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Ship Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HII

ENGINEER WELDING 3

Newport News, VA · On-site

$124K - $156K/yr

E37 WELDING ENGINEERING Entity ... Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes Full-Time Shift: 1st ...

HII

$44K - $60K/yr

... ship modernization efforts through the installation, repair, and troubleshooting of shipboard mechanical systems and industrial equipment. The position requires advanced welding and fabrication ...

Hutco Inc

Aluminum Ship Fitter

Houma, LA · On-site

$25 - $29.75/hr

Aluminum Ship Fitters Job Location: Lockport, La. Hutco Branch: Houma, La. DESCRIPTION: Currently ... Fits pipe and properly prepares joints for welding to meet the specific requirements of the system ...

GDIT

Ship Fitter

Seattle, WA

$37.14 - $50.26/hr

Yes Ship Fitter This is a waterfront shipboard construction and re-modernization position, working ... May require TAC welding certification. GDIT IS YOUR PLACE: 401K with company match Comprehensive ...

Saronic Technologies

Weld Engineer (All Levels)

Austin, TX · On-site

$35.50 - $48.75/hr

This role develops the welding procedures, automation strategies, and technical standards that govern one of the most critical trades in shipbuilding. The Weld Engineer will work closely with ...

Everett Ship Repair

SHIPFITTER JOURNEYMAN ESR

Everett, WA · On-site

$33.90 - $35.70/hr

What You Bring to Our Team * 3+ years Shipbuilding or metal working experience in a marine environment (experience as a Shipfitter preferred.) * Basic Welding Skills (MiG, Tig and Stick welding)

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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:
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:
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.

STRUCTURAL WELDER JOURNEYMAN ESR

Everett Ship Repair

Everett, WA • On-site

$33.90 - $35.70/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Everett Ship Repair is the Pacific Northwest Premier Ship Repair Facility. Founded in 2019, Everett Ship Repair offers vast ship repair capabilities from its facility in Everett, Washington, including repair, maintenance, and conversion services for any type of commercial vessels, with focus on commercial workboats and passenger vessels. With the US Navy as our neighbor, it is no secret that we are in aggressive pursuit of earning their business as we grow our footprint, skills, and profile in this market. With impressive dry-docking capacity, and an opportunity to be part of an emerging team of industry veterans and highly skilled tradesmen, ESR strives to continuously improve our repair and construction methods into efficient and reliable processes. We seek tradesmen who share that view, value learning opportunities, and desire an opportunity to apply their skills in our progressive environment.
We are now seeking a Structural Welder who will weld structural portions of marine vessels together and perform wire feed and stick welding operations to support fabrication, assembly, subassembly, and final erection of all structural components on marine vessels including hulls, superstructures, masts, pilot house, and engine rooms.
What You will Do
  • Weld out panels, assemblies, modules, and final build of vessels, good housekeeping and safety practices, and completion of assignments in a timely manner.
  • Weld seams and skip welds, flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead, for fillet, butt-weld, socket, and mitered joints.
  • Grind and prep weld seams for tacking, grinding, and final inspection post weld.
  • Set up and set arc welder for root passes, welding hangers, and repairs
  • Set up, set, and operate MIG welders for watertight and skip weld patterns
  • Layout skip weld patterns
  • Perform Air Arc operations to back gouge welds and remove bad welds
  • Sub-arc large hull and deck plates
  • Clean, lubricate, maintain, and adjust equipment to maintain efficient operation, using air hoses, cleaning fluids, and hand tools
  • Prepare metal surfaces, using hand-operated equipment, such as grinders, cutters, or drills.
  • Set up ventilation and lighting in confined spaces using best shipyard practices
  • Performs welds on many alloys including but not limited to aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, and copper nickel.
  • Complete hundreds of inches of weld during an eight-hour day, with a desired outcome of a quality joint on every weld.
  • Work as a member of a team demonstrating skills to effectively communicate, adapt, interpret and problem solve.
  • Always embrace ESR safety culture and practice safe shipyard work practices and housekeeping
  • Develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with fellow crew members and supervision
  • Share your knowledge in the trade with other employees, especially those in learning or apprentice roles
  • Responsible for safe work practices and housekeeping procedures.
  • Express ideas concisely and clearly, both orally and in writing.
  • Perform other tasks as needed that may arise in our exciting work environment

What You Bring to Our Team
  • 3+ Years experience as a Welder
  • Ability to read, interpret specifications, and work from drawings and blueprints
  • Ability to understand and apply basic math skills
  • Ability to express ideas concisely and clearly, both orally and in writing.
  • Experience working around Heavy Machinery
  • Ability to enter confined spaces using a respirator, and work in small workspaces at odd angles.
  • Knowledge of shipyard safety practices and vessel terminology
  • High School Education or equivalent or vocational education
  • 2-G, 3-G, 4-G ABS Steel Required Aluminum a plus or Coast Guard Certifications, or ability to obtain certifications within 90 days of employment
  • Able to understand and perform basic mathematics
  • Knowledge of basic hand and power tools
  • Formal external or internal training in physics, chemistry, weld equipment care and operating, blueprint reading, metallurgy, SMAW/TIG welding, and advanced welding principles of FCAW/GMAW welding processes.
  • Certified or certifiable in USCG or ABS welding.
  • Ability to work overtime as necessary
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. must be able to work at heights of 60 ft. Must be able to enter confined spaces using a respirator, and work in small workspaces at odd angles.
  • Good verbal communication skills

What Additional Things Would Distinguish You
  • Experience and Proficiency working with multiple alloys / materials (for example, Steel and Aluminum)
  • 6-G ABS or USCG Certifications in Stainless Steel (ARC, MIG, & TIG), Aluminum (TIG), and Copper Nickel (TIG).
  • Marine Structural Welding Experience
  • Certification and experience in use of forklifts and manlifts.
  • Interest in and aptitude for taking on future crew leadership roles
  • Previous experience in a shipyard (new construction or repair)
  • Certification as a Shipyard Competent Person
  • OSHA 10- Certification
  • Ultrasound training or certification (Level 1 or higher)
  • CWI or CWS certification

Benefits:
  • 401(k) and 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Dental insurance
  • Group Life Insurance with Optional supplemental life and disability insurance programs
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Culture of Learning with State-Certified Apprenticeship Programs

Equal Employment Opportunity: Everett Ship Repair, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, political affiliation, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability.
Everett Ship Repair is a drug free workplace, and all applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug screen and a background check.

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