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Ship Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perform high-quality welding on structural steel and fabricated metal components. * Read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and fabrication drawings. * Prepare materials for welding by ...

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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 ...

Ship Fitter

Tampa, FL · On-site

$29/hr

Must know Ship terminology * Must read blue prints to lay out and fabricate parts for ships * Must ... Must pass fillet weld test using 7018 rods * Must pass drug test and E-Verify * Must be able to ...

Must know Ship terminology * Must read blue prints to lay out and fabricate parts for ships * Must ... Must pass fillet weld test using 7018 rods * Must pass drug test and E-Verify * Must be able to ...

CDR General Services is seeking a Ship Fitter to join our team in Charleston, MO . This position is ... Tack weld parts to secure proper fit-up prior to final welding * Repair and replace structural ...

Ship Fitter

Harvey, LA · On-site

$28/hr

Lays out and fabricates metal structural parts, such as plates, bulkheads, and frames, and braces them in position within the ship's hull for welding. Requirements: * Minimum 2 years experience as a ...

Ship fitter knowledge of Welding, tacking, burning, and scarfing. Assessment test includes, written blueprint basic ship fitting, Hands on blueprint burning, tacking, assembly. Must comprehend ...

The role involves multi-pass tack welding and fabrication of structural assemblies, using complex ... Familiarity with shipbuilding industry safety regulations. * Tool Proficiency : Experience using ...

Ship Fitter

Harvey, LA · On-site

$28/hr

Lays out and fabricates metal structural parts, such as plates, bulkheads, and frames, and braces them in position within the ship's hull for welding. Requirements: * Minimum 2 years experience as a ...

Lays out and fabricates metal structural parts, such as plates, bulkheads, and frames, and braces them in position within the ship's hull for welding. Requirements: * Minimum 2 years experience as a ...

Ship Fitter

Port Allen, LA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Lays out and fabricates metal structural parts, such as plates, bulkheads, and frames, and braces them in position within the ship's hull for welding. Requirements: * Minimum 2 years experience as a ...

Brace them in position within the hull of ships for riveting or welding.Prepare molds and templates for fabrication of nonstandard parts according to specifications.Understand the proper use and ...

As a Ship Fitter, you will perform steel and aluminum structural work on a variety of marine ... Proficient in reading and interpreting structural drawings, including weld symbols and Navy damage ...

Brace them in position within the hull of ships for riveting or welding.Prepare molds and templates for fabrication of nonstandard parts according to specifications.Understand the proper use and ...

Brace them in position within the hull of ships for riveting or welding.Prepare molds and templates for fabrication of nonstandard parts according to specifications.Understand the proper use and ...

Pipe Welder

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$50/hr

Familiarity with OSHA regulations related to shipbuilding. * Welding Tools : Proficient in using fillet gauges, butt gauges, and a six-inch scale. WELDING QUALIFICATIONS: * Must be qualified to weld ...

Pipe Welder

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$50/hr

Familiarity with OSHA regulations related to shipbuilding. * Welding Tools : Proficient in using fillet gauges, butt gauges, and a six-inch scale. WELDING QUALIFICATIONS: * Must be qualified to weld ...

Pipe Welder

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$50/hr

Familiarity with OSHA regulations related to shipbuilding. * Welding Tools : Proficient in using fillet gauges, butt gauges, and a six-inch scale. WELDING QUALIFICATIONS: * Must be qualified to weld ...

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Ship Welding information

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$14

$29

$45

How much do ship welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship welding in the United States is $29.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do cruise ship welders make?

Cruise ship welders typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. They often work in shipyards or onboard ships, using skills in underwater and structural welding, with some positions offering overtime pay or per diem allowances.

What are some common challenges ship welders face when working on vessels, and how can they be managed?

Ship welders often work in tight, confined spaces and may have to weld in awkward positions or in challenging environments, such as outdoors or at heights. These conditions can make it difficult to achieve high-quality welds and can also impact safety. To manage these challenges, shipyards prioritize safety training, provide specialized equipment, and encourage teamwork so welders can support each other during complex tasks. Staying adaptable and maintaining strong communication with supervisors and team members are key to overcoming obstacles and ensuring efficient, safe work.

