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Ship Breaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Safe Ship Moving

Be Seen First

Inside Sales

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

No cold calling Top-quality leads and motivated customers Unmatched training and support Honest work, real results If you're ready to break free from average, apply now at Safe-Ship Moving Services ...

BAE Systems

Shipfitter

Norfolk, VA

Position Summary A shipfitter contributes to all structural phases of a ship's hull construction ... Passing grade on breaking test * Certification in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as ...

BAE Systems

Shipfitter

Norfolk, VA

Position Summary A shipfitter contributes to all structural phases of a ship's hull construction ... 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 Jun 9, 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 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.

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.
More about Ship Breaker jobs
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Ship Breaker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Breaker job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,970 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Shipfitter - Marine and Industrial

NASSCO

Chesapeake, VA

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

General Dynamics NASSCO is a proud member of the General Dynamics Marine Systems business unit. In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and maintenance for both commercial and national defense assets. We encourage you to learn more about our open positions and how you can become part of the important and exciting work we do here at NASSCO. Come join our team! We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Steel Shop. This position specifically is located in Norfolk, Virginia. We are looking for Shipfitters J-4. There are five (5) openings for 1st shift - 6 AM to 2:45 PM (with a 45 lunch break).
Shift : ALL
Security Clearance: No Clearance
GUIDELINES FOR SHIPFITTER
JOURNEYPERSON 4 (Shipfitter)
Be able to plan and complete work with little supervision using blueprints.
Be knowledgeable in layout or plates, pipes and structural shapes, including flat layouts and complex layouts involving projection and compound angles.
Be knowledgeable of ship related nomenclature and be able to locate structures in relationship to frames, longitudinal stringers, centerlines, etc.
Know weld symbols and how they apply to material preparation for welding.
Skills should include tack welding, burning, use of various power tools such as shears, saws, presses, etc.
Must be capable of making templates as needed for fabrications and/or installation of ship structures.
Must be capable of assembling foundations, deck houses, and specialized structures for all areas of the ship.
Must know the guide lines of 5 S and be aware of the standard items.
General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here:
"Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" Poster | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.
Call (757) 543-6801. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications. NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer

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