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Shipfitters Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tidewater Staffing

SHIPFITTERS

Norfolk, VA

Shipfitters are responsible for laying out, fabricating, fitting, aligning, and installing structural components and foundations used aboard ships, submarines, and other marine vessels. This position ...

Tidewater Staffing

SHIPFITTERS

Norfolk, VA

Shipfitters are responsible for laying out, fabricating, fitting, aligning, and installing structural components and foundations used aboard ships, submarines, and other marine vessels. This position ...

Tidewater Staffing

SHIPFITTERS

Portsmouth, VA

Shipfitters are responsible for laying out, fabricating, fitting, aligning, and installing structural components and foundations used aboard ships, submarines, and other marine vessels. This position ...

Tidewater Staffing

SHIPFITTERS

Portsmouth, VA

We are actively hiring experienced Shipfitters to support shipyard production in the Hampton Roads area. If you know your way around blueprints, structural steel, and tight-tolerance fabrication ...

Tidewater Staffing

SHIPFITTERS

Portsmouth, VA

We are actively hiring experienced Shipfitters to support shipyard production in the Hampton Roads area. If you know your way around blueprints, structural steel, and tight-tolerance fabrication ...

Labor One Staffing

Hiring Shipfitters

Biloxi, MS

Labor One is hiring Shipfitters for shipbuilding and repair projects in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Call (956)382-2631 / (281)965-2749 / (956)247-2467 / (228)471-5063 for more information. *Please send ...

Labor One Staffing

Hiring Shipfitters

San Diego, CA

Labor One is hiring Shipfitters for a project in San Diego, California. Shipyard experience is required. Please contact our team for more information! Cell: (619)657-5507 or (858)717-1672 *Please ...

Labor One Staffing

Hiring Shipfitters

Huntsville, AL

Labor One is hiring Shipfitters for shipbuilding and repair projects in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Call (956)382-2631 / (281)965-2749 / (956)247-2467 / (228)471-5063 for more information. *Please send ...

Labor One Staffing

Hiring Shipfitters

Mobile, AL

Labor One is hiring Shipfitters for shipbuilding and repair projects in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Call (956)382-2631 / (956)247-2467 / (228)471-5063 for more information. *Please send text if we are ...

Labor One Staffing

Hiring Shipfitters

Mobile, AL

Labor One is hiring Shipfitters for shipbuilding and repair projects in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Call (956)382-2631 / (956)247-2467 / (228)471-5063 for more information. *Please send text if we are ...

Tidewater Staffing

Be Seen First

SHIPFITTERS

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$18 - $28/hr

About the Role We are seeking skilled and motivated Shipfitters to join our team supporting shipbuilding and repair operations. The Shipfitter plays a vital role in the fabrication, layout, and ...

Labor One Staffing

Hiring Shipfitters

Houma, LA

Labor One is hiring Shipfitters for shipbuilding and repair projects in Houma, Louisiana. Call (956)382-2631 / (281)965-2749 / (251)385-0491 for more information. *Please send text if we are unable ...

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Shipfitters information

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$14

$25

$37

How much do shipfitters jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipfitters 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 are shipfitters?

Shipfitters are skilled tradespeople who assemble, install, and repair the metal structures of ships and other marine vessels. They work with blueprints and technical drawings to cut, shape, and fit steel and other materials, ensuring the structural integrity of the ship. Shipfitters use various tools and techniques such as welding, riveting, and bolting to join metal parts. Their work is essential in shipbuilding and ship repair industries, often requiring precision, safety awareness, and teamwork.

What does a Shipfitter do?

A shipfitter assembles, installs, and repairs metal structures and components on ships, such as hulls, decks, and bulkheads. They use tools like welding equipment, grinders, and measuring devices, often working in shipyards or dry docks and following blueprints and safety protocols.

What is the difference between Shipfitters vs Welders?

