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Ship Welding Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Vigor, LLC

Welder - Manufacturing

Portland, OR · On-site

$37.94/hr

Frequently works on shipboard exposed to typical outdoor weather. * Safety equipment required: Wears welding helmet, long pants, long sleeved shirt, eye protection, hearing protection, respirator ...

Vigor, LLC

Welder - Hiring Now

Portland, OR · On-site

$37.94/hr

Frequently works on shipboard exposed to typical outdoor weather. * Safety equipment required: Wears welding helmet, long pants, long sleeved shirt, eye protection, hearing protection, respirator ...

Vigor, LLC

Welder - Manufacturing

Portland, OR · On-site

$34.27/hr

Frequently works on shipboard exposed to typical outdoor weather. * Safety equipment required: Wears welding helmet, long pants, long sleeved shirt, eye protection, hearing protection, respirator ...

Vigor, LLC

Welder - Manufacturing

Portland, OR · On-site

$35.65/hr

Frequently works on shipboard exposed to typical outdoor weather. * Safety equipment required: Wears welding helmet, long pants, long sleeved shirt, eye protection, hearing protection, respirator ...

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All JobsShip Welding JobsShip Welding Jobs in Oregon

Ship Welding information

See Oregon salary details

$15

$31

$48

How much do ship welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship welding in Oregon is $31.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.66 and $36.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

How much does a ship welding earn?

Ship welders typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the vessel. Overtime, union benefits, and working in offshore or remote locations can increase earnings.

How much does a ship welding make a year?

Ship welders typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the projects. Skilled welders with specialized certifications and experience working in shipyards or maritime environments can earn higher salaries. Overtime and union benefits may also increase overall compensation.

What are popular job titles related to Ship Welding jobs in Oregon?

For Ship Welding jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ship Welding jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Ship Welding jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Ship Welding jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Ship Welding job openings:

Ship Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Welding job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,510 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Welder - Manufacturing

Vigor, LLC

Portland, OR • On-site

$37.94/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Description
Who We Are
Vigor Marine Group is an established, innovative, integrated partner with a national footprint in marine maintenance and modernization, marine fabrication, and marine services.
With four shipyards, six dry docks, and more than 20,000 feet of pier space on or near U.S. Naval bases and at historic shipyards, our 2,500 dedicated employees across four states - from the Pacific Northwest to San Diego to Norfolk - personify the values of our company. Vigor Marine Group takes pride in being the employer of choice for our employees, who in turn take great pride in their contributions to the communities where they live and work, and to their nation - through their living wage jobs supporting their local economies, and through the world-class maritime and industrial services they provide to further our defense readiness and national security. For more information, visit vigor.net.
HOURLY RATE: $37.94
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
This list is not intended to detail all aspects of the assigned work but is representative of the job's overall responsibilities.
  • Complies with craft and shipyard safety and environmental measures.
  • Works from ship specifications, work orders and applicable working drawings and blueprints, i.e., form, shape, fit, and weld on vessels.
  • Researches and suggests solutions to conditions requiring comprehensive condition found reports (CFRs).
  • Performs burning and effectively uses scarfing tip for cleanup, bevel parts, etc.
  • Performs Arc welding - SMAW, FCAW, GMAW.
  • Performs carbon arc gouging for weld preparation and cleanup.
  • Properly cares for and safely uses hand and power tools.
  • Coordinates the performance and completion of job specifications
  • Incumbent performs similar work in all areas of the Yard as the need arises.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • Communicates effectively, work independently or in a group.
  • Ability to do basic math, i.e. add, subtract, divide and multiply, including fractions.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
  • Thorough knowledge of marine fitting including compound shapes.
  • Ability to do square footage and weight calculations if required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
  • High School diploma or GED preferred.
  • 2-6 years relevant work experience.
  • Proven skills, work history and/or applicable education will be considered in lieu of work experience.

Associate 2
Proficient in both Fire Watch and Associate 1 job duties. Trains and assists with erecting and dismantling staging. Assists with and/or performs basic pipe bolting under the direction of a Journey Level employee or Supervisor. May perform Associate 1 or Fire Watch duties. Must acquire three (3) additional Ship Repair Skills to progress to the next level.
Associate 3
Proficient in Fire Watch, Associate 1 and Associate 2 job duties. Trains and assists with rigging under the direction of a Journey Level employee or Supervisor. Assists with and/or performs mechanical bolting under the direction of a Journey Level employee or Supervisor. May perform Fire Watch, Associate 1 or Associate 2 duties. Must acquire three (3) additional Ship Repair Skills to progress to the next level.
Associate 4
Proficient in Fire Watch, Associate 1, Associate 2, and Associate 3 job duties. Requires general supervision during performance of primary skill but is able to perform job duties of A-1 through A-3 with limited supervision (work history and demonstrated proficiency in single skill or trade). Must acquire three (3) additional Ship Repair Skills and 1- certification to progress to the next level.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
  • Welder - Certifiable in 11018, dual shield and SMAW.
  • Four-hour fire watch certification
  • HAZWOPER - First Responder Awareness Level.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Sitting, standing, walking, crouching, kneeling/crawling, stooping, twisting, climbing, balancing, reaching, handling/grasping, fingering/feeling, pushing/pulling, lifting/carrying. Talking, hearing, vision, depth perception, color vision, field of vision.
INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
  • Interaction/communication with others: Frequently interacts with others to ensure ongoing safety of operation. May work with several individuals in a confined space.
  • Works alone/independently: Frequently works in the presence of other individuals performing duties.
  • Directs/supervises others: Not Required.
  • Repetitive work: Work is similar on a day-to-day basis.
  • Attention to detail: Must perform all tasks in compliance with regulatory agency standards.
  • Flexibility: May move from one job to another, unexpectedly.
  • Other mental/psychological demands: Works in a noisy environment and works at heights.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Works indoors: Frequently works indoors exposed to temperature variances, vibrations, humidity, chemicals, dust and noise.
  • Works outdoors: Frequently works on shipboard exposed to typical outdoor weather.
  • Safety equipment required: Wears welding helmet, long pants, long sleeved shirt, eye protection, hearing protection, respirator, hard hat, and leather shoes.
  • Other Exposures: Smoke, acids, degreasing cleaners, fumes, free silica, asbestos, dust, weld flash, paints, solvents, oil and grease.
  • Operation of equipment/tools/vehicles: Uses grinders, hand/power tools, air torches, welding machines, comealong, chainfall, hammer, wedges, wire feeders, compressed gas tanks, plate shears, automatic multihead burning machine, hydraulic press and punch, large and small plate rolls, carbon saw, large surface slab for securing fabrication, overhead and jib cranes and rigging, drill presses and a complete range of hand tools.
  • Required hygiene standards: Per company standards.

This role is with a federally contracted employer and is subject to regulations that restrict employment to US Persons only (i.e. US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, legally recognized asylees and refugees, and persons protected under INA). Successful job candidates will be asked to provide documentation of their US Persons status.
Vigor Industrial LLC and its wholly owned subsidiaries are drug, smoke and vape-free workplaces. Prospective employees must pass a drug and alcohol test and background check as pre-employment screening.
Vigor Values
Vigor expects all employees to enhance the atmosphere in which they work by living the Vigor Values every day.
Truth: We seek the truth, and we speak the truthResponsibility: We act on what we know is rightEvolution: We seek mastery, and adapt to a changing worldLove: We care about the people we work with, and the world we live in
Vigor and its wholly owned subsidiaries are committed to inclusion and diversity by providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veterans, age, genetics, the presence of a physical or mental condition or disability that can be reasonably accommodated, or any other protected class under relevant laws in the locations we operate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and can be requested with Vigor's Human Resources Department.
In addition to federal law requirements, Vigor complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination and non-retaliation in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, benefits, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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