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Shipbuilder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prolim Global

Ship Fitter

Goose Creek, SC · On-site

Ship Fitter We are seeking an experienced Ship Fitter to support shipyard fabrication and assembly operations. The Ship Fitter will lay out, fit, align, and assemble prefabricated cast and forged ...

CDR General Services LLC

Ship Fitter

Charleston, MO

$28 - $31/hr

CDR General Services is seeking a Ship Fitter to join our team in Charleston, MO . This position is ideal for an experienced professional in shipyard or barge repair environments. The ideal candidate ...

Avail Staffing Company

Ship Fitter 007

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

As a Ship Fitter, you will perform steel and aluminum structural work on a variety of marine vessels, including U.S. Naval ships, Military Sealift Command vessels, and commercial ships. Your ...

TREO Staffing, LLC

Ship Fitters

Houma, LA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Would you be a great Ship Fitters? To succeed as a Shipfitter at TREO Staffing, LLC, you will need a solid foundation of practical skills and familiarity with essential tools used in the shipyard.

GDIT

Ship Fitter

Norfolk, VA

$26.35 - $35.65/hr

Yes Ship Fitter This is a waterfront shipboard construction and re-modernization position, working within shipyards and drydocks onboard U.S. Naval ships. The incumbent will be working in varying ...

Ameri-Force

Ship Superintendent

Mobile, AL

$34.25 - $37/hr

Ship Superintendent Job Type: Full-time Pay: $34.25-37.00 Per hour Key Responsibilities * Serve as the primary point of coordination between Project Managers, Craft Superintendents, Foremen ...

GDIT

Ship Fitter

Seattle, WA · On-site

$26.35 - $35.65/hr

Naval ships. The incumbent will be working in varying temperatures of high heat in the summer and cold in the winter preforming the following tasks: Installs, maintains, repairs, overhauls ...

MCG Workforce

Ship Fitters

Mobile, AL

Brace them in position within the hull of ships for riveting or welding.Prepare molds and templates for fabrication of nonstandard parts according to specifications.Understand the proper use and ...

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Shipbuilder information

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$14

$29

$45

How much do shipbuilder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipbuilder 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.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior executives, specialized surgeons, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $500,000 or more annually. Certain highly skilled professions like pilots, investment bankers, and tech executives with stock options or bonuses may also reach this level, often requiring extensive experience, advanced certifications, or ownership stakes.

How much are ship builders paid?

Shipbuilders typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the vessels they work on. Skilled shipbuilders with certifications and specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially in shipbuilding hubs or with advanced tools and techniques.

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

To thrive as a Shipbuilder, you need expertise in blueprint reading, metal fabrication, welding, and marine construction, typically backed by vocational training or an apprenticeship. Familiarity with tools such as welding equipment, CNC machines, and CAD software, along with certifications like AWS welding credentials, is often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the precise assembly of safe, seaworthy vessels while maintaining efficiency and quality standards in a highly collaborative environment.

What are some common challenges shipbuilders face in coordinating with different trades during a ship's construction?

Shipbuilders often work alongside professionals from various trades, such as welders, electricians, and pipefitters, which can present coordination challenges. Ensuring that each trade completes their tasks in the correct sequence is critical to avoid delays and rework. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are vital for resolving scheduling conflicts and addressing unforeseen issues as they arise. Many shipyards use digital project management tools and regular team meetings to facilitate smooth collaboration and keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Shipbuilder vs Shipfitter?

AspectShipbuilderShipfitter
Primary RoleConstructs, assembles, and installs ship components during the entire building process.Fits, installs, and repairs ship components, focusing on specific sections or systems.
Skills & CertificationsWelding, blueprint reading, basic certifications in shipbuilding trades.Welding, blueprint reading, specialized fitting skills, certifications vary.
Work EnvironmentShipyards, construction sites, indoor and outdoor settings.Shipyards, often working on specific sections or systems of ships.
Industry UsageUsed across shipbuilding companies for overall construction.Used for detailed fitting and installation tasks within shipbuilding projects.