AspectShipfittersWelders
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, apprenticeship, certifications in shipbuildingHigh school diploma or equivalent, welding certifications (e.g., AWS)
Work EnvironmentShipyards, manufacturing plants, shipbuilding facilitiesShipyards, construction sites, manufacturing plants
Industry UsagePrimarily in shipbuilding and repairVarious industries including construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding

Shipfitters focus on assembling and fitting ship components, while welders specialize in joining metal parts through welding. Both roles often work together in shipbuilding environments, but shipfitters handle the fitting and assembly, whereas welders perform the actual welding. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the maritime and manufacturing industries.

How long does it take to become a Shipfitter?

Becoming a shipfitter typically requires completing a 3-4 year apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Prior experience or technical schooling in welding, metalworking, or related skills can also be beneficial for entry into the profession.

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

Shipfitters require strong skills in blueprint reading, metal fabrication, welding, and structural assembly, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical training in shipbuilding. Familiarity with welding equipment, cutting torches, grinders, and safety certification such as OSHA training is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving are crucial soft skills that help ensure precision and workplace safety. These skills are vital for producing structurally sound vessels efficiently and meeting rigorous maritime standards.

What are some common challenges shipfitters face when working on new ship construction projects?

Shipfitters often encounter challenges such as reading and interpreting complex blueprints, working within tight spaces, and aligning large metal components with precision. Additionally, they must adapt to changing priorities on the job site and collaborate closely with welders, pipefitters, and engineers to ensure parts are installed correctly and safely. Maintaining safety standards and meeting strict deadlines are also key aspects of the role that require attention and teamwork.

Is a Shipfitter a good job?

A shipfitter is a skilled tradesperson who assembles, installs, and repairs ship structures, often working in shipyards or manufacturing facilities. The job typically requires knowledge of welding, blueprint reading, and safety protocols, and can offer steady employment with opportunities for overtime and advancement. It is considered a physically demanding role with good job prospects in the maritime and construction industries.

How to become a Shipfitter?

To become a shipfitter, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete an apprenticeship or technical training program in shipfitting or welding. Skills in reading blueprints, metalworking, and using hand and power tools are essential, and some positions may require certifications in welding or safety standards. Gaining experience through on-the-job training is common in this trade.
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Shipfitters jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shipfitters job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 96% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $52,672 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
SHIPFITTERS

SHIPFITTERS

Venture Dynamics Enterprises, Inc.

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

$30K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Shipfitter Job description
Job Overview:
Venture Dynamics is seeking skilled Shipfitters to join our team. The Shipfitter will be responsible for fabricating and assembling structural components for marine vessels. The ideal candidate will have experience with soldering, precision measuring instruments, heavy lifting, mechanical knowledge, power tools, and customer service.
Job Description
Journeyman Shipfitters will perform shipfitting duties in all stages of repair and modernization of US Naval Vessels. Responsibilities to include tacking and fitting of bulkheads, railings, foundations, deck plating and other structural members. Assembles, cuts and grinds metal structural parts to include plates, bulkheads, strong backs, turnbuckles, come-alongs. Aligns parts in relation to each other. Performs layout work according to blueprints or reference lines. Marks location of holes to be drilled, drives wedges and installs temporary fasteners to hold parts in place for welding or riveting. May perform pre-fabrication work inside shop. Performs related tasks as assigned, some of which may become essential to the position.
Requirements
  • Minimum 5+ years' experience in a shipyard environment Must understand the layout of a ship with compartment identification knowledge Must be able to read blueprints and perform layouts Must pass written and hands-on weld tack test: - Tack Test includes: T1 test on Carbon, Stainless and Aluminum - Demonstrate ability to burn with a torch - Each test includes 2G, 3G and 4G positions - Written/Blueprint exam Basic reading, writing and math skills. Previous experience in metal works is an asset. Candidates may be required to travel to different sites or Naval Bases Must be able to use hand tools and power tools safely and efficiently Must be flexible to working all shifts (1st, 2nd, 3rd) Must have basic shipfitting tools. Must have own transportation Must be US Citizen Must pass drug and background screening and be eligible to obtain a DBIDS badge

Pay is up to $29 per hour with OT available
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 - 50 per week
Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Referral program

Compensation package:
  • Hourly pay
  • Overtime pay

Schedule:
  • 10 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift

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