1

Shipbuilding Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pipe Welder

Portsmouth, VA ยท On-site

$50/hr

Familiarity with OSHA regulations related to shipbuilding. * Welding Tools : Proficient in using fillet gauges, butt gauges, and a six-inch scale. WELDING QUALIFICATIONS: * Must be qualified to weld ...

Pipe Welder

Portsmouth, VA ยท On-site

$50/hr

Familiarity with OSHA regulations related to shipbuilding. * Welding Tools : Proficient in using fillet gauges, butt gauges, and a six-inch scale. WELDING QUALIFICATIONS: * Must be qualified to weld ...

Pipe Welder

Portsmouth, VA ยท On-site

$50/hr

Familiarity with OSHA regulations related to shipbuilding. * Welding Tools : Proficient in using fillet gauges, butt gauges, and a six-inch scale. WELDING QUALIFICATIONS: * Must be qualified to weld ...

Pipe Welder

Portsmouth, VA ยท On-site

$50/hr

Familiarity with OSHA regulations related to shipbuilding. * Welding Tools : Proficient in using fillet gauges, butt gauges, and a six-inch scale. WELDING QUALIFICATIONS: * Must be qualified to weld ...

CDR General Services LLC is seeking a dependable Ship Welder to join our team in South Point, OH ... Monday-Sunday Key Responsibilities โ€ข Perform welding duties according to project specifications ...

CDR General Services is seeking a skilled and dependable Ship Welder to join our team in Charleston ... Perform high-quality welding on structural steel and fabricated metal components. * Read and ...

Welder - Hiring Now

Hampton, VA ยท On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

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 ...

ENGINEER WELDING 1 Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Jul 14, 2026 Req ID: 48338 ... Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes Full-Time Shift: 1st ...

Shipyard Welder

Salisbury, MD ยท On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Safely and efficiently perform welding labor to complete construction associated with building cruise ships. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & TASKS : * Perform welding on carbon steel plate and structural ...

ENGINEER WELDING 1

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$78K - $98K/yr

ENGINEER WELDING 1 Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Jul 14, 2026 Req ID: 48338 ... Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes Full-Time Shift: 1st ...

ENGINEER WELDING 1 Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Jul 14, 2026 Req ID: 48338 ... Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes Full-Time Shift: 1st ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Shipbuilding Welding information

See salary details

$24

$41

$56

How much do shipbuilding welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipbuilding welding in the United States is $41.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $47.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Shipbuilding Welder, you need strong welding skills, familiarity with shipbuilding materials, and typically a relevant technical certification or apprenticeship. Proficiency in using MIG, TIG, and arc welding equipment, as well as reading blueprints and following safety protocols, is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are valuable soft skills in this field. These skills ensure the structural integrity and safety of ships while meeting the rigorous standards of the maritime industry.

How to become a shipyard welder?

To become a shipyard welder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a welding training program or apprenticeship. Certification from organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) is often required, and experience with welding techniques such as SMAW, GMAW, or FCAW is essential for working in shipbuilding environments.

What is the highest paid welding industry?

In the welding industry, shipbuilding welding often offers some of the highest wages due to the specialized skills required for welding large metal structures in a demanding environment. Welders working in offshore or heavy industrial shipbuilding projects typically earn higher salaries, especially with certifications like AWS or ASME and experience in underwater or high-pressure welding. These roles may also involve longer shifts and safety protocols that contribute to increased pay.

What is shipbuilding welding?

Shipbuilding welding refers to the specialized process of joining metal components together to construct ships and marine vessels. This type of welding must meet strict safety and quality standards due to the harsh marine environment and the need for watertight and durable joints. Shipbuilding welders use techniques such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding to assemble hulls, decks, and other structural elements. They often work from blueprints and must be skilled in handling large, complex assemblies. Proper training and certification are typically required to ensure the highest standards of workmanship and safety.

What is the difference between Shipbuilding Welding vs Shipyard Welding?

