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Ship Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

May ride ships at sea for extended periods. May require wearing a respirator. Must consistently wear required PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, safety boots, fall protection) and follow program ...

The Ship Fitter will lay out, fit, align, and assemble prefabricated cast and forged components prior to welding, soldering, brazing, or bonding. This role requires precision work to close tolerances ...

New

The Ship Fitter will lay out, fit, align, and assemble prefabricated cast and forged components prior to welding, soldering, brazing, or bonding. This role requires precision work to close tolerances ...

May ride ships at sea for extended periods. May require wearing a respirator. Must consistently wear required PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, safety boots, fall protection) and follow program ...

Welder

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$21.83 - $38/hr

Using welding/cutting equipment and various power and hand tools, the welder performs a variety of shop and shipboard welding trade functions. These functions include the repair and/or removal of old ...

Welder

Bremerton, WA · On-site

$21 - $27.50/hr

Using welding/cutting equipment and various power and hand tools, the welder performs a variety of shop and shipboard welding trade functions. These functions include the repair and/or removal of old ...

$21 - $26.50/hr

... ship for riveting or welding. Working from blueprints or templates and using a scribe and hand tools, lays of position of parts on metal Responsibilities This position description is subject to ...

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Ship Welder information

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$16

$26

$34

How much do ship welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship welder in the United States is $26.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Ship Welder job?

A Ship Welder is a skilled tradesperson responsible for welding and fabricating metal components used in ships and other marine structures. They work in shipyards, docks, or offshore facilities, joining metal parts using various welding techniques like MIG, TIG, and arc welding. Ship Welders must follow blueprints, safety protocols, and industry standards to ensure strong and durable welds. This job requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and knowledge of welding equipment and materials.

What are some common work conditions and environments for Ship Welders?

Ship Welders often work in shipyards, dry docks, or onboard vessels, and may be required to perform welding tasks in a variety of challenging environments such as confined spaces, heights, or outdoor settings exposed to the elements. The role can include irregular hours, overtime, or shift work, especially when meeting tight project deadlines or during vessel repairs. Ship Welders typically collaborate with shipfitters, engineers, and other skilled trades professionals to ensure each project meets safety and quality standards. Adhering to rigorous safety protocols is essential given the risks associated with heavy machinery, hot materials, and complex ship structures. Being comfortable with these work conditions is important for success and long-term career development in the shipbuilding industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Ship Welder position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ship Welder, you need strong welding skills, a deep understanding of metal fabrication, blueprint reading, and commonly a high school diploma or equivalent with formal welding training. Competence with arc welding equipment, MIG/TIG welders, gas torches, and certifications such as AWS or ABS are typically required. Attention to detail, safety awareness, teamwork, and adaptability to changing work conditions are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of ships, as well as efficiently collaborating in dynamic shipyard environments.

How much does a welder on a cruise ship make?

A ship welder on a cruise ship typically earns between $3,000 and $6,000 per month, depending on experience, certifications, and the company. Salaries can vary based on the contract, location, and whether the welder has specialized skills such as underwater welding or certifications in safety standards.

Can you make $100,000 a year welding?

Ship welders can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries like maritime or offshore construction. Factors such as certifications, overtime, and working in remote or hazardous environments can also influence earning potential.

Can welders work on ships?

Ship welders, a specialized type of welders, work on ships and maritime structures, performing welding tasks in shipyards or onboard vessels. They often need certifications such as AWS or ASME and must follow safety protocols in confined or challenging environments. Their work includes repairing, constructing, and maintaining ships and offshore platforms.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Ship welders can potentially earn $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries like offshore or large-scale construction. However, such high earnings are uncommon and typically require overtime, certifications, and working in demanding environments. Most welders earn significantly less, with top earners reaching high six-figure incomes through advanced skills and long hours.
What cities are hiring for Ship Welder jobs? Cities with the most Ship Welder job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ship Welder jobs? The most popular types of Ship Welder jobs are:
What states have the most Ship Welder jobs? States with the most job openings for Ship Welder jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ship Welder jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Welder jobs are:
Infographic showing various Ship Welder job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,161 per year, or $26 per hour.
(Welder) Mastertradesperson 4-27313

