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Shipyard Blaster Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tidewater Staffing

Blaster-Chesapeake, Virginia

Suffolk, VA

$17 - $22.50/hr

Perform abrasive blasting on shipyard structures including hulls, decks, bulkheads, foundations, and steel assemblies * Prepare surfaces to required shipyard and coating specifications (SSPC/NACE ...

New

Tidewater Staffing

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Shipyard Painter / Sprayer / Blaster

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking experienced Shipyard Painters, Sprayers and Blasters for work in Hampton Roads shipyards. We are seeking candidates highly experienced in surface preparation ...

Tidewater Staffing

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Shipyard Painter / Sprayer / Blaster

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking experienced Shipyard Painters, Sprayers and Blasters for work in Hampton Roads shipyards. We are seeking candidates highly experienced in surface preparation ...

Tidewater Staffing

Blaster

Chesapeake, VA

$17.75 - $24/hr

Perform abrasive blasting on shipyard structures including hulls, decks, bulkheads, foundations, and steel assemblies * Prepare surfaces to required shipyard and coating specifications (SSPC/NACE ...

Tidewater Staffing

Blaster

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Perform abrasive blasting on shipyard structures including hulls, decks, bulkheads, foundations, and steel assemblies * Prepare surfaces to required shipyard and coating specifications (SSPC/NACE ...

IMIA, LLC

Blaster

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$22 - $37/hr

Must be able to work cooperatively and productively with other employees and shipyard personnel ... Blast Pot/Hopper, after cooler, dehumidifiers, dust collectors, vacuums, forklifts, electrical ...

Fairlead Integrated

Blaster 1/Class

Newport News, VA · On-site

$28.73 - $43.09/hr

Operate various style blasting units. * Proper use and selection of various types of hand and power ... Knowledge of OSHA Shipyard industry standards. * Advanced knowledge of the selection and uses of ...

Main Industries

Shipyard General Laborer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$18 - $20/wk

You'll work in active shipyard and industrial environments while following all company, customer ... Support painters, blasters, scaffold crews, containment crews, and other skilled trades as assigned.

Main Industries

Shipyard General Laborer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

You'll work in active shipyard and industrial environments while following all company, customer ... Support painters, blasters, scaffold crews, containment crews, and other skilled trades as assigned ...

Main Industries

Shipyard General Laborer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

You'll work in active shipyard and industrial environments while following all company, customer ... Support painters, blasters, scaffold crews, containment crews, and other skilled trades as assigned ...

Main Industries

Shipyard General Laborer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

You'll work in active shipyard and industrial environments while following all company, customer ... Support painters, blasters, scaffold crews, containment crews, and other skilled trades as assigned ...

Main Industries

$15 - $19/hr

You'll work in active shipyard and industrial environments while following all company, customer ... Support painters, blasters, scaffold crews, containment crews, and other skilled trades as assigned ...

IMIA, LLC

Shipyard Production Worker

Portsmouth, VA

$20 - $21/hr

... blasters, and other team members in pulling lines before, during, and after operations. * Clean ... Shipyard Production Worker may gain exposure to other positions in the organization while working ...

Main Industries

$25.50 - $31.75/hr

Shipyard experience is highly preferred. Experience with and understanding of basic blasting and painting equipment (Dust Collectors, Ventilation Blowers, Industrial Size Vacuums, Heaters/AC Units ...

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Shipyard Blaster information

What is a shipyard blaster?

Shipyard Blasters are skilled workers responsible for cleaning, preparing, and treating the surfaces of ships and marine structures, typically by using high-pressure abrasive blasting equipment. Their work removes old paint, rust, and other contaminants to ensure surfaces are ready for painting, coating, or repair. Shipyard Blasters play an essential role in maintaining the structural integrity and longevity of ships by preparing surfaces effectively. They must follow strict safety procedures due to the hazardous nature of blasting materials and the environments in which they work.

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

To thrive as a Shipyard Blaster, you need strong knowledge of surface preparation techniques, abrasive blasting equipment, and safety regulations, often supported by relevant OSHA certifications or shipyard safety training. Familiarity with industrial blasting tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), and containment systems is typically required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to follow strict safety procedures are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure effective surface preparation, minimize workplace hazards, and maintain high-quality standards in shipyard environments.

What are some common challenges faced by shipyard blasters, and how can they be managed on the job?

Shipyard Blasters often work in physically demanding environments, dealing with confined spaces, varying weather conditions, and exposure to dust and noise. Managing these challenges involves wearing proper personal protective equipment, following strict safety protocols, and maintaining clear communication with team members. Staying up-to-date with safety training and regularly inspecting equipment are also essential for minimizing risks and ensuring efficient workflow.

What is the difference between Shipyard Blaster vs Shipyard Painter?

AspectShipyard BlasterShipyard Painter
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, respirator fit testingOSHA safety training, working at heights
Work EnvironmentIndustrial shipyard, outdoor, confined spacesShip surfaces, indoor/outdoor, often at heights
Job FocusRemoving old paint/coatings via blastingApplying new paint/coatings to ships

Shipyard Blasters and Shipyard Painters both work in shipyard environments and require OSHA safety certifications. Blasters focus on surface preparation through blasting, while Painters apply protective coatings. Their roles are complementary but distinct, with different skill sets and tasks involved.

What are popular job titles related to Shipyard Blaster jobs in Virginia?

For Shipyard Blaster jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Shipyard Blaster jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Shipyard Blaster jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Shipyard Blaster jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Shipyard Blaster job openings:

Shipyard Blaster jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shipyard Blaster job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Blaster-Chesapeake, Virginia

Tidewater Staffing

Suffolk, VA

$17 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

⚓ C7 Blasters Wanted – Prep the Steel That Builds the Fleet

We are actively hiring C7 Certified Blasters to support ongoing shipyard projects throughout Hampton Roads. This role is perfect for experienced surface prep professionals who understand that great coatings start with great blasting.

If you’re detail-oriented, safety-focused, and take pride in preparing steel to shipyard standards, this is your opportunity to put your certification to work on long-term marine construction projects.

???? C7 Blaster Responsibilities:

  • Perform abrasive blasting on shipyard structures including hulls, decks, bulkheads, foundations, and steel assemblies

  • Prepare surfaces to required shipyard and coating specifications (SSPC/NACE standards as applicable)

  • Operate blasting equipment safely and efficiently

  • Inspect surfaces for cleanliness, profile, and readiness for coating

  • Contain blasting areas and follow environmental controls

  • Work in confined spaces, elevated areas, and industrial environments

  • Follow all shipyard safety procedures and PPE requirements

  • Coordinate with painters, supervisors, and production teams to meet schedules

✅ C7 Blaster Qualifications:

  • Current C7 Blaster Certification required

  • Prior shipyard or industrial blasting experience strongly preferred

  • Knowledge of surface preparation standards and abrasive media

  • Physically capable of lifting 50 lbs and performing demanding work

  • Comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces

  • Familiarity with OSHA shipyard safety practices

  • Reliable transportation and strong attendance

???? What We Offer:

  • Competitive hourly pay based on experience and certification

  • Overtime opportunities

  • Long-term shipyard assignments

  • Weekly pay

  • Support from recruiters who understand skilled trades

  • Advancement opportunities within shipyard operations

Tidewater Staffing logo

About Tidewater Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.” Our deep industry experience and established local presence allow us to maintain a consistent, updated, and expansive network of skilled candidates, and our proprietary digital onboarding process. When you partner with Tidewater Staffing, you get employees who are trained, screened, supplied, and access to our proprietary digital onboarding process.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Virginia Beach, VA, US

Year founded

1992

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