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Shipwright Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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See California salary details

$18

$30

$39

How much do shipwright jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipwright in California is $30.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.38 and $34.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Shipwright job?

A Shipwright is a skilled tradesperson who builds, repairs, and maintains ships and boats. They work with various materials, including wood, metal, and fiberglass, to construct or restore watercraft. Shipwrights use hand tools, power tools, and heavy machinery to shape and assemble different parts of a vessel. Their job requires an understanding of maritime engineering, structural integrity, and safety standards. Shipwrights may work in shipyards, docks, or specialized workshops depending on the project.

What is the salary of a shipwright?

The average salary of a shipwright varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year. Skilled shipwrights with certifications and specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially when working on large vessels or in shipbuilding yards.

What does a shipwright do?

A shipwright is a skilled tradesperson who builds, repairs, and maintains ships and boats, often working with wood, fiberglass, or metal. They interpret blueprints, use hand and power tools, and ensure vessels meet safety and quality standards in shipyards or dry docks.

What is the highest paid job on a ship?

The highest paid jobs on a ship are typically senior officers such as the captain or master, who oversee all ship operations and safety. These roles require extensive experience, certifications, and leadership skills, and they often earn the highest salaries among crew members. Salaries vary based on the vessel type, company, and region, but captains generally receive the highest compensation onboard.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior executives, specialized surgeons, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $500,000 or more annually. Certain executive positions in large corporations, investment bankers, and highly experienced professionals in niche fields may also reach this income level, often requiring advanced skills, extensive experience, and significant responsibility.

What does a typical workday look like for a Shipwright, and what kind of projects might they handle?

A typical day as a Shipwright involves a mix of hands-on construction, repair, and maintenance tasks on wooden or metal vessels, such as installing frames, hulls, decking, and interiors. Shipwrights often collaborate closely with marine engineers, welders, and other tradespeople to ensure each project meets safety and design specifications. Projects can range from building new boats from scratch to restoring historic ships or performing routine repairs on commercial and recreational vessels. The workflow is dynamic, sometimes requiring work in shipyards, dry docks, or even on-site at marinas, making each day varied and engaging.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Shipwright position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Shipwright, you need expertise in woodworking, metalworking, blueprint reading, and hands-on boat or ship construction, typically supported by vocational training or apprenticeship. Familiarity with power tools, CNC machines, and industry safety protocols is highly valuable, and certification from recognized maritime or trade organizations is often preferred. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail are critical soft skills that distinguish top Shipwrights. These competencies ensure precise, safe, and high-quality construction and repair of vessels, which are crucial in marine industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Shipwright jobs in California? The most popular types of Shipwright jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Shipwright jobs in California? For Shipwright jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Shipwright jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Shipwright jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Shipwright jobs in CA? For Shipwright jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Shipwright jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shipwright job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,820 per year, or $30.7 per hour.
Graving Dock Shipwright

Graving Dock Shipwright

Epsilon Systems Solutions

San Diego, CA • On-site

$26.26 - $32.53/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc. is seeking a full time Graving Dock Shipwright in San Diego, CA.
Summary: The position, requiring minimal supervision will provide skilled Shipwright support for Graving Dock operations. This role demands expertise in preparing drydocks, assisting with safe docking and undocking procedures, as well as operating and maintaining graving dock machinery and systems. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in ship drydocking operations along with strong mechanical and technical skills.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Participate in reviews of docking plans and vessel schematics as related to keel blocks and bilge blocks.
  • Utilize standard mechanic's tools, ship fitting equipment and tools, wood shaping equipment and tools, portable machine tools, fixtures, and various gauges in the maintenance and repair of SWRMC dry docks.
  • Support the building, pre-docking arrangement/alignment, disassembly and removal of docking blocks as required for all docking operations within SWRMC dry docks.
  • Operate, maintain, repair, remove, and install a variety of graving dock mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic equipment and system components, including but not limited to valves, piping, marine centrifugal pumps (both horizontal and vertical types), piston pumps, and associated capstans, winches, windlasses, and trolleys.
  • Monitor mechanical systems on a routine basis for problems or abnormalities, when identified notify supervision, analyze causes, suggest possible solutions, performing corrective action as authorized.
  • Perform machinery operational checks prior, and subsequent to dock operations as required.
  • Perform machinery operational checks subsequent to equipment repairs, changeouts or extended downtime.
  • Perform preventive maintenance equipment checks as required, reporting deficiencies to supervision.
  • Provide thorough maintenance and repair reporting, documentation, and parts inventory.
  • Strict compliance with all safety procedures and PPE requirements, to include Lockout-Tag-out procedures as required for work being performed.

Required Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Hold current, or be eligible to obtain and maintain a DOD Security Clearance
  • Minimum of 5 years drydock shipwright experience.
  • Knowledge of Lockout Tag-out procedures.
  • Proficient in researching, reading, and following technical manuals, blueprints, drawings, parts manuals, schematics, assembly instructions, and troubleshooting guides. Contact equipment manufacturers to obtain additional information regarding equipment operation, troubleshooting, and repair, when required.
  • Ability to make recommendations using sound judgment while complying with policies, procedures and appropriate applicable technical guidance.
  • Familiar with ship construction, drydock procedures, and marine materials.
  • Strong understanding of workplace safety in a drydock environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively across a wide range of govt, active-duty military and industry personnel.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Be available to perform overtime duties as required for pre-docking, docking, duration of ship docking periods and undocking.

Additional Requirements (Post-Hire):
  • Must obtain Tag-out/Lock-out qualification within 30 days
  • Must obtain PQS 301 Craftsmen qualification within 90 days.
  • Must obtain Forklift Operator license within 90 days.
  • Must obtain Dock Rover qualification within 6 months
  • Must obtain the following qualifications within 12 months:
    • Graving Dock Sluice Gate Operator
    • Graving Dock Caisson Operator
    • Graving Dock Pump Room Operator
    • Control Room Operator
    • Trolley/Winch Operator

Pay Range:
The pay range for this role is $26.26 To $32.53 Hourly. This is a reasonable estimate for this role. Individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
ADA Notations:
  • Requires walking, reaching, sitting and concentration in the presence of occasional noise
  • Ability to move in narrow and restricted passageways, up/down steep and narrow ladders or stairways.
  • Requires the ability to lift, carry and move objects up to 50 lbs. in weight.
  • Noise conditions range from very quiet to loud.

Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.

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