In summary, Shipbuilders oversee the entire construction process of ships, assembling major components, while Shipfitters focus on fitting and installing specific parts and systems. Both roles require welding and blueprint skills but differ in scope and responsibilities within the shipbuilding industry.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Shipbuilders typically do not earn $10,000 a month without specialized experience or advanced skills. High-paying jobs without a degree often include roles such as commercial pilots, real estate brokers, or sales managers, which may require licensing, certifications, or extensive experience. Most well-paying jobs in skilled trades or sales rely on experience, performance, and sometimes certifications rather than formal degrees.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day typically include specialized roles such as high-level contractors, certain consulting positions, or skilled trades like shipbuilding for large projects. These roles often require extensive experience, certifications, or working in high-demand industries with premium pay rates. Such earnings are usually associated with project-based work, overtime, or positions in high-cost regions.

What are shipbuilders?

Shipbuilders are skilled professionals who design, construct, and repair ships and other marine vessels. They work in shipyards using materials such as steel, aluminum, and composites to build everything from cargo ships to naval vessels. The job involves reading blueprints, welding, fitting parts, and ensuring vessels meet safety and quality standards. Shipbuilders may specialize in areas like metal fabrication, electrical systems, or hull assembly. Their expertise is vital to the maritime industry, supporting transportation, defense, and commerce worldwide.
More about Shipbuilder jobs
What cities are hiring for Shipbuilder jobs? Cities with the most Shipbuilder job openings:
What states have the most Shipbuilder jobs? States with the most job openings for Shipbuilder jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Shipbuilder jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Shipbuilder jobs are:
Shipbuilder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shipbuilder 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 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,961 per year, or $29.8 per hour.
Ship Fitter

Ship Fitter

Prolim Global

Goose Creek, SC • On-site

Contractor

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Ship Fitter

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Ship Fitter to support shipyard fabrication and assembly operations. The Ship Fitter will lay out, fit, align, and assemble prefabricated cast and forged components prior to welding, soldering, brazing, or bonding. This role requires precision work to close tolerances, strict adherence to safety standards, and the ability to perform in physically demanding shipyard environments.

Prior shipyard experience is required.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lay out, fit, align, and assemble prefabricated components prior to welding operations
  • Perform fitting and machining tasks including straightening, grinding, burring, drilling, reaming, and countersinking
  • Read and interpret general instructions, blueprints, and engineering drawings
  • Select appropriate equipment and set up materials for welding and fabrication
  • Repair or rework parts distorted during welding to restore required tolerances
  • Monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process control and company procedures
  • Maintain compliance with all OSHA, shipyard, and site-specific safety regulations
  • Consistently use required PPE and follow safe work practices

Required Qualifications

  • 1–5 years of prior Ship Fitter experience in a shipyard environment (required)
  • Experience working with cast and forged components
  • Ability to work to close tolerances and strict quality standards
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Safety & Training Requirements

Candidates must be trained, qualified, or able to obtain qualification in the following:

  • Confined Space Training (OSHA 29 CFR 1915 Subpart B)
  • Hazard Communication (OSHA 29 CFR 1915.1200 / 1910.1200)
  • Respirator training, medical clearance, and fit testing
  • Must be qualified on MSA Comfo Classic Respirator (daily use may be required)
  • Fall Protection / 4-D Body Harness training
  • Vertical & Horizontal Lifelines and Beam Clamp systems
  • Equipment must comply with ANSI Z359.1 standards
  • PPE and Hearing Conservation training
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1915 Subpart I and 29 CFR 1910.95
  • Audiometric testing with documented results
  • Hexavalent Chromium medical examination and clearance

Required PPE – Charleston Location

The following PPE is mandatory:

  • MSA Comfo Classic Half/Full Face Respirator
    OR
  • 3M Speedglas PAPR 9100MP Adflo (H&S approval required)
  • 3M DBI-SALA ExoFit X100 Full Body Harness
  • Nano-Lok Edge Twin-Leg Self-Retracting Lanyards
  • MSA Skull Gard Hard Hat (appropriate size)
  • Welding shield compatible with MSA Skull Gard hard hat
  • 3M PELTOR Optime 95 Earmuffs (earplugs not permitted)
  • Kleenguard Calico safety glasses (ANSI Z87 compliant)
  • Flame-resistant coveralls with long sleeves
  • 8” steel-toe safety boots or leather safety shoes with spats
  • Full welding jacket and leather welding shield bib

Work Environment

  • Physically demanding work including standing, bending, lifting, and working in confined spaces
  • Exposure to temperature and humidity extremes based on work location
  • Daily respirator use may be required