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Ship Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ENGINEER WELDING 4

Newport News, VA

$32.50 - $44.75/hr

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

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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 ...

ENGINEER WELDING 4

Newport News, VA

$32.50 - $44.75/hr

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

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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How much do ship welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 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.

Do underwater welders make $100 an hour?

Underwater welders, a specialized form of ship welding, can earn around $100 or more per hour, especially with experience, certifications, and in-demand projects. However, wages vary based on location, risk level, and employer, with some earning significantly higher due to the hazardous nature of the work and the need for specialized skills and safety training.

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.

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.

How much do ship welders get paid?

Ship welders typically earn between $20 and $40 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $80,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled welders with specialized certifications and experience in shipbuilding or repair can earn higher wages, especially in offshore or remote environments.

How much does a welder on a cruise ship make?

A ship welder on a cruise ship typically earns between $3,000 and $6,000 per month, depending on experience, certifications, and the company. Salaries can vary based on the contract duration, location, and whether the welder has specialized skills such as underwater welding or certification in specific welding techniques.

Can you make 300k 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 offshore or specialized environments. However, such high earnings are uncommon and typically require overtime, bonuses, or working in remote or hazardous conditions. Most welders earn significantly less, with salaries varying based on location, experience, and industry sector.

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 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,961 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Shipboard Alteration Installer/Welder - 28516

HII Mission Technologies Division

Hampton, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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


Job description

Requisition Number: 28516 Required Travel: 51 - 75% Employment Type: Full Time/Hourly/Non-Exempt Anticipated Salary Range: $44,808.00 - $60,000.00 Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain Level of Experience: Mid This opportunity resides with Global Security (GS). Mission Technologies’ Global Security (GS) group comprises live, virtual, constructive (LVC) solutions; fleet sustainment; nuclear and environmental; and Australia business. As a trusted partner to our military customers, HII designs, develops and operates the largest LVC enterprise that prepares warfighters for cross-domain battle.

With advanced technologies to enable mission readiness, HII understands that preparation requires full coordination—not readiness in piece-parts. For more than 40 years, the U.S. Navy has entrusted HII to maintain and modernize the vast majority of its fleet.

With a holistic approach to life-cycle maritime defense systems—from small watercraft to submarines, surface combatants and aircraft carriers—HII ensures a high state of readiness. HII supports the Department of Energy’s national security mission through the management and operation of its sites, as well as the safe cleanup of legacy waste across the country. HII meets clients’ toughest nuclear and environmental challenges.

Leadership Mindset at HII – Mission Technologies Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every team member contributes to our mission and culture: Know & Grow Your People – Commit to learning and supporting team success. Build Relationships – Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.

Take Ownership – Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work. Customer First – Focus on the mission and those we serve. Shape the Future – Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.

Act with Urgency – Take initiative and follow through with purpose. These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies. Summary Join HII as we keep the world's most powerful Navy afloat!

This role will support submarine and surface ship modernization efforts through the installation, repair, and troubleshooting of shipboard mechanical systems and industrial equipment. The position requires advanced welding and fabrication expertise, as well as the ability to supervise personnel and provide on-the-job training to junior welders and mechanics. The selected candidate will support execution of shipboard alterations and system installations in alignment with program, safety, and NAVSEA requirements.

Essential Job Responsibilities Perform installation, maintenance, repair, and modification of shipboard mechanical systems and associated equipment. Conduct complex welding and metal fabrication using multiple processes. Lead assigned team members during shipboard alterations and work evolutions.

Train, mentor, and oversee junior welders to ensure adherence to quality and safety standards. Troubleshoot and resolve performance issues with mechanical systems and integrated equipment. Support technical documentation, work packages, and reporting as required.

Maintain professional communication with customers, engineering teams, and program leads. Work in shipyard, industrial, and confined-space environments as required by project scope. Minimum Qualifications High School education, or Trade School or equivalent, and 4 years of related experience.

Must provide own hand tools as designated per trades specialty. 4+ years of welding and metal fabrication experience in marine or industrial environments. Proficiency in SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW welding processes.

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and OEM specifications. Ability to train junior personnel and supervise small work teams. Ability to obtain and maintain a CAC badge and DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred Requirements Experience with ITSIS program or shipboard welding operations. Knowledge of OSHA and NAVSEA hot work and tag-out procedures. Previous leadership or mentoring experience in a marine or industrial setting.

OSHA 10 Maritime certification or technical/professional certifications. Physical Requirements Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 30 lbs.

Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces. Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels. May ride ships at sea for extended periods.

May require wearing a respirator. Travel may be required within and outside of the continental United States. The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities.

When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills. Meet HII’s Mission Technologies Division Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense – the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers.

Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that’s right for you. Apply today.

We look forward to meeting you. To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072 HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships.

Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application. Why HII We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.

Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career. Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Do You Need Assistance? If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance.

Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.