(Welder) Mastertradesperson 4-27313

HII

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$52K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 71,325 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Requisition Number: 27313
Required Travel: 0 - 10%
Employment Type: Full Time/Hourly/Non-Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $52,780.00 - $65,000.00
Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain
Level of Experience: Senior
This opportunity resides with Global Security (GS). Mission Technologies' Global Security (GS) group comprises live, virtual, constructive (LVC) solutions; fleet sustainment; nuclear and environmental; and Australia business.
As a trusted partner to our military customers, HII designs, develops and operates the largest LVC enterprise that prepares warfighters for cross-domain battle. With advanced technologies to enable mission readiness, HII understands that preparation requires full coordination-not readiness in piece-parts.
For more than 40 years, the U.S. Navy has entrusted HII to maintain and modernize the vast majority of its fleet. With a holistic approach to life-cycle maritime defense systems-from small watercraft to submarines, surface combatants and aircraft carriers-HII ensures a high state of readiness.
HII supports the Department of Energy's national security mission through the management and operation of its sites, as well as the safe cleanup of legacy waste across the country. HII meets clients' toughest nuclear and environmental challenges.
Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
Job Description
HII is seeking an experienced Welder to join our team supporting the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (COMUSFLTFORCOM) Berthing and Messing Program, which operates duty crew berthing barges that provide essential living and working spaces for crews during ship overhaul and repair periods. *This position is contingent up on contract award*
Essential Job Responsibilities
As a Welder, you will perform organizational-level (O Level) maintenance and repairs to maintain and restore metal components aboard berthing barges. Core duties include:
• Maintain, repair, fabricate, and replace metal components for barges and installed equipment.
• Perform welding tasks on light, heavy gauge, and hardened metals using flat, vertical, horizontal, and overhead positions.
• Apply welding processes including preheating, brazing, bead welding, tack welding, flame cutting, pressure welding, and heat treating.
• Provide adequate fire watch and fire extinguishing equipment during welding operations; comply with NAVSEA and OSHA hot work standards.
• Inform COR/ACOR prior to any welding, burning, or open flame work and obtain required approvals.
• Work to be completed in meets OEM specifications, NAVSEA Standard Items, and safety requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Must have High School education, or Trade School or equivalent, and 6+ years of experience in welding and metal fabrication in marine or industrial environments on multiple metal types
  • Must provide own hand tools as designated per trades specialty
  • Must show proficiency in multiple welding positions and processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW) and fabrication.
  • Must have the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and OEM specifications.
  • Must have the ability to work in shipyard/barge environments and comply with OSHA, NAVSEA, and program safety requirements.
  • Must have the ability to conduct torch cutting, hammer forging, grinding, sawing, and fitting of metal parts as required.
  • Must support machinist tasks such as drilling, tapping, boring, reaming, and grinding of metal components.
  • Must have the general mechanic knowledge and ability to operate various tools in support additional tasking.

Preferred Requirements
• Experience supporting Navy berthing barges or shipboard welding operations.
• Experience with other primary and auxiliary shipboard systems
• Knowledge of tag out procedures and hot work requirements per OSHA and NAVSEA standards.
• Familiarity with secure facility protocols and ability to work in classified environments
• Any Quality Control or Inspector experience or NDT experience
• Led working teams
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 50 lbs. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces. Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels. May ride ships at sea for extended periods. May require wearing a respirator. Must consistently wear required PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, safety boots, fall protection) and follow program safety training/briefings. There will be 10 % Periodic travel to Kittery, ME and Groton/New London, CT for site inspections and coordination.
Work Hours:
• Regular: Monday-Friday, 0700-1530.
• Overtime, weekends, and federal holidays may be required for urgent/emergency work.
HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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