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Ship Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$17.13/hr

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the ...

US Department of the Navy

$17.13/hr

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the ...

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How much do ship maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship maintenance in the United States is $18.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is ship maintenance?

Ship maintenance refers to the routine, preventive, and corrective activities carried out to ensure that a vessel remains in safe, efficient, and seaworthy condition. This includes inspecting, repairing, and servicing the ship's machinery, hull, electrical systems, and equipment. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, extends the vessel’s lifespan, and ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Ship maintenance can be performed both while the vessel is in port or at sea, depending on the nature of the tasks required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in ship maintenance, and why are they important?

To thrive in Ship Maintenance, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, marine engineering principles, and relevant safety standards, often supported by vocational training or certifications in marine maintenance. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, maintenance management systems, and compliance with maritime regulations such as SOLAS is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for identifying issues and ensuring efficient repairs. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining vessel safety, operational reliability, and regulatory compliance in a demanding maritime environment.

What are some common challenges faced in a ship maintenance role, and how can they be managed effectively?

Ship maintenance professionals often encounter challenges such as working in harsh weather conditions, managing tight maintenance schedules, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as tasks are typically coordinated with engineers, deck crews, and port authorities. Staying organized, following preventive maintenance routines, and participating in ongoing training can help address these challenges and support a safe, efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Ship Maintenance vs Marine Technician?

AspectShip MaintenanceMarine Technician
CertificationsShipyard or maritime maintenance certificationsMarine technician certifications, such as ASE Marine Certification
Work EnvironmentShipyards, docks, onboard shipsMarine repair shops, ships, offshore platforms
Industry UsageMaritime industry, shipping companiesMarine service providers, boat manufacturers

Ship Maintenance and Marine Technician roles both involve repairing and maintaining vessels, often requiring similar certifications and working environments. However, Ship Maintenance typically refers to broader tasks related to ship upkeep in shipyards or onboard ships, while Marine Technicians focus more on diagnosing and repairing marine engines and systems. Both roles are essential in the maritime industry and often overlap in skills and responsibilities.

Can I work on a ship with no experience?

Ship maintenance roles often require some technical skills and knowledge of safety procedures, but entry-level positions may be available for those with little or no experience. On-the-job training is common, and obtaining certifications such as safety or technical courses can improve chances of employment. Prior experience in related fields or technical aptitude can be beneficial but is not always mandatory for entry-level positions.
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Ship Maintenance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Maintenance job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,013 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Ship Maintenance and Repair Officer - SME

Department of Transportation

Washington, DC

$169K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

545th of 854 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Serve as the leading technical expert for Maintenance and Repair for the Ready Reserve Force Fleet of ships. Ensure readiness is overall fleet readiness within the assigned period.  Establish fleet wide guidance for shipboard readiness and the lead technical authority on all requirements, standards, and specifications.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the Grade 15, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-14, it must include:

  • Experience managing and directing comprehensive, large-scale ship maintenance, repair, and activation programs for a fleet of national defense or commercial vessels.
  • Experience formulating multi-million-dollar maritime budgets and administering complex ship management contracts and federal agreements. 
  • Experience collaborating with high-level inter-agency partners and developing uniform engineering standards and policies across a maritime enterprise.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):  Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Technical Competence: Acts as engineering authority on maintenance and repair functions including issuance of regulations, instructions and standards governing the conduct of condition surveys, inspections, dry-docking, maintenance, and repair of all ships in which MARAD has an interest
  2. Organizational Awareness: Ensures that standard procedures to preserve and maintain the hull, machinery, and equipment of RRF vessels during lay-up are generated, reviewed, and updated as necessary to include modifications to vessels and to reflect improved preservation methods. 
  3. Leadership: Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations. Plans, distributes, and monitors work assignments; evaluates work performance and provides feedback to others on their performance.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:

No education required for this position.

Employment Type: OTHER

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