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Shipfitter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orbis

Shipfitter Supervisor

Concord, NH · On-site

Shipfitter Typical Trade Task a. Rip-out, alter, repair, and install ship's structure (frame structure, metal deck plating and grating, hull fittings such as davits and fairleads, chocks, scuttles ...

Orbis

Shipfitter Supervisor

New Hampshire, OH · On-site

Shipfitter Typical Trade Task a. Rip-out, alter, repair, and install ship's structure (frame structure, metal deck plating and grating, hull fittings such as davits and fairleads, chocks, scuttles ...

Orbis

Shipfitter - Manufacturing

Concord, NH · On-site

Shipfitter Typical Trade Task a. Rip-out, alter, repair, and install ship's structure (frame structure, metal deck plating and grating, hull fittings such as davits and fairleads, chocks, scuttles ...

HKA Enterprises

Shipfitter

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$42/hr

Shipfitter - 1st Class Pay Rate: $42.00/hour Per Diem: $147.04 All submittals must be submitted on your company letterhead and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Must Have ...

B&D Contracting

1st Class Shipfitter

Lockport, LA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Job Title: 1st Class Shipfitter Location: Lockport, LA Type: Full Time | Day/Night Shifts Available Job Summary Seeking experienced 1st Class Shipfitters for outside new construction work in Lockport.

Chipton Ross

Shipfitter

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$38/hr

Job #213113 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Shipfitter for an opportunity in Pascagoula, MS. Additional hourly PD is 18.38 for those that live over 75 miles with valid utility bill. This new rate will ...

Orbis

Shipfitter - Hiring Now

Concord, NH · On-site

Shipfitter Typical Trade Task a. Rip-out, alter, repair, and install ship's structure (frame structure, metal deck plating and grating, hull fittings such as davits and fairleads, chocks, scuttles ...

NSC STAFFING

ShipFitter

Pascagoula, MS

$35.28 - $42/hr

Join Our Team as a Shipfitter! Location: Pascagoula, MS Company: NSC Staffing Send resumes to: NSCPascagoula@nscstaffing.com NSC Staffing is seeking experienced Shipfitters to join our team in the ...

NSC Staffing

ShipFitter

Pascagoula, MS

$35.28 - $42/hr

Join Our Team as a Shipfitter! Location: Pascagoula, MS Company: NSC Staffing Send resumes to: NSCPascagoula@nscstaffing.com NSC Staffing is seeking experienced Shipfitters to join our team in the ...

NSC STAFFING

ShipFitter

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$35.28 - $42/hr

Join Our Team as a Shipfitter! Location: Pascagoula, MS Company: NSC Staffing Send resumes to: [email protected] NSC Staffing is seeking experienced Shipfitters to join our team in the Pascagoula, MS ...

NSC STAFFING

ShipFitter

Pascagoula, MS

$35.28 - $42/hr

Join Our Team as a Shipfitter! Location: Pascagoula, MS Company: NSC Staffing Send resumes to: NSCPascagoula@nscstaffing.com NSC Staffing is seeking experienced Shipfitters to join our team in the ...

Tecnico

Handyperson Shipfitter

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Summary Handyperson 1st Shipfitter must demonstrate a keen interest in learning the trade and possess fundamental knowledge of the shipbuilding industry. Familiarity with structural components and ...

B&D Contracting

Shipfitter (3rd Class)

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

Shipfitter (3rd Class) Location: Pascagoula, MS Job Summary We are seeking a motivated 3rd Class Shipfitter to support shipyard fabrication and structural fitting operations in Pascagoula, MS. This ...

Lead Staffing

Shipfitter

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Shipfitter LEAD Staffing | Hampton Roads, VA Location: Norfolk, VA Schedule: Full-Time | Contract | 40 hours per week (Overtime as required) About the Role We are seeking an experienced Shipfitter to ...

NSC STAFFING

Shipfitter - Manufacturing

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Join Our Team as a Shipfitter! Location: Norfolk, VA Company: NSC Staffing Send resumes to: [email protected] NSC Staffing is seeking experienced Shipfitters to join our team in the Norfolk, VA area.

LEAD Staffing

Shipfitter

Norfolk, VA

$20 - $26.50/hr

Shipfitter LEAD Staffing | Hampton Roads, VA Location: Norfolk, VA Schedule: Full-Time | Contract | 40 hours per week (Overtime as required) About the Role We are seeking an experienced Shipfitter to ...

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Shipfitter information

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How much do shipfitter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipfitter in the United States is $25.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a shipfitter?

