1

Shipfitter Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the essential duties satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Lays out, positions, and secures parts and ...

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the essential duties satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Lays out, positions, and secures parts and ...

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the essential duties satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Lays out, positions, and secures parts and ...

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the essential duties satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Lays out, positions, and secures parts and ...

Shipfitter information

See Wisconsin salary details

$14

$25

$37

How much do shipfitter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipfitter in Wisconsin is $25.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $27.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Shipfitter jobs in Wisconsin? For Shipfitter jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Shipfitter jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Shipfitter jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Shipfitter jobs in WI? For Shipfitter jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Shipfitter job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,165 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

2nd Shift Welder/Shipfitter, Level 4

Burger Boat Company

Manitowoc, WI • On-site

$28.06 - $35.02/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

“No Passengers. All Crew”

Join the crew at Burger Boat Company. We move fast, solve real problems, and build vessels that turn heads where they end up, from right here on Lake Michigan to ocean fronts all around the world. If you like a variety of work, perfecting your craft, and teaming up to deliver extraordinary, climb aboard – no egos, no shortcuts, just people who show up, step-up, and take pride in their work.

Why you’ll love it: Weekly pay; PTO and Holiday Pay from Day 1; Associate Engagement Committee and plenty of fun events, medical, dental, vision; life & disability; 401(k) with given employer contribution, access to EAP and LifeMart discounts; opportunities to learn, grow, and level up your career.

Ready to build something extraordinary? Apply Today! www.burgerboat.com/about/careers

At Burger Boat Company, we don't just build boats—we create some of the world’s most beautiful yachts on the water! With a legacy of excellence in crafting luxury yachts and custom vessels, we’re on the lookout for skilled Welders and Fabricators to be a part of our cutting-edge team. If you're passionate about precision and craftsmanship and you’re ready to make waves in the maritime industry, this is your chance to shine!


SUMMARY:

Welders/Shipfitters are expected to perform certified aluminum welding in all positions

with either MIG or TIG machines to classification society requirements, whether in shops or

on boats. Must be able to work from drawings, welding prints, specifications, bills-ofmaterial,

memos, other information or management instruction. Welders/Shipfitters must

be able to weld components as directed by fitters or metal fabricators: assists fitter or

performs fitter functions to position, align, and fit together properly fabricated and prepared

plates, structural shapes and weldments in preparation for assembly into the

hull/superstructure or other fabricated parts. Welders are responsible for proper cleaning,

preparation and welding of all components.

Department: Metal Fabrication

Reports to: Metals Manager


WORKING MATERIALS:

Must be able to work with various welding alloy wires, coated and uncoated sticks, inert and

consumable gasses; aluminum plates and extrusions, stainless steel and occasional nonferrous

materials common to yacht building practices.


TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

Must have the ability to safely and properly operate equipment such as: shears, presses,

rolls, grinders, chippers, air-saws, jigs, fixtures, cutting equipment, welder, clamps and hand

and power tools.

Each person must directly supply their own hand tools per the attached tool list and must

have them available in the yard and in working order throughout their employment period.


SKILL LEVELS AND ADVANCEMENT:

Welder/Shipfitter employees are categorized into three different skill levels beginning with

level 1, with the highest level being 3. The advancement of an employee to a higher

skill/wage level shall be made only when the Company has a continuing need for an

employee to perform work at that level and when the employee convincingly meets the next

level’s criteria. An employee’s immediate supervisor may recommend that they be

advanced. This nomination will be reviewed by at least the Director of Manufacturing for

approval with input from the Metals Manager or Welding Coordinator.

Employees should expect that based on the ability of the person involved, they may move up

a level or stay at the current level for longer periods than others working around them. In

extremely rare cases, some may remain at their current skill level indefinitely. Although this

would not be the Company’s goal, and likely not the goal of most employees, management

does recognize that certain individuals are either unable or unwilling to learn the skills

required to attain a higher level. Some employees may learn and adapt more quickly than

others.

We are equally committed to creating an environment of continuous learning, creativity

and process improvement whereby our wealth of talent and knowledge may be grown and

developed on behalf of ourselves, Burger Boat Company and its customers.


EDUCATION:

High school or technical school where print reading, basic measurement skills and tool use

has been learned.


Welder/Shipfitter – Skill Level 1

Employees in this level are expected to demonstrate through a positive attitude towards

their job and the company, they are anxious to learn the trade and contribute positively to

the company’s goals. They are expected to begin to formally educate themselves

technically.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Perform basic setup and weld preparation (cleaning, grinding, material handling).