What is ship welding?

Ship welding is the process of joining metal parts together to construct or repair ships and other marine vessels. This work is typically done in shipyards, where welders use various welding techniques such as MIG, TIG, flux-cored, and arc welding to assemble and maintain the ship’s hull, decks, and internal structures. Ship welders must follow strict safety and quality standards to ensure the vessel's structural integrity and seaworthiness. The job often involves working in challenging environments, both indoors and outdoors, and may require specialized certifications.

How much do boat welders make?

Boat welders, or ship welders, typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled welders with specialized certifications and experience working in shipyards or on large vessels can earn higher wages and may work overtime or on projects with premium pay rates.

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 require certifications such as AWS or ASME and must follow safety protocols in confined or challenging environments. Their work involves welding metals like steel and aluminum using techniques such as MIG, TIG, or stick welding.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Ship welders with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as ASME or AWS can potentially earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand sectors or with overtime. However, such high earnings are uncommon and typically require working in offshore or remote environments, often with hazardous conditions and long hours.

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

To thrive as a Ship Welder, you need proficiency in welding techniques (such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding), blueprint reading, and a solid understanding of metal fabrication, often supported by a welding certification or apprenticeship. Familiarity with shipyard safety protocols, specialized welding equipment, and inspection systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for delivering precise work and maintaining safety standards. These skills are vital to ensure structural integrity, meet regulatory requirements, and support efficient shipbuilding or repair operations.

What is the difference between Ship Welding vs Ship Fitting?

AspectShip WeldingShip Fitting
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, CWS)Fitting and assembly certifications
Work EnvironmentWelding on ship structures, often outdoors or in shipyardsAssembling ship components, often indoors or in shipyards
Job RoleJoining metal parts through welding processesFitting, aligning, and installing ship parts
Industry UsageCommon in shipbuilding and repairCommon in ship construction and maintenance

Ship Welding and Ship Fitting are both essential in shipbuilding, but they focus on different skills. Ship Welding involves joining metal parts through welding techniques, requiring specific certifications. Ship Fitting centers on assembling and fitting ship components, often requiring fitting and blueprint reading skills. Both roles work closely in shipyards and share similar environments, but their primary tasks differ significantly.

More about Ship Welding jobs
What cities are hiring for Ship Welding jobs? Cities with the most Ship Welding job openings:
What states have the most Ship Welding jobs? States with the most job openings for Ship Welding jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ship Welding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Welding jobs are:
Infographic showing various Ship Welding job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,961 per year, or $29.8 per hour.
Ship Welder

$27/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 hours ago


Job description

CDR General Services is seeking a skilled and dependable Welder to join our team in Charleston, MO. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented individual who can work efficiently in a fast-paced industrial environment while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and productivity. The ideal candidate is motivated, reliable, and committed to producing accurate, high-quality work.

Position Details
  • Job Type: Temp-to-Hire
  • Location: Charleston, MO
  • Pay Rate: $27.00/hour
  • Schedule:
    • 1st Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform high-quality welding on structural steel and fabricated metal components.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and fabrication drawings.
  • Prepare materials for welding by cleaning, fitting, and positioning components.
  • Perform welding using approved welding processes while meeting quality standards.
  • Inspect welds for accuracy, strength, and compliance with project specifications.
  • Operate welding equipment, hand tools, grinders, and other fabrication equipment safely.
  • Follow all company safety policies and procedures at all times.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
  • Collaborate with supervisors and team members to meet production schedules and deadlines.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Previous industrial or structural welding experience preferred.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and fabrication drawings.
  • Proficiency with common welding processes such as Flux Core (FCAW), MIG (GMAW), Stick (SMAW), or other applicable processes.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality welds.
  • Ability to use hand tools, power tools, grinders, and measuring equipment.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced industrial environment.
  • Reliable transportation required.
  • Strong commitment to safety, attendance, and productivity.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to stand, bend, lift, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the shift.