusable parts. This process, known as ship breaking, involves cutting up ships into smaller pieces using tools like torches and heavy machinery. Ship breakers typically work in shipyards or beaches in countries where ship recycling is common. Their work is physically demanding and often requires adhering to safety and environmental regulations due to the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos and oil residues. The recycled materials and components are then sold for reuse in various industries.

What safety measures are typically in place for ship breakers, and how can new hires contribute to a safer work environment?

Ship breaking is a physically demanding and potentially hazardous job, so strict safety protocols are followed, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), regular safety briefings, and adherence to environmental and hazardous material handling guidelines. New hires can contribute to a safer work environment by being attentive during training, promptly reporting unsafe conditions, and strictly following established procedures. Teamwork is crucial, as tasks are often performed in groups and clear communication helps minimize risks. Developing good safety habits early in your career not only protects you but also supports your coworkers and the overall efficiency of the operation.

Is shipbreaking profitable?

Shipbreaking can be profitable for workers and companies when scrap metal prices are high, but it involves significant risks and environmental concerns. Profitability depends on factors such as the size of the vessel, labor costs, and market conditions for recycled materials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ship Breaker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ship Breaker, you need physical strength, knowledge of hazardous materials handling, and basic mechanical skills, often gained through hands-on experience or vocational training. Familiarity with cutting torches, cranes, forklifts, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in this role. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong safety mindset are important soft skills for Ship Breakers. These skills and qualities are crucial for safely dismantling ships, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring personal and team safety in a high-risk environment.

How much do ship breakers get paid?

Ship breakers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and safety certifications. The job often involves physically demanding work in hazardous environments, requiring adherence to strict safety protocols.

Can I work on a ship with no experience?

Ship breaker jobs typically require some training or prior experience due to safety and technical demands, but entry-level positions may be available for those willing to learn on the job. Basic skills such as physical fitness and understanding safety protocols are important, and some employers provide on-the-job training for newcomers.
More about Ship Breaker jobs
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What states have the most Ship Breaker jobs? States with the most job openings for Ship Breaker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ship Breaker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Breaker jobs are:
Ship Breaker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Breaker job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Full Time, and 78% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,970 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

SHIPFITTER JOURNEYMAN ESR

Everett Ship Repair

Everett, WA • On-site

$33.90 - $35.70/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Fabricate, form, and fit metal structures to build structural elements of marine vessels during all phases of construction and rebuilds.

  • Layout, cut, form, prepare, and perform final assembly of structural components using a variety of power and hand tools.

  • Lay out and build jigs for building modules and superstructures, and perform minor welding with MiG and Arc Welding processes.

Job description

Everett Ship Repair is the Pacific Northwests Premier Ship Repair Facility. Founded in 2019, Everett Ship Repair offers vast ship repair capabilities from its facility in Everett, Washington, including repair, maintenance, and conversion services for any type of commercial vessels, with focus on commercial workboats and passenger vessels. With the US Navy as our neighbor, it is no secret that we are in aggressive pursuit of earning their business as we grow our footprint, skills, and profile in this market. With impressive dry-docking capacity, and an opportunity to be part of an emerging team of industry veterans and highly skilled tradesmen, ESR strives to continuously improve our repair and construction methods into efficient and reliable processes. We seek tradesmen who share that view, value learning opportunities, and desire an opportunity to apply their skills in our progressive environment.
We are now seeking an Experienced Shipfitter Journeyman, who will work primarily in fabrication, assembly, subassembly, and final erection of all structural components on marine vessels including hulls, superstructures, masts, pilot house, and engine rooms.
What You will Do
  • Fabricate, form, and fit metal structures to build structural elements of marine vessels during all phases of construction and rebuilds.
  • Perform job functions in a variety of environments including fabrication shop, modular jigs, or on finished assembly.
  • Layout, cut, form, prepare, and perform final assembly
  • Use a variety of power and hand tools including grinder, level, and tape measure.
  • Lay out and build jigs for building modules and superstructures.
  • Work from standard and metric engineering drawings.
  • Tack and perform minor welding with MiG and Arc Welding processes.
  • Use a variety of metal forming equipment such as sheers, band saws, rollers, and possibly press breaks.
  • Use Oxygen/Propane cutting torches and plasma cutters.
  • Work as a member of a team demonstrating skills to effectively communicate, adapt, interpret and problem solve.
  • Always embrace ESR safety culture and practice safe shipyard work practices and housekeeping
  • Develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with fellow crew members and supervisors.
  • Share your knowledge in the trade with other employees, especially those in learning or apprentice roles.
  • Other tasks as needed that may arise in our exciting start-up work environment.
  • Ability to pass company pre-employment screens in background check, drug test, and physical skills test.

What You Bring to Our Team
  • 3+ years Shipbuilding or metal working experience in a marine environment (experience as a Shipfitter preferred.)
  • Basic Welding Skills (MiG, Tig and Stick welding)
  • High School Education or equivalent or vocational education
  • Ability to understand and apply basic math skills
  • Knowledge of Standard Ship fitting tools and forming equipment including torches, saws, cutting torch, bandsaw, rollers, presses and shears.
  • Ability to read, interpret and work from drawings and blueprints
  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of metal fabrications, preferably in a marine environment
  • Ability to express ideas concisely and clearly, both orally and in writing.
  • Experience working around heavy machinery
  • Ability to work overtime as necessary
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to work at heights of 60 ft.
  • Ability to enter confined spaces using a respirator, and work in small workspaces at odd angles.

What Additional Things Would Distinguish You
  • Skills and experience in aluminum and steel fabrication
  • Previous experience in a shipyard (new construction or repair)
  • Certification or skills and experience in driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklift or manlifts
  • Certification as a Shipyard Competent Person
  • Previous experience and/or basic skills in Pipe and Carpentry
  • Interest in and aptitude for taking on future crew leadership roles

Benefits
  • 401(k) and 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Group Life Insurance with Optional supplemental life and disability insurance programs
  • Paid time off
  • 9 paid holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Culture of Learning with State-Certified Apprenticeship Programs

Equal Employment Opportunity: Everett Ship Repair is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, political affiliation, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability.
Everett Ship Repair is a drug free workplace, and all applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug screen and a background check.

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