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Ship Painter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sandblaster/Painter

Mobile, AL · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Join Leading Shipbuilding and Marine Repair Programs in Multiple Locations! AAA USA is actively hiring experienced Sandblaster/Painter to support major shipbuilding, marine repair, maintenance, and ...

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Painter

San Diego, CA · On-site

$23.33 - $25.33/hr

Paints parts, equipment and structural surfaces on interior and exterior of the ships and shipyard buildings. Mixes material in accordance with Product Data Sheet. Inspects prepared painted areas and ...

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Painting Contract Supervisor Location ... Newport News, VA (Huntington Ingalls Shipyard) Mills Marine A growing ship repair company focused ...

... 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 ...

MARINE PAINTER EXPERIENCED Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Aug 25, 2026 Req ... Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes Full-Time Shift: Multiple ...

MARINE PAINTER EXPERIENCED Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Aug 25, 2026 Req ... Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes Full-Time Shift: Multiple ...

Performs application and removal of various paint coatings on ships and non-nuclear components, interior/exterior surface ships preservation per NAVSEA Standard Item (009-32). LOCATION: Norfolk, VA ...

MARINE PAINTER EXPERIENCED Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Aug 25, 2026 Req ... Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes Full-Time Shift: Multiple ...

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Ship Painter information

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How much do ship painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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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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.

Painter - Journeyman

San Diego, CA

National Steel and Shipbuilding Com
Construction of Buildings • 1 - 5K employees

$29.30 - $32.65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


General Dynamics NASSCO rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Painter - Journeyman
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Date: Sep 6, 2026

Location:San Diego, CA, US, 92113

Company: National Steel and Shipbuilding Com

Job Posting End Date: Until Filled

Shift: All

Security Clearance: No Clearance

Job Summary

Cleans and prepares wood or metal surfaces for painting. Removes dirt, grease, rust, scale and other contaminants. Masks and tapes areas not requiring painting. Paints parts, equipment and structural surfaces on interior and exterior of the ships and shipyard buildings. Mixes material in accordance with Product Data Sheet. Inspects prepared painted areas and performs touch-up work as needed. Performs other related tasks as assigned, some of which may become essential to the position.

Qualification Standards

Must have one to three years of experience with hand brush and spray painting application, or be SSPC C-12 Certification accredited. Must have knowledge of surface preparation procedures, proper use and mixing of paints. Must have the ability to read and understand the Product Data Sheet. Must have ability to identify paint application requirements and equipment needed for coating application. Must be able to operate high reach equipment. Must have ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and be able to work any shift. Must be able to access and move around ships safely; must have the ability to observe differences in color. Must comprehend written and verbal instructions and hear warning signals, read and comprehend safety instructions, regulations and warnings.

Essential Job Tasks

  1. Set up tools and equipment at job site to conduct surface preparation
  2. Prepare surface to be painted
  3. Set up spray paint equipment to conduct coating application
  4. Mix paint materials according to PDS and apply coating to surface
  5. Hand paint and/or spray paint in designated areas, inspect work for touch-up
  6. Perform housekeeping on assigned work areas, during and at completion of work
  7. Operate high reach equipment to prepare surface and to apply coating in hard to reach elevated areas
  8. Remove scrap and perform general cleaning and sweeping
  9. Other tasks as may be assigned relevant to the trade

Materials, Tools Equipment, Work Aids

Paint, solvents, biodegradable degreasers, masking material, various cleaning materials, cleaning equipment, air respirator, full face respirator, mechanical and hand tools, conventional and airless equipment. Personal protective equipment required.

Physical/Mental Involvement

Frequent lifting and carrying painting equipment, occasional lifting up to 94 lbs paint cans, pulling, standing, walking, reaching, sitting, kneeling, occasional crawling and reclining, frequent climbing, balancing, pushing, occasional arm rotation, frequent manual and finger dexterity, Works in all areas of the shipyard and on board ships. Hearing warning signals and reading and comprehending safety instructions. Must be able to maintain general safety awareness and avoid hazards commonly present in employees work area.

Marginal Job Tasks

Works with the General Services Department in performing cross trade responsibilities, such as erecting and dismantling scaffold, water evacuation, load out and grooming compartments. Works with the Blast Department in performing cross trade responsibilities, such as blast setup, recovery, and blow down and final groom. Housekeeping in all work areas, including sweeping. May be required to attend safety, quality and/or process improvement meetings.

Environmental Factors

Exposures to fumes, odors, dust, mist and gases that could cause problems to the respiratory system. Exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and exposed to moving machines and mechanical parts. Temperatures and ventilation may cause discomfort, also may work in awkward postures and positions, and may be exposed to high levels of constant noise.

PAYSCALE

$29.30 - $32.65

This pay range is a reasonable estimate of the hourly range for this role. It takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions; including but not limited to skill sets, experience, training, and education. General Dynamics NASSCO also provides a variety of benefits including medical & dental insurance coverage, 401(k) retirement savings plan, flexible spending accounts/HSAs, life and disability insurance, company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO), wellness coaching, and an onsite health services.

General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here:

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.

Call (619) 544-8511 or emailnasscohr@nassco.com.This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.

NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer


Nearest Major Market: San Diego
Job Segment: Coating, Painter, Security Clearance, Electrical, Business Process, Manufacturing, Government, Engineering, Management

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