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Ship Fitter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ship fitter knowledge of Welding, tacking, burning, and scarfing. Assessment test includes, written blueprint basic ship fitting, Hands on blueprint burning, tacking, assembly. Must comprehend ...

The 1st Class Ship Fitter is responsible for fabricating, assembling, and installing structural parts of ships and other marine vessels in accordance with blueprints, specifications, and shipyard ...

The 1st Class Ship Fitter is responsible for fabricating, assembling, and installing structural parts of ships and other marine vessels in accordance with blueprints, specifications, and shipyard ...

The 1st Class Ship Fitter is responsible for fabricating, assembling, and installing structural parts of ships and other marine vessels in accordance with blueprints, specifications, and shipyard ...

Ship Fitter

Seattle, WA

$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 ...

The 1st Class Ship Fitter is responsible for fabricating, assembling, and installing structural parts of ships and other marine vessels in accordance with blueprints, specifications, and shipyard ...

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Ship Fitter information

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$14

$25

$37

How much do ship fitter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship fitter in the United States is $25.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are ship fitters?

Ship fitters are skilled tradespeople responsible for assembling, installing, and repairing the structural parts of ships and other marine vessels. They work with metal plates, beams, and frames, using tools such as welding equipment, torches, and cutting machines to build or maintain the ship's hull and framework. Ship fitters must be able to read blueprints, measure accurately, and ensure all components fit together according to design specifications. Their work is essential to the safety, durability, and performance of ships in both commercial and military industries.

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 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 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.

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 cities are hiring for Ship Fitter jobs? Cities with the most Ship Fitter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ship Fitter jobs? The most popular types of Ship Fitter jobs are:
What states have the most Ship Fitter jobs? States with the most job openings for Ship Fitter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ship Fitter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Fitter jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Ship Fitter jobs? For Ship Fitter jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Ship Fitter job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,672 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
Ship Fitter

$26.35 - $35.65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 203 rated it services


Job description

Type of Requisition:
Regular
Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:
None
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:
None
Public Trust/Other Required:
None
Job Family:
SCA
Job Qualifications:
Skills:
Blueprints, Electrical Installations, Shipyards
Certifications:
None
Experience:
3 + years of related experience
US Citizenship Required:
Yes
Job Description:
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 temperatures of high heat in the summer and cold in the winter preforming the following tasks:
• Installs, maintains, repairs, overhauls, troubleshoots, modifies, constructs, and tests mechanical equipment and related devices.
• Troubleshoots and corrects structural placement.
• Makes recommendations for improvements or modifications to correct problems.
• May provide operation and maintenance instruction to customer personnel.
• Performs preventative maintenance.
• Participates in special projects, as required.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED:
• Education: Associates of Arts/Associates of Science.
• Required Experience: Associate's Degree in a related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical certifications or training, or work experience. 1-3 years of directly related experience supporting engineering operations.
• Location: On Customer Site.
• US Citizenship Required.
Certifications:
May require TAC welding certification.
GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:
• 401K with company match
• Comprehensive health and wellness packages
• Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career
• Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications
• Cutting-edge technology you can learn from
• Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays
#hireshipyardcareersgdit
The likely hourly rate for this position is between $26.35 - $35.65. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Travel Required:
10-25%
T elecommuting Options:
Onsite
Work Location:
USA VA Norfolk
Additional Work Locations:
Total Rewards at GDIT:
Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.
We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers consulting, technology and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50 countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, Cloud, Cyber and application development. Together with our clients, we strive to create a safer, smarter world by harnessing the power of deep expertise and advanced technology.
Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at
gdit.com/tc .
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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About General Dynamics Information Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US