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Ship Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hutco Inc

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 ...

Hutco Inc

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 ...

Hutco Inc

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 ...

Hutco Inc

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 ...

TREO Staffing, LLC

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 ...

HII

ENGINEER WELDING 1

Newport News, VA · On-site

$78K - $98K/yr

ENGINEER WELDING 1 Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Jul 14, 2026 Req ID: 48338 ... Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes Full-Time Shift: 1st ...

Avail Staffing Company

Ship Fitter 007

Norfolk, VA

$26 - $29/hr

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 ...

Phoenix Labor Group

Be Seen First

Shipbuilders - Welders & Fitters

Morgan City, LA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

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 ...

Phoenix Labor Group

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Shipbuilders - Welders and Fitters

Panama City, FL · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

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 ...

CDR General Services LLC

1st Shift-Welder

Paducah, KY

$27/hr

CDR General Services is seeking a skilled and dependable Class A Ship Welder to join our team near Paducah, Kentucky, with experience working in barge repair. The ideal candidate for this position ...

Hutco Inc

Ship Fitter

Houma, LA · On-site

$24/hr

Ship Fitters Job Location: Houma, La. Hutco Branch: Houma, La. Pay Rate: $24.00 per hour ... Fits pipe and properly prepares joints for welding to meet the specific requirements of the system ...

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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 24, 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:
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What job categories do people searching Ship Welding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Welding jobs are:
Ship Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Welding job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,961 per year, or $29.8 per hour.
Certified Welding Inspector

Certified Welding Inspector

Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp

Salisbury, MD • On-site

$33 - $40/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Chesapeake Shipbuilding is seeking an experienced Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to join our growing team in Salisbury, Maryland. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in structural steel welding inspection, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of workmanship while supporting production in a fast-paced shipbuilding environment.
This is a full-time, benefits eligible, non-exempt position
Why Should You Apply?
  • Competitive Pay: $33.00/hr - $40.00/hr depending on experience
  • $1,000 Sign-On Bonus: Paid in two installments after 60 and 180 days of continuous employment for eligible full-time positions.
  • Relocation Assistance: For those located outside of the Salisbury, MD area
  • Employee Referral Bonus: Earn $500 for each referred candidate who is hired.
  • Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available for employees and their families. Full-time employees are eligible beginning the first day of the month following their start date.
  • Company-Paid Insurance: $20,000 AD&D life insurance and short-term disability coverage provided at no cost to full-time employees.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Available for eligible employees.
  • 401(k) with 5% Company Match: Available for full-time and part-time employees.
  • Paid Holidays: Six company-paid holidays each year.
  • Paid Sick and Vacation:
    • 80 hours during your first year
    • 96 hours after 1 year
    • 144 hours after 5 years
    • 168 hours after 10 years
  • Career Growth Opportunities: Advance within your department or explore opportunities across the shipyard while working with a supportive and empowered team.
  • Overtime Opportunities: Available for hours worked beyond 40 per week.

Certified Welding Inspector
REPORTS TO: QC Inspector/Shipyard Superintendent/Vice President
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Safely and efficiently perform the inspection of welding and fabrication of steel vessels subject to US Coast Guard inspection and certification. Have an aggressive work ethic with a focus on production.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & TASKS:
  • Perform visual inspections of welds, fit-ups, and assemblies, including pre-weld, in-process, and final checks
  • Conduct non-destructive testing (NDT) including soap and air leak testing, hydrostatic tank testing, and dye penetrant inspections.
  • Setup, supervise, and evaluate welder qualification tests (manual and semi-automatic welding processes).
  • Communicate with workers, management, outside inspection agencies, and government inspectors
  • Maintain detailed, legible, and organized inspection records and documentation
  • Assist in welding operations when not actively inspecting, depending on workload and needs
  • Support implementation of corrective actions for non-conformances or weld defects
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of welding standards, training programs, and best practices
  • Create coupons and assess all pre-employment weld tests
  • All other duties as assigned based on operational needs

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Experience with structural steel welding inspection
  • American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
  • Experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, salvage support, or other industrial construction setting is preferred
  • Aggressive work ethic with a focus on production
  • Solid knowledge of welding codes, procedures, and specifications (e.g., AWS D1.1, NAVSEA, etc.)
  • Proven experience and certifications in 3G/4G and 6G welding processes from ABS, USCG or AWS
  • Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and welding symbols
  • Familiar with welding symbols, procedures, and specifications
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word); experience with AutoCAD or SolidWorks is a plus
  • Must be able to take detailed verbal and written instructions and convert them into actionable tasks
  • Must possess excellent communication and organizational skills: verbal and written English
  • Proven knowledge of safe use of tools and equipment
  • Must be organized, self-directed, and capable of working both independently and as part of a team
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Pre-Employment drug screen, physical background check required
  • Pass pre-employment welding test

Requirements
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • All types of physical movement are required for this position to successfully perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to use upper and lower extremities.
  • Ability to work outside in heat, inclement weather, and cold.
  • Ability to crawl, kneel, crouch, climb, and bend around and under equipment, on ladders up to 24' at heights up to 70', stairs, scaffolds, through small accesses, enter inside of tanks, and confined spaces, through hatches, and manholes throughout much of the work shift.
  • Occasionally lift/move up to 75 pounds.
  • Able to work over bodies of water.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Normal level of visual acuity needed. Must be able to understand and follow directions. Normal hearing level needed. Hand-eye coordination required.
HAZARDS: Weather, fumes, high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, equipment, and vibration.
HOURS:
  • 40-50 Hours Per Week
  • Monday - Friday
  • Day Shift: 7:00am - 3:30pm

Overtime and Weekend required based on business needs
Salary Description
$33.00 - $40.00 an hour

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