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Ship Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QED Systems, Inc.

Ship Fitter

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Candidates are responsible for working in shipyards on the construction of large ships and ship parts. Salary Range: $22-$32 Hourly Ship fitters must be able to: *read blueprints and diagrams in ...

QED SYSTEMS, INC.

Ship Fitter

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Candidates are responsible for working in shipyards on the construction of large ships and ship parts. Salary Range: $22-$32 Hourly Ship fitters must be able to: *read blueprints and diagrams in ...

QED SYSTEMS, INC.

Ship Fitter

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Candidates are responsible for working in shipyards on the construction of large ships and ship parts. Salary Range: $22-$32 Hourly Ship fitters must be able to: *read blueprints and diagrams in ...

QED Systems, Inc.

Ship Fitter

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Candidates are responsible for working in shipyards on the construction of large ships and ship parts. Salary Range: $22-$32 Hourly Ship fitters must be able to: *read blueprints and diagrams in ...

NSC Staffing

Ship Superintendent

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Working Conditions: * Shipyard and industrial environments with exposure to noise, heat, cold, and confined spaces. * Regular visits aboard ships, rigs (onshore/offshore), and industrial facilities.

PROLIM Global Corporation

Ship Fitter

Goose Creek, SC · On-site

Ship Fitter We are seeking an experienced Ship Fitter to support shipyard fabrication and assembly ... Experience working with cast and forged components * Ability to work to close tolerances and strict ...

Prolim Global

Ship Fitter

Goose Creek, SC · On-site

Ship Fitter We are seeking an experienced Ship Fitter to support shipyard fabrication and assembly ... Experience working with cast and forged components * Ability to work to close tolerances and strict ...

Hutco Inc

Ship Fitter

Houma, LA

$24/hr

To be considered for this Ship Fitter opportunity, you must have at least 3 years of experience working in Shipyards. REQUIREMENTS: * Must pass hands-on skills test. * Must pass drug test and E ...

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)

Hutco Inc

Ship Fitter

Houma, LA · On-site

$24/hr

To be considered for this Ship Fitter opportunity, you must have at least 3 years of experience working in Shipyards. REQUIREMENTS: * Must pass hands-on skills test. * Must pass drug test and E ...

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How much do ship worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship worker in the United States is $18.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ship worker?

Ship workers are individuals employed on various types of vessels, such as cargo ships, cruise liners, or tankers, to perform a wide range of tasks necessary for the operation and maintenance of the ship. Their duties can include navigation, engine maintenance, loading and unloading cargo, ensuring safety protocols, and providing hospitality services. Ship workers may spend extended periods at sea and often work in shifts to keep the vessel running smoothly. The specific roles and qualifications required can vary depending on the type of ship and the worker's position onboard.

How do ship workers typically collaborate with crew members from different departments during daily operations?

Ship workers regularly interact with crew members from various departments such as engineering, navigation, hospitality, and maintenance. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as many tasks—like cargo handling, safety drills, or ship maintenance—require coordinated efforts. Adapting to shift work and learning to work efficiently with diverse teams is key to ensuring smooth daily operations and maintaining a safe environment on board. This collaborative structure fosters strong interpersonal skills and can open pathways to advancement in specialized maritime roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ship worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ship Worker, you need strong physical stamina, basic seamanship knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with maritime safety protocols, navigation systems, and equipment handling—sometimes supported by STCW certification—is common. Teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this environment. These abilities ensure safe operations, efficient workflow, and the well-being of both crew and cargo at sea.

What is the difference between Ship Worker vs Dock Worker?

AspectShip WorkerDock Worker
CredentialsMay require safety certifications, maritime trainingOften requires OSHA safety training, forklift licenses
Work EnvironmentOn ships, cargo holds, decksAt docks, ports, loading/unloading areas
Industry UsageMaritime shipping, freight companiesPort authorities, shipping companies
Job FocusHandling cargo on ships, maintenanceLoading/unloading cargo, organizing containers

Ship Workers and Dock Workers both operate within the maritime industry but focus on different environments. Ship Workers primarily work on ships handling cargo and maintenance, while Dock Workers operate at ports managing loading and unloading. Both roles require safety certifications and are essential for efficient maritime logistics.

Can I work on a ship with no experience?

Ship workers can often start with little or no experience, especially in entry-level roles such as deckhands or stewards, but they typically need to complete safety training and obtain certifications like STCW. Prior physical fitness and willingness to learn are important, and some companies provide on-the-job training for new hires.

How much do ship workers make?

Ship workers, including deckhands and cargo handlers, typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of vessel. Salaries can increase with certifications, specialized skills, and seniority, and many work on rotating schedules that include time at sea and ashore.

How to get a job working on a ship?

To become a ship worker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping), and safety training. Gaining experience through entry-level positions or apprenticeships and applying to maritime companies or shipping lines are common steps to secure employment in this field.
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Cities with the most Ship Worker job openings:

What states have the most Ship Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ship Worker jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Ship Worker jobs?

For Ship Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Ship Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 69% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,955 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Ship Fitter

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

QED Systems, Inc.
See more jobs at QED Systems, Inc.external

$22 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
QED Systems, an experienced marine engineering, planning, and ship modernization firm, is seeking Ship fitters. Candidates are responsible for working in shipyards on the construction of large ships and ship parts.
Salary Range: $22-$32 Hourly
Ship fitters must be able to:
*read blueprints and diagrams in order to fabricate metal parts, such as hulls, bulkheads, and frames, and they also mark reference lines on parts and lay out positions for future welding and riveting of parts
*align parts in relation to each other using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, mauls, and clips
*have an in-depth understanding of doors, hatches, brackets, and clips and be able to install them onto ships, and the molding of nonstandard parts for fabrication is also necessary
*must be proficient in the fabrication of parts, as well as welding and riveting, and moderate physical ability is necessary to lift at least fifty pounds
*set up, use torches, and hand/power tools to fabricate metal structural parts; modify, repair, and re-install damaged metal parts
*interpret blueprints to lay out parts, mark them, align, and assemble
  • All other duties as assigned.

U.S. citizenship required. Must meet and maintain eligibility for U.S. Secret Clearance and be able to access military facilities, naval shipyards, and private shipyards.
EOE, including disability/vets

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