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Ship Fitter Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Avail Staffing Company

Ship Fitter

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

As a Ship Fitter, you will perform steel and aluminum structural work on a variety of marine vessels, including U.S. Naval ships, Military Sealift Command vessels, and commercial ships. Your ...

QED SYSTEMS, INC.

Ship Fitter

Virginia Beach, VA

$22 - $32/hr

QED Systems, an experienced marine engineering, planning, and ship modernization firm, is seeking Ship fitters. Candidates are responsible for working in shipyards on the construction of large ships ...

QED Systems, Inc.

Ship Fitter

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

QED Systems, an experienced marine engineering, planning, and ship modernization firm, is seeking Ship fitters. Candidates are responsible for working in shipyards on the construction of large ships ...

QED SYSTEMS, INC.

Ship Fitter

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

QED Systems, an experienced marine engineering, planning, and ship modernization firm, is seeking Ship fitters. Candidates are responsible for working in shipyards on the construction of large ships ...

QED Systems, Inc.

Ship Fitter

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

QED Systems, an experienced marine engineering, planning, and ship modernization firm, is seeking Ship fitters. Candidates are responsible for working in shipyards on the construction of large ships ...

Avail Staffing Company

Ship Fitter 007

Norfolk, VA

$26 - $29/hr

As a Ship Fitter, you will perform steel and aluminum structural work on a variety of marine vessels, including U.S. Naval ships, Military Sealift Command vessels, and commercial ships. Your ...

GDIT

Ship Fitter

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$26.35 - $35.65/hr

Yes Ship Fitter This is a waterfront shipboard construction and re-modernization position, working within shipyards and drydocks onboard U.S. Naval ships. The incumbent will be working in varying ...

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Ship Fitter information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$25

$36

How much do ship fitter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship fitter in Virginia is $25.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.68 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ship fitter?

A ship fitter is a part of a team of shipbuilders. As a ship fitter, your responsibilities and duties include cutting and attaching large sheets of metal that make up the hull, or exterior, of a ship. You must be skilled in riveting and welding in this job. You work in a shop environment, cutting and welding sheets of metal to blueprint specifications. You also work on the vessel itself, often at great heights, moving these sheets into place and riveting them to the frame of the ship.

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

To thrive as a Ship Fitter, you need strong skills in blueprint reading, metalworking, welding, and fabrication, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with tools such as cutting torches, grinders, and measuring equipment, as well as certifications like OSHA safety training, are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities set standout candidates apart in this hands-on role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the precise construction, repair, and safety of ships in a demanding industrial environment.

What are some common challenges ship fitters face when working on large-scale shipbuilding projects?

Ship Fitters often work in demanding environments where precision and safety are paramount. One common challenge is interpreting complex blueprints and ensuring that metal components are fabricated and installed to exact specifications, which requires strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Additionally, Ship Fitters may need to collaborate with welders, pipefitters, and engineers, often coordinating work schedules and adapting to last-minute design changes. The role can be physically demanding, involving heavy lifting and working in confined spaces or at heights, so adaptability and a commitment to safety protocols are essential.

What is the difference between Ship Fitter vs Welder?

AspectShip FitterWelder
CredentialsHigh school diploma, apprenticeship, or technical trainingHigh school diploma, welding certifications (e.g., AWS)
Work EnvironmentShipyards, fabrication shops, construction sitesShipyards, manufacturing plants, construction sites
Job FocusAssembling, fitting, and installing ship componentsJoining metal parts through welding processes
Tools & SkillsMeasuring tools, hand and power tools, blueprint readingWelding equipment, metal cutting tools, safety protocols

While both Ship Fitters and Welders work in shipbuilding environments, Ship Fitters focus on assembling and fitting ship components, whereas Welders specialize in joining metal parts through welding. Both roles require technical skills and certifications, often overlap in work environments, and are essential in the shipbuilding industry.

Is a ship fitter a good job?

A ship fitter is a skilled tradesperson who installs, maintains, and repairs ship structures and systems, often working in shipyards or marine environments. The job typically requires physical strength, technical skills, and knowledge of welding and metalworking, with opportunities for steady employment and good wages in the maritime industry.
More about Ship Fitter jobs

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For Ship Fitter jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Ship Fitter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Fitter job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,221 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Ship Fitter

Avail Staffing Company

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Overview
We are seeking a skilled Ship Fitter to join our dynamic team. As a Ship Fitter, you will perform steel and aluminum structural work on a variety of marine vessels, including U.S. Naval ships, Military Sealift Command vessels, and commercial ships. Your responsibilities in this role will include:

Duties

  • Performing repairs and modernization tasks independently with minimal oversight.
  • Applying strong mechanical skills while following precise job specifications.
  • Interpreting blueprints, analyzing drawings, and taking accurate measurements.
  • Creating templates and assembling structures in compliance with specifications.

Skills

  • Minimum of 5+ years in the role of a Ship Fitter in a shipyard environment is required.
  • Excellent ability to understand instructions, technical drawings, and written communication.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of ship repair terminology and compartment location designations.
  • Strong communication skills for effectively sharing job-related details with supervisors and team members.
  • Proficient in reading and interpreting structural drawings, including weld symbols and Navy damage control diagrams.
  • Experienced in fabricating templates, aligning plates, and installing perpendiculars on vessels.
  • Skilled in oxy-acetylene torch cutting and washing techniques.
  • Adept at safely handling hand and power tools, including grinders, saws, and drills.
  • Familiarity with structural shop fabrication equipment, including shears, punches, and brakes.
  • Familiarity with sheet metal work is highly desirable.
  • Strong mathematical skills for precise measurements in both US standard and metric systems.

If you are passionate about shipbuilding and possess the necessary skills, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity as a Shipfitter!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • Referral program

Schedule:

  • 10 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift

Ability to Commute:

  • Norfolk, VA 23501 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

  • Norfolk, VA 23501: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply