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Ship Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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Cut, align, fit, and tack structural parts of ships using hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment. * Lay out reference points and lines on ship components using measuring instruments.

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Cut, align, fit, and tack structural parts of ships using hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment. * Lay out reference points and lines on ship components using measuring instruments.

Cut, align, fit, and tack structural parts of ships using hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment. * Lay out reference points and lines on ship components using measuring instruments.

Apply Early

Cut, align, fit, and tack structural parts of ships using hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment. * Lay out reference points and lines on ship components using measuring instruments.

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Ship Fitters * Pipe Fitters * Aluminum Fitters * Pipe Welders (Tig Welders) * Structural Welders Locations: Houma, Thibodaux, Lockport, Harvey, Port Fourchon, in Louisiana About Us: Phoenix Labor ...

Structural Welder Journeyman

Everett, WA · On-site

$33.90 - $35.70/hr

Ship Repair * SMAW * Structural Repair * Structural Welding * TIG * USCG * WABO * Shipyard Machines & technologies you'll use: * MIG Welder * TIG Welder * Stick Welder * Flux-Cored Arc Welder ID ...

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Ship Fitters

Houma, LA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Expect to engage with tools such as a torch for cutting and welding as you work on various ship parts. You will also be responsible for washing the welds to ensure clean and durable finishes. Your ...

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Ship Fitters * Pipe Fitters (Carbon Steel) * Pipe Welders (Steel) * TIG/Pipe Welders * Structural Welders Locations: Panama City, Florida About Us: Phoenix Labor Group is a leading provider of ...

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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.
Calling all Ship fitters - San Diego, CA

Calling all Ship fitters - San Diego, CA

Labor One Staffing

Bremerton, WA • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Labor One is currently hiring Ship Fitters in San Diego, CA at a Shipyard.
Up to $26 + $160 perdiem, if eligible.
Job Requirements:
Three years of experience in shipyard.
Ship fitter knowledge:
Welding, tacking, burning and scarfing.
Must pass the following Ship fitter Welding Assessment:
FCAW
Fillet weld plates:
· 2F 3F 4F (VT test)
*Fillet testing shall take 1-2 hours
T Bar 12X4” 3/8” thick:
· 2F 3F 4F (VT and Fracture test )
*This takes average ship fitter of 1-2 days
Must comprehend written and verbal instructions (in English).
Must be able to hear warning signals, read and comprehend safety instructions, regulations and warnings.
Must pass a background check, vision test and drug test.
Must be able to work any shift and overtime.

Shipyard experience is required.
Please contact our team for more information!
Cell: (619)657-5507 or (858)717-1672
Walk-ins Accepted!
1625 Hoover Avenue National City, CA 91950
Office Hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

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About Labor One Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Labor One specializes in matching skilled craft laborers with marine and industrial services needs throughout Texas, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia and California. We ensure our clients receive the right candidates they need, while providing reliable work to our wide network of talent. At Labor One, our mission is to create partnerships between clients and staff within the marine and industrial services fields in order to create greater productivity and satisfaction for both. By utilizing a unique recruitment process, our mission is to create a wide network of vetted and qualified talent from which we can draw in order to create these mutually beneficial relationships. We envision, and are implementing, staffing solutions that deliver skilled, timely, and affordable labor to our clients. We also envision, and are implementing, a recruitment process that prepares job candidates for placement in jobs where their skills and training are useful, valued, and rewarded.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Brownsville, TX, US

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