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Shipbuilding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Pacific Fleet

SHIPBUILDING SPECIALIST

Almont, CO · On-site

You will develop repair specifications and government estimates in support of various shipbuilding contracts. * You will review and evaluate contractor proposals for the purpose of providing input or ...

U.S. Pacific Fleet

SHIPBUILDING SPECIALIST

Bremerton, WA · On-site +1

$83K - $130K/yr

You will develop repair specifications and government estimates in support of various shipbuilding contracts. * You will review and evaluate contractor proposals for the purpose of providing input or ...

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How much do shipbuilding jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for shipbuilding in the United States is $132,754.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $175,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

In shipbuilding, high-paying roles such as senior project managers, naval architects, and executive positions like chief engineers or company executives can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities. These roles often require advanced certifications, extensive industry experience, and management of large-scale projects or teams.

How much do shipyard workers get paid?

Shipyard workers' wages vary depending on experience, location, and specific roles, but the median hourly wage typically ranges from $20 to $35. Skilled trades such as welders and electricians tend to earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime and union benefits in large shipyards.

What is a Shipbuilding job?

A shipbuilding job involves constructing, repairing, and maintaining ships and other marine vessels. This work is typically carried out in shipyards by skilled professionals such as welders, engineers, electricians, and naval architects. Shipbuilders use specialized tools and materials to ensure vessels meet safety and performance standards. The industry supports commercial, military, and recreational maritime operations.

What shipyard job pays the most?

In shipbuilding, the highest-paying jobs are typically senior roles such as shipyard project managers, naval architects, and engineering managers, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, specialized skills, and sometimes certifications in engineering or project management. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What are the typical work environments and conditions in the shipbuilding industry?

Shipbuilding professionals commonly work in large shipyards, dry docks, or fabrication facilities where both indoor and outdoor work is required, often near water. The environment can be physically demanding, involving the use of heavy machinery, tools, and sometimes working at heights or in confined spaces, while adhering strictly to safety regulations. Teams are typically multidisciplinary, composed of engineers, welders, electricians, and other specialists who collaborate closely to meet project deadlines. You may work in rotating shifts, especially during peak construction periods, and adaptability to changing tasks is valued in most shipbuilding roles. Understanding these conditions can help you decide if shipbuilding is the right fit for your career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Shipbuilding position, and why are they important?

To excel in shipbuilding, you need a strong background in engineering, mechanics, or skilled trades, along with relevant technical training or apprenticeship qualifications. Familiarity with CAD software, welding equipment, and shipbuilding regulations such as ABS or IMO standards is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient vessel construction and smooth collaboration within multidisciplinary shipyard teams.

How much do you get paid to build ships?

Shipbuilding workers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and specific roles, but entry-level positions typically start around $40,000 to $60,000 annually. Skilled trades such as welders and electricians can earn $60,000 to $80,000 or more, with experienced workers and supervisors earning higher wages. Overtime, union benefits, and certifications can also impact overall compensation in the industry.
More about Shipbuilding jobs
What cities are hiring for Shipbuilding jobs? Cities with the most Shipbuilding job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Shipbuilding jobs? The most popular types of Shipbuilding jobs are:
What states have the most Shipbuilding jobs? States with the most job openings for Shipbuilding jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Shipbuilding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Shipbuilding jobs are:
Shipbuilding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shipbuilding job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,754 per year, or $63.8 per hour.

SHIPBUILDING SPECIALIST

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Everett, WA

$83K/yr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

You will serve as a SHIPBUILDING SPECIALIST in the Industry Management Department of DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY.
The Secretary of Defense has ordered a department-wide hiring freeze subject to certain limited exceptions. This position is subject to the DoD hiring freeze. Offers of employment related to this vacancy announcement will not be executed until the position has an approved exemption.Qualifications:For the GS-11: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector performing evaluations and surveillance of shipbuilding or ship repair contracts to assure conformance of products and services to contractual and specification requirements.
For the GS-12: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector planning and executing evaluations or surveillance of shipbuilding or ship repair contracts to determine and assure conformance of products and services to contractual and specification requirements.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:In lieu of specialized experience, you may qualify with the following education or combination of both education and experience:
For the GS-11 level only, education may be substituted for experience as follows:
Successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
OR
Successful completion of three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent degree
OR
Successful completion of an LL.M. degree that is related to the position being filled. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/federal-occupations-by-college-major/
OR
A combination of experience and graduate education as described above that equates to one year of experience. The percentage of required education plus the percentage of required experience must equal one hundred percent.
A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information.Employment Type: OTHER

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