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Ship Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Logistics Specialist/Ship Maintenance Support Position Location: Norfolk, VA Position Details: Full Time Description ITMS, Inc. is seeking an experienced Logistics Specialist to join our team of ...

Naval Systems Maintenance Analyst

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

The Surface Maintenance Engineering, Planning, Program (SURFMEPP) maintains, monitors, and refines Class-wide and Individual-Ship Maintenance Plans for all non-nuclear surface ships to ensure ...

Senior Program Manager

San Diego, CA

$123K - $123K/yr

S. Navy ship programs as an HM&E Hull Manager for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) platform. This role works directly with Navy stakeholders on ship maintenance, modernization, and availability ...

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Ship Maintenance information

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$11

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$27

How much do ship maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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.

Can I work on a ship with no experience?

Ship maintenance roles typically 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 often provided, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects. Prior experience in related fields such as mechanics or engineering can be beneficial but is not always mandatory for entry-level roles.

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 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 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 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.

More about Ship Maintenance jobs
What cities are hiring for Ship Maintenance jobs? Cities with the most Ship Maintenance job openings:
What states have the most Ship Maintenance jobs? States with the most job openings for Ship Maintenance jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ship Maintenance jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Maintenance jobs are:
Infographic showing various Ship Maintenance job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,013 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

SHIPBOARD HABITABILITY PROGRAM SPECIALIST

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

San Diego, CA • On-site

$102K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

You will serve as a SHIPBOARD HABITABILITY PROGRAM SPECIALIST in the SHIP MAINTENANCE AND MATERIAL READINESS DIRECTORATE (N43) of COMMANDER NAVAL AIR PACIFIC.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Coordinating shipboard habitability by planning and analyzing quality of life program criteria such as maintenance requirements, material readiness, ship availabilities, procurement, contract specifications, budget, and/or production schedules to increase efficiency for quality of life operations (e.g., berthing, laundries, food service equipment, sanitary space maintenance).
Examples of qualifying experience:
  • Planning, coordinating, and overseeing shipboard habitability, ship maintenance, facilities renovation, or comparable industrial projects, including developing requirements, scopes of work, production schedules, and execution plans.
  • Supporting contracting and procurement actions, including preparing acquisition documentation, developing or reviewing statements of work and cost estimates, monitoring contractor performance, and coordinating corrective actions with contracting personnel.
  • Managing program funding, schedules, and resources; analyzing cost and performance data; and coordinating with technical, financial, contracting, and operational stakeholders to resolve problems and provide data-driven recommendations.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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