Shipfitters are skilled tradespeople who construct, assemble, and repair the metal structures of ships, such as hulls, bulkheads, and frames. They work primarily in shipyards, using blueprints and technical drawings to cut, shape, and fit steel or aluminum plates and other structural components. Shipfitters often use tools like welding equipment, torches, and power tools to join materials and ensure the structural integrity of a vessel. Their work is essential to building new ships and maintaining or refitting existing ones.

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

To thrive as a Shipfitter, you need strong skills in blueprint reading, metal fabrication, welding, and structural assembly, usually backed by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with tools such as cutting torches, grinders, and shipyard safety systems, as well as certifications like AWS welding or OSHA, is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the accurate construction, repair, and maintenance of ships while upholding safety and efficiency standards in a demanding environment.

What are some typical challenges shipfitters face when working on large-scale shipbuilding projects?

Shipfitters often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, handling heavy materials, and interpreting complex blueprints in dynamic shipyard environments. Large-scale projects may involve coordinating with welders, pipefitters, and engineers to ensure that structural components align accurately and meet safety standards. Adjusting to changing priorities and tight timelines, especially when working on repairs or retrofits, also requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.

What is the difference between Shipfitter vs Welder?

AspectShipfitterWelder
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires apprenticeship or technical trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications like AWS or CWB often preferred
Work EnvironmentShipyards, manufacturing plants, marine constructionFabrication shops, construction sites, shipyards
Industry UsagePrimarily in shipbuilding, marine repair, and heavy industryWidespread across construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding

Shipfitters focus on assembling and installing large metal structures, including ship hulls and decks, using hand tools and measuring devices. Welders specialize in joining metal parts through welding techniques. While both roles work in shipbuilding environments and require technical skills, shipfitters handle fitting and assembly, whereas welders focus on welding and metal joining.

How do you become a shipfitter?

To become a shipfitter, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a formal apprenticeship or training program that includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Skills in welding, metalworking, and reading blueprints are essential, and some employers may require certifications such as AWS welding certification. Experience working in shipyards or with metal fabrication is also valuable.

How hard is it to be a shipfitter?

Becoming a shipfitter involves physical labor, technical skills, and knowledge of welding, metalworking, and blueprint reading. The job can be physically demanding and requires attention to safety protocols, but with proper training and experience, it is manageable for those with a strong work ethic. Certification and apprenticeship programs are common pathways into the field.

How much do shipfitters make?

Shipfitters in Virginia typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $65,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the projects. Skilled shipfitters with specialized tools and safety training may earn higher wages, especially in shipbuilding or repair environments.
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Shipfitter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shipfitter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,672 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Shipfitter Supervisor

Portsmouth, NH • On-site

International Executive Service Corps
See more jobs at International Executive Service Corpsexternal

$70 - $90/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Description

The Supervisor position requires 5 years of experience as a supervisor in repair and maintenance efforts onboard U.S. Navy ships in the Trade Skill they are supervising and On-Site Supervisors must reflect the same (2 years) experience, training, and qualifications, as the Tradesperson they are supervising. These periods of experience cannot overlap.

Required Skills and Experiences

Supervisors shall possess 5 years experience supervising the following requirements:

Shipfitter Typical Trade Task
  • Rip-out, alter, repair, and install ship’s structure (frame structure, metal deck plating and grating, hull fittings such as davits and fairleads, chocks, scuttles, sockets and deck rails.
  • Template, layout and fabricate structures and fittings including bulkheads, equipment foundations, hangers, ladders, stanchions, brows, accommodation ladders, and guards.
  • Remove and install corrosion‑prevention plates (Zinc)
  • Perform the following operations: punch, drill, ream, tap, and template cutting.
  • Fit‑up and make ready for welding, including chipping, nibbling, beveling, hand‑grinding and cleaning of surfaces to be welded.
  • Perform excavation of pits or defects in ship’s structure, including pressure hull and frames.
  • Perform post weld cleaning of ship’s structural repair areas.
  • Remove and reinstall tank access covers in support of other work.
Shipfitter Trade Skill Requirements

Each Shipfitter shall have at least 2 years naval or commercial ship repair experience, or equivalent experience in a heavy industrial environment performing the Typical Trade Task identified.

  • Each Shipfitter shall be proficient at performing post‑weld clean‑up of ship’s structural repair areas and removal/reinstall of tank access covers in support of other work.
  • Each Shipfitter shall be proficient at removing, altering, repairing, and installing ship’s structure.
  • Each Shipfitter shall be knowledgeable and proficient in the following skills: manufacture templates, layout and fabricate structures and fittings including bulkheads, equipment foundations, hangers, ladders, and stanchions; fit‑up and make ready for welding, including chipping, beveling, hand‑grinding and cleaning of surfaces to be welded.
  • Each Shipfitter shall be trained and qualified to wear respiratory protective devices.
Degree Requirements
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
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