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Shipwright Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Mystic Seaport Museum

Shipwright I

Mystic, CT · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Owns and maintains personal shipwright hand tool kit., including caulking tools. * Has five years' hands on experience of traditional wooden ship construction. Boat School graduates are preferred.

Mystic Seaport Museum

Shipwright I

Mystic, CT · On-site

Owns and maintains personal shipwright hand tool kit., including caulking tools. * Has five years' hands on experience of traditional wooden ship construction. Boat School graduates are preferred.

Mystic Seaport Museum

Shipwright I

Mystic, CT · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Owns and maintains personal shipwright hand tool kit., including caulking tools. * Has five years' hands on experience of traditional wooden ship construction. Boat School graduates are preferred.

All JobsShipwright JobsShipwright Jobs in Connecticut

Shipwright information

See Connecticut salary details

$17

$29

$37

How much do shipwright jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipwright in Connecticut is $29.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.28 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a shipwright?

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 does a shipwright do?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a shipwright?

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 popular job titles related to Shipwright jobs in Connecticut?

For Shipwright jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Shipwright jobs in Connecticut look for?

The top searched job categories for Shipwright jobs in Connecticut are:

What are popular job titles related to Shipwright jobs in CT?

For Shipwright jobs in CT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Shipwright jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shipwright job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,517 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Shipwright I

Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic, CT • On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description:
  • Perform structural repairs to wooden boat & ship hull components; frames, planks, beams, knees, decks, etc. 
  • Build and repair wooden masts and spars, solid and laminated construction. 
  • Build and/or repair wooden deck furniture and hardware. 
  • Hull and deck caulking 
  • Assist with Vessel docking, Line handling, hauling and launching 
  • Document work through photos, written explanations, and/or drawings 
  • Lead project teams and/or volunteers as required 
  • Proper and respectful use of shipyard tools and equipment 
  • Maintain a clean jobsite 
  • Material handling with powered equipment (fork trucks, telehandler, man lifts, hoists, etc.) 
  • Occasional interaction with museum visitors about shipyard activities and at all times represent Mystic Seaport Museum in a      professional manner. 
  • Occasionally assist other museum departments with their duties. 
Requirements:
  • Owns and maintains personal shipwright hand tool kit., including caulking tools.
  • Has five years’ hands on experience of traditional wooden ship construction. Boat School graduates are preferred. Holds a standard driver’s license. 
  • Physical ability to work outdoors year- round in cold and wet weather. Ability to safely lift 60 lbs. Comfort with working from elevated OSHA approved staging platforms, floats, and man-lifts. 
  • Proficient use of stationery and handheld electric wood working tools. 
  • Working knowledge of vessel systems; traditional rigging, electrical, plumbing, and engine systems. 
  • Metal working skills desired, but not required
  • Ability to self-start and collaborate with Shipwright II employees and volunteers. Ability to “team lead” small groups and teach advanced shipwright skills. 
  • Demonstrates extensive knowledge of traditional ship construction and vessel plans. 
  • Ability and willingness to record, log and document work performed using notes, drawings, photographs, spreadsheets, and smart phone applications 
  • Demonstrates and practices advanced visual spatial skills and a high level of ship joinery skills. Able to make “excellent fits” in a      timely manner.
  • Has the knowledge and skills to set up a traditional vessel for extensive repairs. Can ensure that the hull shape is not lost. 
  • Can properly block, support and cover vessels for storage on land. 
  • Can properly and safely operate and maintain a chain saw.  
  • Demonstrates the ability to fair a batten by eye either on a timber or around a section of hull framing. 
  • Has the ability to efficiently practice traditional ship caulking - shows the proper technique and tool knowledge to handling caulking mallet and irons. Practices hull reefing methods that protect the seams. Has the experience to judge the proper amount of oakum or cotton to be applied to a seam. Has the ability to prime and putty traditional seams properly. 
  • Has full knowledge of all the steps to hang a carvel plank on a vessel in a strong and tight manner. 
  • Demonstrates the ability to laminate and build spars, shaping them with traditional and or modern methods to scaled drawings. 
  • Can safely load and operate a truck / trailer setup for moving timbers and occasionally boats. 
  • Holds the ability to drive and dock a small shipyard work boat around the MSM’s waterfront and willingness to obtain a CT Safe Boaters      Certificate. 
  • Has the knowledge to do daily ship-keeping rounds for Mystic Seaport vessels. 

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