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Shipyard Carpenter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shipyard Carpenter Location: San Diego, CA (On-site / Shipyard Operations) Shift: 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Shift options available (Full-Time) Compensation: $26.00/hour Position Summary We are seeking an ...

Shipyard Carpenter Location: San Diego, CA (On-site / Shipyard Operations) Shift: 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Shift options available (Full-Time) Compensation: $26.00/hour Position Summary We are seeking an ...

Shipyard Carpenter

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Perform skilled carpentry in shipyard environments, including fabrication and installation of wood, composite, and synthetic materials * Construct and repair marine structures such as docks, ramps ...

Shipyard Carpenter 001

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

Perform skilled carpentry in shipyard environments, including fabrication and installation of wood, composite, and synthetic materials * Construct and repair marine structures such as keel blocking ...

Marine Carpenter

Chesapeake, VA

$21 - $28.75/hr

Shipyard Carpenter (Marine Carpenter / Shipwright) Location: Hampton Roads, VA Position Overview We are seeking skilled Shipyard Carpenters to support vessel construction, repair, and maintenance ...

Marine Carpenter

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Shipyard Carpenter (Marine Carpenter / Shipwright) Location: Hampton Roads, VA Position Overview We are seeking skilled Shipyard Carpenters to support vessel construction, repair, and maintenance ...

Marine Carpenter

Chesapeake, VA

$21 - $28.75/hr

Shipyard Carpenter (Marine Carpenter / Shipwright) Location: Hampton Roads, VA Position Overview We are seeking skilled Shipyard Carpenters to support vessel construction, repair, and maintenance ...

Marine Carpenter

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Shipyard Carpenter (Marine Carpenter / Shipwright) Location: Hampton Roads, VA Position Overview We are seeking skilled Shipyard Carpenters to support vessel construction, repair, and maintenance ...

Marine Carpenter

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Familiarity with shipyard safety standards * Physical ability to lift, climb, and work in tight or ... We are seeking skilled Shipyard Carpenters to support vessel construction, repair, and maintenance ...

Marine Carpenter

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Familiarity with shipyard safety standards * Physical ability to lift, climb, and work in tight or ... We are seeking skilled Shipyard Carpenters to support vessel construction, repair, and maintenance ...

Carpenter Helper

Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Southwest Shipyard owns and operates four (4) shipyards in South Texas with direct deep-water ... The Carpenter Helper supports daily operations by preparing materials, maintaining tools, and ...

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How much do shipyard carpenter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipyard carpenter in the United States is $25.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a shipyard carpenter?

A Shipyard Carpenter constructs, repairs, and installs wooden structures and fixtures on ships and within shipyards. They work with materials like wood, fiberglass, and composites to build docks, platforms, and ship interiors. Their tasks may include cutting, shaping, and assembling materials using hand and power tools. Shipyard Carpenters must read blueprints, follow safety protocols, and collaborate with other trades to ensure structural integrity. This role requires precision, craftsmanship, and an understanding of maritime construction techniques.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a shipyard carpenter?

On a typical day, a Shipyard Carpenter measures, cuts, and assembles wood or composite materials to construct, repair, or modify ship structures, interiors, and fittings. They closely follow technical drawings and work alongside welders, engineers, and other tradespeople to ensure all components meet design and safety standards. The role often involves working outdoors or in covered shipyard facilities, using a variety of hand and power tools. Shipyard Carpenters are also responsible for maintaining a safe workspace and may participate in daily safety briefings. Collaboration and adaptability are important, as project requirements and priorities can change rapidly in this fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a shipyard carpenter?

To thrive as a Shipyard Carpenter, you need proficient skills in woodworking, blueprint reading, and construction methods, often supported by vocational training or apprenticeship programs. Experience with power tools, measuring instruments, and knowledge of marine construction standards or certifications like OSHA safety training is highly valued. Dependability, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help Shipyard Carpenters succeed within dynamic, team-based environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring precise, safe, and timely completion of shipbuilding and repair projects.

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Infographic showing various Shipyard Carpenter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,115 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Shipyard Carpenter

Lead Staffing

National City, CA

$26/hr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Shipyard Carpenter 

Location: San Diego, CA (On-site / Shipyard Operations)
Shift: 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Shift options available (Full-Time)
Compensation: $26.00/hour

Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Shipyard Carpenter Journeyperson to join our ship repair and modernization team in San Diego. In this role, you will construct, erect, install, and dismantle temporary and permanent wooden and composite structures onboard U.S. Navy vessels, Military Sealift Command ships, and commercial vessels. Tasks range from building heavy-duty staging, scaffolding, and shoring to fabricating shipboard joiner work, bulkheads, decks, and gangways. 
Key Responsibilities
  • Scaffolding & Staging: Safely construct, erect, inspect, modify, and dismantle various types of system scaffolding and staging inside and outside vessel hulls, dry docks, and pierside locations.
  • Shipboard Joiner & Construction Work: Fabricate, lay out, and install wood, fiberglass, composite, and joiner components including bulkheads, doors, ceilings, decking, and shipboard furniture. 
  • Shoring & Cribbing: Build and position heavy timber shoring, cribbing, blocking, and support structures to secure vessel components during haul-out and repair.
  • Blueprint Reading & Layout: Read and interpret naval blueprints, technical drawings, NAVSEA standard items, and sketches to calculate dimensions and determine material requirements. 
  • Tool Operation: Proficiently operate woodworking equipment, shop tools, portable power tools, and hand tools in a safe and precise manner. 
  • Safety & Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to OSHA maritime standards and company safety protocols. Perform lockout/tagout procedures and wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE). 
Qualifications & Requirements
  1. Experience: Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience as a Carpenter, with at least 2 years in a shipyard or industrial marine environment.
  2. Technical Skills: Strong background in heavy scaffolding erection (tube/clamp, cup-lock), joiner work, and timber fabrication. 
  3. Blueprint Literacy: Proven ability to read and interpret complex ship construction drawings, structural layouts, and work specifications. 
  4. Physical Capabilities:
    • Ability to lift, push, or pull 50–75 lbs regularly.
    • Perform prolonged standing, climbing (ladders, scaffolding, ramps), stooping, and crawling.
    • Ability to work comfortably at heights exceeding 12 feet and within confined spaces (manholes, tight ship compartments).
  5. DBIDS / Yard Access: Must be eligible to obtain a Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) badge for Navy base and shipyard clearance.
  6. Safety Certification: OSHA 10-Hour Maritime certification preferred.
Benefits: 
  • Health insurance
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid sick leave
 
*The benefits listed above are subject to eligibility requirements*

To see a list of more available jobs, please visit www.leadstaff.com/jobs/

About LEAD Staffing 
Lead Staffing, established in 2010, specializes in Construction, Industrial and Marine Staffing of Skilled Tradespeople throughout the United States of America. Our goal is to work with regional and national contractors that share our commitment towards safety and to provide long term rewarding work assignments for our valued employees.

LEAD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  

LEAD is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a growing national company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.