2. Certified for basic fillet welds-bare/primer

3. Learn and follow safety protocols, PPE use, and shop practices, how to follow WPS’s.

4. Assist senior welders with equipment setup and material positioning.

5. Practice on scrap material to build consistency in bead placement.

6. Complete basic documentation (time, job numbers, simple QA forms).

7. Read and interpret simple blueprints, drawings, and welding symbols.

8. Any other task as Supervisor sees fit.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

1. Read and write in English

2. Use decimal or fractional tape measure

3. Physical strength to perform work standing, bending, squatting, kneeling and climbing

4. Work with hands and arms overhead for extended periods

5. Possess willingness and ability to learn new jobs and take instructions

6. Be flexible and willing to work various shift schedules as required


Welder/Shipfitter – Skill Level 2

For employees to advance to this level, they are expected to demonstrate that they are

anxious to progress in the trade, have started to broaden their skills and have gained more

experience. At this level, the quality, appearance, accuracy and quantity of their work will

become key elements.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Operate common welding processes (GMAW-P (Pulse) Aluminum, GMAW (Spray

Transfer & Metal Core, FCAW-G (Flux-Core) Steel and Stainless Steel) on plate with

some independence.

2. Grooves and fillets-bare/primer materials

3. Perform welds on flat and horizontal positions with limited rework

(100 defects or less per week).

4. Conduct pre-weld and post-weld inspections on own work.

5. Assist with fitting and measuring to prepare parts for welding.

6. Begin minor equipment troubleshooting (torch tips, liners, wire feed issues).

7. Maintain welding equipment, consumables, and work area.

8. Any other task as Supervisor sees fit.

9. Partially meets operational requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

1. All skill level 1 qualifications and requirements

2. Possess a background consistent with requirements for skill level 2


Welder/Shipfitter – Skill Level 3

For employees to advance to this level, they are expected to have demonstrated that they

consistently produce high quality work in a given time frame and that they can work

independently with little or no supervision. They are further expected to have

demonstrated that they belong on top of their field and have a thorough working

knowledge of how other trades interface with their department in order to efficiently meet

our production and quality goals.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Perform complex welds across multiple positions (vertical, overhead) with limited

rework on plate (30 defects or less per week).

2. Operate skilled welding processes GTAW (Tig) plate and pipe to plate with some

independence.

3. Perform critical (mirror & confined spaces) or certified welds meeting industry

codes (AWS, ASME, API, ABS, USCG) under supervision from class A welders.

4. Work with a range of materials (carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper

nickel).

5. Interpret detailed blueprints, symbols, and specifications independently.

6. Perform quality checks using gauges and basic non-destructive testing tools.

7. Fit and fabricate components with minimal guidance.

8. Mentor level 1–2 welders in skills and safe practices.

9. Complete detailed documentation for QA, traceability, or certification.

10. Troubleshoot welding equipment and recommend repairs.

11. Any other task as supervisor sees fit.

12. Preform hull weld seams with limited rework (30 defects or less per week)

13. Meets operational requirements


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

1. All skill level 1 and 2 qualifications and requirements

2. Possess a background consistent with requirements for skill level 3


Welder/Shipfitter– Skill Level 4

A level 4 employee is expected to have demonstrated leadership and technical skills as a

level 3 employee and is a uniquely trusted subject matter expert within the Metals

department, able to tackle our most challenging tasks and driving forward progress that

the levels prior would not be able to do on their own.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Perform critical (mirror & confined Spaces) or certified welds meeting industry

codes (AWS, ASME, API, ABS, USCG) independently with limited defects (10 defects

or less)

2. Master advanced processes (as the business sees fit). GTAW-Piping systems stainless,

aluminum, copper nickel, steel

3. Lead fabrication projects, from planning through completion.

4. Train and coach lower-level welders.

5. Perform inspections and sign off on quality assurance for others’ work.

6. Coordinate with engineers, supervisors, and inspectors on weld requirements.

7. Oversee safety compliance and continuous improvement initiatives.

8. Suggest process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce defects.

9. Any other task as Supervisor sees fit.

10. Meets operational requirements


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

1. All skill level 1 through 3 qualifications and requirements

2. Possess a background consistent with requirements for skill level 4


Monday - Thursday, 3:30pm - 1:00am, Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm
Overtime available for qualified candidates.