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Ship Painter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

United Support Services

Marine Painter

Kittery, ME · On-site

$30.35 - $31.35/hr

Coat barge and shipboard surfaces, including decks and structural components, using paint, lacquer, epoxy, resin, and other protective coatings. Apply coatings using brushes, rollers, spray guns, and ...

United Support Services

Marine Painter

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Military Veterans highly encouraged to apply Duties and Responsibilities Coat barge and shipboard surfaces, including decks and structural components, using paint, lacquer, epoxy, resin, and other ...

United Support Services

Marine Painter

Kittery, ME · On-site

$30.35 - $31.35/hr

This position offers a competitive salary and unique opportunity to perform various shipboard ... Required Experience: • Shipboard painting experience required. • Understanding of U.S. Navy ...

United Support Services

Marine Painter

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21.70 - $22.70/hr

This position offers a competitive salary and unique opportunity to perform various shipboard ... Required Experience: • Shipboard painting experience required. • Messing & Berthing Barge ...

Everett Ship Repair

Painter Blaster Journeyman

Everett, WA · On-site

$33.90 - $35.70/hr

**Everett Ship Repair **is the Pacific Northwest's Premier Ship Repair Facility. Founded in 2019 ... Experienced Journeyman Marine Painter/Blaster, **who will work primarily in surface preparation and ...

FINCANTIERI MARINE REPAIR LLC

Paint Lead

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$21.25 - $25.50/hr

... shipbuilder of choice, constantly evolving to meet global megatrends in tourism, energy, and defense through innovative and competitive maritime solutions. Position Summary The Painter Lead is ...

FMR

Paint Lead

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$21.25 - $25.50/hr

... shipbuilder of choice, constantly evolving to meet global megatrends in tourism, energy, and defense through innovative and competitive maritime solutions. Position Summary The Painter Lead is ...

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Ship Painter information

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How much do ship painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship painter in the United States is $21.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ship painter?

A Ship Painter is responsible for preparing and painting ships to protect them from corrosion and enhance their appearance. Duties include cleaning and sanding surfaces, applying primers and coatings, and using spray guns or brushes. Ship Painters work in shipyards, docks, or onboard vessels, often in challenging conditions. Attention to detail, knowledge of protective coatings, and safety awareness are essential for this role.

What does a ship painter do?

A typical day for a Ship Painter involves tasks such as preparing ship surfaces by cleaning, sanding, or blasting, followed by the application of primers, paints, and protective coatings using brushes, rollers, or spray equipment. You may work indoors in shipyards or outdoors on dry docks, often as part of a larger crew alongside welders, fabricators, and supervisors. Coordination and safety are key, as you’ll follow detailed instructions and adhere to safety protocols, especially when working in confined spaces or at heights. The work can be physically demanding but offers a sense of achievement as you directly impact a vessel’s appearance and longevity. Many Ship Painters use this role as a stepping stone to more specialized positions or supervisory roles within the maritime industry.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a ship painter?

To excel as a Ship Painter, you need a strong understanding of surface preparation, knowledge of various paint types, and experience with spray-painting equipment, often gained through vocational training or apprenticeship. Familiarity with protective coatings, safety protocols, and potentially certifications like OSHA or confined space entry are common technical requirements. Attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work well as part of a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities help ensure high-quality, durable finishes that protect vessels and contribute to efficient, safe shipyard operations.

How to become a ship painter?

To become a ship painter, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant training in surface preparation, painting techniques, and safety procedures. Many ship painters learn through apprenticeships or on-the-job training, and obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training can improve employment prospects.
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Ship Painter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Painter job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,051 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Ship painter/ Fiberglass technician

San Francisco, CA • On-site

St Francis Marine Center
See more jobs at St Francis Marine Centerexternal

$22 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Benefits/Perks
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Great Work Environment
  • Career Advancement Opportunities
Job Summary
We are currently seeking an experienced Marine Painter/Fiberglass Technician to join our team. Must have experience in preparing, painting and varnishing both the interior and exterior of boats, as well as boat parts. Experience applying Gelcoat and spraying Awlgrip finish coats a plus. The ideal candidate must be team orientated, but also have the ability to work well independently. They must be dependable, tidy, organized, and able to follow directions well. Must be able to meet a schedule. Other boat related and marine service skills are advantageous. The successful candidate will be dedicated to continuously improving and learning new skills. Continuing education opportunities and professional development training are available. We value our employees and hope the ideal candidate will join us for a lifelong career. 
Responsibilities 
  •  Prepare wood, metal, fiberglass or other surfaces for painting and varnishing 
  • Tape or otherwise protect surrounding surfaces such as decks, hardware, and windows 
  • Clean, sand, and smooth surfaces, using appropriate tools, such as scrapers, sandpaper or chemicals 
  • Ability to perform small repairs to surfaces prior to paint 
  • Applies coats of paint, varnish, or stain, as appropriate, to protect interior and exterior surfaces, trimmings and fixtures of boats 
  • Follow prescribed safety rules and regulations and maintain safe clean work area 
  • Sets up and dismantles staging following OSHA staging guidelines 
Qualifications
  • Experienced Fiberglass Technician/Marine Painter with Awlgrip application experience 
  • Strong understanding of preparing, painting and varnishing 
  • Full knowledge of the requirements for varnish prepping and sealing and the products utilized 
  • Ability to keep track and write down work performed, parts used and time spent 
  • Ability to follow written work orders, take notes while performing work and communicate the work performed effectively to manager 
  • Follow established procedures 
  • Follow estimates and complete jobs on time 
  • Willingness to learn, listen and take direction 
  • Desire to continuously improve