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$18

$23

How much do shipfitter helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipfitter helper in the United States is $18.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Shipfitter Helpers face during ship construction or repair projects?

Shipfitter Helpers often encounter challenges related to working in confined spaces and navigating the physically demanding tasks of lifting, aligning, and securing heavy metal parts. Adhering to strict safety protocols is essential, as the work environment can involve hazards like sharp edges, welding fumes, and loud noises. Teamwork is crucial, as Shipfitter Helpers regularly coordinate with welders, fitters, and supervisors to ensure accuracy and maintain project timelines. Developing strong communication and adaptability skills can help overcome these challenges and contribute to the smooth progress of shipbuilding projects.

What is the difference between Shipfitter Helper vs Shipfitter?

AspectShipfitter HelperShipfitter
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, basic apprenticeship or on-the-job trainingAdditional certifications or apprenticeships, more experience required
Work EnvironmentAssists with shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance in shipyards or marine facilitiesPerforms more complex fitting, assembly, and installation tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports shipfitters, handles basic tasks like holding, cleaning, and material prepPerforms precise fitting, welding, and assembly of ship components

The main difference between a Shipfitter Helper and a Shipfitter is experience and responsibility level. Helpers assist with basic tasks and support shipfitters, while shipfitters perform more skilled fitting and assembly work. Both roles are essential in shipbuilding and repair, with helpers often serving as entry-level positions to gain experience in the industry.

Is a Shipfitter a good job?

A shipfitter helper assists skilled shipfitters in assembling, installing, and repairing metal structures on ships, often working in shipyards or industrial settings. The job typically requires physical strength, attention to detail, and knowledge of welding and blueprint reading. It can offer steady employment and opportunities for skill development, but may involve physically demanding work and exposure to harsh environments.

What is the highest paying job at the shipyard?

At a shipyard, the highest paying roles are typically senior positions such as shipyard managers, project managers, or specialized engineers like naval architects. These roles require extensive experience, technical skills, and often certifications, and they oversee large projects or operations, commanding higher salaries than entry-level or helper positions like shipfitter helpers.

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

To thrive as a Shipfitter Helper, you need a basic understanding of metalworking, blueprint reading, and general construction safety, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, measuring instruments, and sometimes OSHA safety certifications are typically expected. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn make someone stand out in this position. These skills are essential to ensure precise fabrication, safe work practices, and effective support of shipbuilding operations.

What is a Shipfitter helper job description?

A Shipfitter Helper assists shipfitters in assembling, installing, and repairing metal structures and components on ships. They typically perform tasks such as measuring, cutting, grinding, and cleaning materials, often working under supervision in shipyard environments. Basic knowledge of hand tools, safety procedures, and physical stamina are important for this role.

What are Shipfitter Helpers?

Shipfitter Helpers assist shipfitters in the construction, repair, and maintenance of ships and other marine vessels. Their duties typically include preparing materials, holding or positioning metal parts, cleaning work areas, and operating basic tools under supervision. Shipfitter Helpers play a crucial role in ensuring that fabrication and assembly work proceeds smoothly and safely. This entry-level position provides valuable hands-on experience in the shipbuilding industry and can lead to more advanced roles with additional training.

How to become a Shipfitter?

To become a shipfitter, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and gain experience through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. Skills in welding, metalworking, and reading blueprints are essential, and some employers may require certifications in welding or safety standards.
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Shipfitter Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shipfitter Helper job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,478 per year, or $18 per hour.

Shipfitter

Continental Tide Defense System INC.