AspectShipbuilding WeldingShipyard Welding
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME)Welding certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME)
Work EnvironmentLarge ship construction facilities, dry docksShip repair yards, maintenance docks
Industry UsageNew ship construction
Job FocusBuilding new ships from scratchRepair and maintenance of existing ships

Shipbuilding Welding and Shipyard Welding both require similar certifications and work in ship-related environments. However, Shipbuilding Welding focuses on constructing new ships, while Shipyard Welding primarily involves repairing and maintaining existing vessels. Both roles are essential in the maritime industry and often overlap in skills and certifications.

Can you make $100,000 a year welding?

Shipbuilding welders can potentially earn $100,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, certifications, and working overtime or in high-demand environments. Salaries vary by location, employer, and specialization, but high-paying opportunities are available for skilled welders in the industry.

How much do ship building welders make?

Shipbuilding welders typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled welders with certifications such as AWS or ASME can command higher wages, especially when working overtime or in specialized environments like shipyards or offshore facilities.

What are some common challenges welders face in shipbuilding, and how can they be addressed?

Welders in shipbuilding often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, dealing with varying weather conditions, and ensuring weld integrity on complex, large-scale structures. Safety is a constant concern due to the enclosed environments and heavy equipment used. To address these challenges, shipyards provide specialized safety training, utilize ventilation systems, and encourage teamwork to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely. Continuous learning and adherence to strict quality standards are also essential for overcoming these obstacles and advancing in the role.
More about Shipbuilding Welding jobs
What cities are hiring for Shipbuilding Welding jobs? Cities with the most Shipbuilding Welding job openings:
What states have the most Shipbuilding Welding jobs? States with the most job openings for Shipbuilding Welding jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Shipbuilding Welding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Shipbuilding Welding jobs are:
Infographic showing various Shipbuilding Welding job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,554 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Pipe Welder

Pipe Welder

Hutco Inc

Portsmouth, VA โ€ข On-site

$50/hr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

HUTCO, INC.

Position: Pipe Welder
Job Location: Newport News, VA
Start Date: 03/05/2025
Shift: Variable, 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM, Sunday - Saturday
Number of Positions: 6 positions available
Rate of Pay: $50.00 per hour (Per diem available for those who qualify)

DESCRIPTION:

Hutco, Inc. is seeking skilled Pipe Welders with a minimum of five years of commercial or naval experience. The Pipe Welder will perform multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) and GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) processes on a variety of materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and copper nickel pipe.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

  1. Multi-Pass Welding: All position fillet and butt welds using SMAW and GTAW processes.
  2. Welding Materials: Ability to fuse inserts and weld carbon steel, stainless steel, and copper nickel pipe.
  3. Mirror Welding: Perform mirror welding using SMAW and GTAW processes.
  4. Heating: Experience using Oxygen/Propane heating torch.
  5. Physical Demands: Experience working in physically demanding environments such as shipboard, sub-assemblies, ladders, and staging.
  6. OSHA Regulations: Familiarity with OSHA regulations related to shipbuilding.
  7. Welding Tools: Proficient in using fillet gauges, butt gauges, and a six-inch scale.

WELDING QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Must be qualified to weld in all positions using SMAW and GTAW processes.
  2. Experience with thin wall sockets (below 0.187 wall joints).
  3. Welders will be tested on the following qualifications:
  • Welders Vision Test
  • Visual Inspection of Welds (Level I)
  • Pre-heat and Interpass
  • Fire Watch CBT and Torch Safety Test

Welding tests will be administered by the Welding School, and welders must pass all required qualifications before starting work.

Essential Physical Demands: The role requires working in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, as well as performing physically demanding tasks.

Benefits

Hutco Inc. offers a limited benefit plan through Essential Staff Care.

The hotel is advanced for the first two weeks (loan).

Available plans include:

  • Medical / Prescription
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Short Term Disability
  • Term Life Insurance
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment

CONTACT HUTCO TODAY!

Apply Online or at the Portsmouth Branch:

ddress:
728 High Street Suite 200
Portsmouth, VA 23704

Send resumes to: nnrecruiter@hutcoinc.com

Or call us at: (757) 223-7680

Hutco, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

#HUTCOSP