Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo ...
Shipbuilding information
See Michigan salary details
$61.9K - $71.5K
13% of jobs
$75.7K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$71.5K - $81.2K
29% of jobs
$81.2K - $90.9K
3% of jobs
$90.9K - $100.5K
0% of jobs
$100.5K - $110.2K
0% of jobs
$110.2K - $119.9K
0% of jobs
The median wage is $123.6K / yr.
$119.9K - $129.6K
14% of jobs
$129.6K - $139.2K
3% of jobs
$148.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$139.2K - $148.9K
14% of jobs
$148.9K - $158.6K
14% of jobs
$158.6K - $168.2K
11% of jobs
$61.9K
$115.7K
$168.2K
How much do shipbuilding jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for shipbuilding in Michigan is $115,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $152,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is shipbuilding?
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 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 shipbuilding?
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 money do shipbuilders make?
Shipbuilders typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and specific skills. Skilled workers with certifications or specialized knowledge may earn higher wages, especially in large shipyards or with advanced tools and techniques.
What are the most commonly searched types of Shipbuilding jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Shipbuilding jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Shipbuilding jobs in Michigan? For Shipbuilding jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Shipbuilding jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Shipbuilding jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Shipbuilding jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Shipbuilding job openings:
United States Navy rating
6.4
Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
42nd of 49 rated military and defense
Job description
Job Title: Boatswains Mate
Category / Component: Enlisted Both
Overview
Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck operations, and maritime security, keeping the fleet ready to sail and fight.
Key Responsibilities
- Stand watch as helmsman, lookout, and Boatswains Mate of the Watch
- Operate small boats and support flight deck and amphibious operations
- Repair and maintain deck equipment and exterior ship surfaces
- Conduct underway replenishment and cargo handling at sea
- Stand security watches in port and underway and participate in naval ceremonies
What to Expect
- Hands on, mostly outdoor work in varied weather and sea conditions
- Frequent watches day and night, at sea and in port, to support ship operations
- High tempo evolutions during replenishments, small boat operations, and flight deck activities
- Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance
Work Environment
- Assignments on surface ships and at shore installations in the United States and overseas - Work on decks, piers, small boats, and flight decks across a range of sea states and weather conditions - Operate in a physically demanding maritime environment with strict safety procedures and close team coordination
Pathways, Training & Advancement
- Recruit Training followed by Boatswains Mate A School in Great Lakes, Illinois
- On the job qualification in seamanship, small boat handling, deck operations, and watchstanding
- Advancement based on performance, time in rate, completion of required qualifications, and advancement exams, with historically strong promotion opportunity for qualified Sailors
- Enlist directly as a Boatswains Mate and attend BM A School after Recruit Training, subject to current classification and manning needs.
Qualifications
All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:
- Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
- A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelors or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
- Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
- Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards
- Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
- Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
- Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
- Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.
Additional qualifications for this job may include:
- Physical strength and stamina to work safely in an outdoor maritime environment, often with repetitive tasks, ladders, and heavy loads.
- Ability to work well in a team, follow safety procedures, and communicate clearly in a shipboard environment.
Education
Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailors status, training, and current Navy policy.
Pay, Benefits & Service
Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.
Incentives
Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.
Notes and Disclaimers
This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.
Required
Preferred
Job Industries
- Government & Military
What United States Navy employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About US Navy
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US