Hampton, VA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description


Company Overview:
Continental Tide Defense Systems Inc. (Continental Tide) is headquartered in Reading, PA with additional locations in Philadelphia; San Diego, CA; Bremerton, WA and Norfolk, VA. We specialize in providing engineering and industrial services to the US Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other Department of Defense Organizations. At Continental Tide, we understand that a great company culture is one where employees know their voice is heard, no matter what their title is, and letting them grow in their role as the company does. We want to provide our employees with the opportunity to learn, be challenged and be in a position where they can succeed, develop new skills, and do things they wouldn't have the opportunity to do elsewhere. Our fast-paced and challenging environment, employees here at Continental Tide can catapult themselves to the top and we're looking for 'the best at what they do' to join our team and help us grow in new ways.
*Please note due to the anticipated volume of responses, we will contact only those candidates who most closely match our requirements. Only local candidates will be considered.
Job Overview:
Continental Tide is seeking an experienced and skilled Shipfitter for our Norfolk, VA office. The successful candidate will join our Fleet Services Group performing various ship repair, modernization and Alteration Installation Team (AIT) projects. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in structural fitting, blueprint reading, and fabrication work in a shipyard environment. Candidates must be safety-conscious, dependable, and able to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting.
Essential Duties & responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Utilize knowledge, skills, and abilities to assemble, modify, lay out, fabricate, repair, and install plates, shapes, and/or pipe as part of a structural assembly in ship alteration and repair.
  • Lay out, position, align, and fit structural metal parts according to blueprints and specifications.
  • Fabricate and assemble metal parts using tools such as welding equipment, torches, grinders, and cutting tools.
  • Interpret ship construction drawings and technical specifications to guide fabrication and installation.
  • Perform tack welding and assist certified welders as needed, ensuring proper alignment and fit-up of structural components per project requirements.
  • Inspect completed assemblies to ensure conformance to specifications and adherence to safety and environmental compliance standards.
  • Employ appropriate trade methods to ensure watertight integrity on metal hulls, including precise fitting and securing of components.
  • Manufacture and install interior and exterior structural items, such as bulkheads, foundations, and framing systems.
  • Repair, remove, and/or replace damaged ship structures and fittings, creating structural welds and fittings as needed.
  • Manufacture and install parts and assemblies from templates, ensuring accuracy and fit.
  • Prepare surfaces for welding, burning, and riveting; lay out holes for drilling using various hand, electric, and pneumatic tools.
  • Measure and verify dimensions using precision instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and tape measures.
  • Coordinate and arrange for the work of multiple trades based on technical work documents, blueprints, specifications, and written or oral instructions.

Experience and Skills
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred
  • Minimum 5-8 years of marine or industrial ship fitting experience required
  • Proficient in blueprint reading and layout techniques
  • Familiarity with welding, burning, and cutting tools
  • Ability to pass pre-employment physical and background check
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States
  • Ability to obtain & maintain a Secret clearance
  • Demonstrated reliability and punctuality; must be able to consistently report to work on time

Other Requirements
  • Must be able to read, write and comprehend simple instructions
  • Must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral or diagram form
  • Must be able to calculate and understand units of measure, including fractions and decimals
  • Must know how to measure using a scale and tape measure
  • Must be able to wear standard PPE and use basic ship fitting tool list
  • Must be able to withstand extreme temperatures & weather conditions

Licenses/Certifications Preferred But Not Required:
  • Weld Certification
  • Ultrasonic Impact Testing Treatment (UIT Treatment) - certification
  • Carbon steel certification
  • Passing grade on breaking test
  • Certification in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as manual metal arc welding (MMA or MMAW), flux shielded arc welding or informally as stick welding (manual arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode covered with a flux to lay the weld)
  • Certification in flux-cored arc welding (FCAW or FCA) (a semi-automatic or automatic arc welding process)
  • Tack Welding via the welding school
  • Preferred tack welding certification
  • Preferred SMAW and FCAW or FCA certifications

Physical Requirements:
  • Exposure to open-air environments, including noisy, hot, and cold conditions.
  • Required to visit project sites aboard ships and rigs, both onshore and offshore.
  • Must wear various types of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hearing, eye, head, and hand protection, as required.
  • Site visits may involve standing on a variety of surfaces and angles, bending, crouching, and climbing over obstructions such as scaffolding, ladders, and internal barge or boat structural components.
  • Exposure to sound levels exceeding 100 decibels.
  • Must possess sufficient visual acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception, and night vision to inspect marine components and systems, identify defects or irregularities, and safely operate tools and equipment.
  • May work in confined spaces with limited ventilation.
  • Requires prolonged periods of sedentary work, including sitting and/or standing.
  • May be required to operate machinery, power tools, and/or heavy equipment.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively to exchange and comprehend information.
  • Frequent exposure to extreme weather conditions, including high heat and extreme cold.
  • Must be able to lift and carry 30 lbs. or more, depending on the task requirements.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform the essential job duties satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of employee or others. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Job Benefits
Continental Tide offers an empowering professional environment in a culture that emphasizes teamwork, shared responsibility for company and client success, and personal growth. We offer competitive wages in salaried and hourly positions, educational opportunities, competitive employee benefit options, and 401K plan with company match.
Why Join Us?
At Continental Tide, we foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. By joining our team, you'll work on impactful projects supporting our nation's fleet, with opportunities to advance your career in a fast-paced and rewarding environment.
Apply Today:
If you're ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our mission to deliver quality solutions to the Fleet.
See all of our latest opportunities at www.continentaltide.com or follow us on our LinkedIn page at www.linkedin.com/company/continental-tide-defense-systems
Reasonable Accommodations Statement:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform the essential job duties satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of employee or others. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Continental Tide is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify and U.S. citizenship is required for most positions. Continental Tide prohibits discrimination against any protected class from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs. Consistent with these obligations, Continental Tide also provides reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
"This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans."

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