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Ship Unloader Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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$15

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How much do ship unloader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship unloader in Virginia is $15.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do cargo ship unloaders make?

Cargo ship unloaders typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and union membership. Many positions require operating heavy equipment like cranes and forklifts, and some roles offer overtime pay for extended shifts.

What are some common challenges faced by ship unloaders, and how are they usually addressed on the job?

Ship Unloaders often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling heavy or hazardous cargo, and maintaining safety protocols on busy docks. To address these, employers provide thorough safety training, proper protective equipment, and enforce strict adherence to operational procedures. Teamwork and clear communication with crane operators and logistics staff are also essential to ensure efficient and safe unloading. Regular maintenance of equipment and ongoing safety briefings help mitigate risks and maintain smooth operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ship unloader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ship Unloader, you need physical stamina, attention to safety procedures, and basic knowledge of cargo handling, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, and conveyor systems, as well as relevant safety certifications, is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills help individuals excel in coordinating with crew and addressing unexpected challenges. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and timely unloading operations in a demanding port environment.

What is a ship unloader?

Ship unloaders are specialized machines or equipment used at ports and terminals to efficiently remove bulk materials, such as coal, grain, ore, or other cargo, from ships. They are critical for speeding up the unloading process and minimizing labor costs. Ship unloaders can be of various types, including grab-type and continuous-type unloaders, each suited to different kinds of cargo. Operators of these machines must be skilled in safely handling heavy equipment and following safety protocols to prevent accidents. Ship unloaders play a key role in the supply chain by ensuring cargo is transferred swiftly from ship to shore.

What is the difference between Ship Unloader vs Crane Operator?

AspectShip UnloaderCrane Operator
Primary RoleManually or mechanically unloads cargo from shipsOperates cranes to lift and move materials
Work EnvironmentPort terminals, docks, shipsConstruction sites, ports, industrial facilities
CredentialsBasic safety training, sometimes certifications for equipmentCrane operation certification, safety training
Industry UsageShipping, logistics, port operationsConstruction, shipping, industrial sectors

While both roles are essential in port and shipping industries, a Ship Unloader focuses on physically or mechanically removing cargo from ships, often working directly at docks. A Crane Operator, on the other hand, operates cranes to lift and move heavy materials, which may include cargo but also extends to other lifting tasks. Both roles require safety training and are vital for efficient port operations, but they differ in specific responsibilities and equipment used.

What are popular job titles related to Ship Unloader jobs in Virginia? For Ship Unloader jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ship Unloader jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Unloader jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Ship Unloader jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Ship Unloader job openings:
Ship Unloader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Unloader job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,854 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

S/S Engineering Technician 1

M.C. Dean, Inc

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 446 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
Your Future at M.C. Dean
We're seeking people driven to excellence and inspired to have a meaningful impact powering, automating, integrating, and securing the world's most critical infrastructure and facilities. This translates into fulfilling opportunities for employees driven to excel in a meaningful career. As an employee at M.C. Dean, you will join forces with more than 5,800 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability. Together, we transform the way complex, large-scale systems are designed, delivered, and sustained-enhancing client outcomes, improving lives, and changing the world for the better.
The M.C. Dean, Inc. Maritime Division works at shipyards around the world from our regional offices in Chesapeake, VA, and San Diego, CA. Become a key member of our Alteration Installation Teams, supporting C4ISR system installations on ships and submarines. Join the top team on the waterfront, working for unrivaled compensation and benefits.
Responsibilities
  • Works with a team supporting cabling, equipment, and device installations
  • Learn to read and understand U.S. Navy ship installation drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and cable running sheets.
  • Learn to use hand tools and test equipment
  • Learn leadership skills
  • Learn superior workmanship in a mission-critical environment
  • Work overtime upon management request
  • Maintain and safeguard company equipment and tools
  • Maintain and safeguard inventory

Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED Vocational trade school or similar job requiring mechanical aptitude and skill
  • Experience: 0+ Years
  • Good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
  • Occupation Safety Haz-Mat Shipyard Competent Person Aloft/Climbing / Climbing Shipyard Stairs and Ladders
  • Working in Confined Spaces
  • Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
  • Safely Lift and Move Objects of up to 50 LBS
  • Works with a team supporting cabling, equipment, and device installations
  • Learn to read and understand U.S. Navy ship installation drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and cable running sheets.
  • Learn to use hand tools and test equipment Learn leadership skills Learn superior workmanship in a mission-critical environment

Clearance/Citizen Type: Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and may meet eligibility requirements, including U.S. Citizenship, for access to classified information. Secret clearance is required.
Abilities:
  • The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.
  • Relocates a 12 foot stepladder without assistance.
  • Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
  • Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
  • Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
  • May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
  • Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

What M.C. Dean employees say

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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