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Shipyard General Labor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tidewater Staffing

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Secret Clearance Shipyard Workers

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

We are actively recruiting for Fire Preventers, Shipyard Helpers, Material Handlers, and other ... general labor and support tasks as assigned. Qualifications • Active Secret Security Clearance ...

WATERFRONT SERVICES

SHIPYARD LABORER

Cairo, IL · On-site

... perform general labor work to support marine and shipyard operations. Physical and Mental All positions require climbing onto the tops of barges (height of approximately six feet), opening and ...

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.

General Labor

Panama City, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

The General Laborer is responsible for supporting shipyard operations through the safe and effective use of basic hand tools, material handling, housekeeping, equipment preparation, and assisting ...

Easternshipbuilding

General Labor

Panama City, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

The General Laborer is responsible for supporting shipyard operations through the safe and effective use of basic hand tools, material handling, housekeeping, equipment preparation, and assisting ...

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Shipyard General Labor information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do shipyard general labor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipyard general labor in the United States is $17.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Shipyard General Labor, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety gear, and possibly OSHA certifications are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and strong attention to safety protocols are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure that tasks are performed efficiently and safely in a demanding and hazardous shipyard environment.

What are some common challenges Shipyard General Laborers face, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Shipyard General Laborers often encounter physically demanding tasks, exposure to harsh weather, and the need to follow strict safety protocols. New hires can best prepare by maintaining good physical fitness, familiarizing themselves with safety guidelines, and being ready to work collaboratively with skilled tradespeople and supervisors. Effective communication, adaptability, and a willingness to learn new skills are essential for success and advancement in this role.

What is the difference between Shipyard General Labor vs Shipyard Welders?

AspectShipyard General LaborShipyard Welders
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; OSHA safety trainingWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME)
Work EnvironmentGeneral shipyard areas, assisting with various tasksWelding stations, confined spaces, metal fabrication areas
Industry UsageCommonly employed in shipbuilding and repair for support rolesSpecialized in metal joining and fabrication tasks

Shipyard General Labor roles focus on supporting shipbuilding operations through manual tasks, while Shipyard Welders specialize in welding and metal fabrication. Both roles are essential in the shipyard industry, but they require different skills and certifications.

What are Shipyard General Laborers?

Shipyard General Laborers are workers who perform a variety of physical tasks to support shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance operations. Their duties may include cleaning and preparing work areas, moving materials and tools, assisting skilled tradespeople, and performing basic construction or demolition work. These workers are essential to keeping shipyard projects running smoothly and safely. Shipyard General Laborers often work outdoors, sometimes in challenging weather conditions, and must follow strict safety procedures. No formal education is typically required, but on-the-job training is provided.
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What cities are hiring for Shipyard General Labor jobs? Cities with the most Shipyard General Labor job openings:
What states have the most Shipyard General Labor jobs? States with the most job openings for Shipyard General Labor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Shipyard General Labor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Shipyard General Labor jobs are:
Shipyard General Labor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shipyard General Labor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,442 per year, or $17.5 per hour.
Secret Clearance Shipyard Workers

Secret Clearance Shipyard Workers

Tidewater Staffing

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Posted 19 days ago

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Job description

Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking candidates with an Active Secret Security Clearance, previous security clearance experience, or military backgrounds for shipyard opportunities throughout Hampton Roads.

We are actively recruiting for Fire Preventers, Shipyard Helpers, Material Handlers, and other shipyard support positions requiring or benefiting from security clearance experience. Additional opportunities may become available as customer needs change.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking work in the shipbuilding, ship repair, defense, and maritime industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Support shipyard operations in a variety of cleared and security-sensitive work environments.
• Perform Fire Preventer and Fire Watch duties during welding, cutting, grinding, and other hot work operations.
• Assist skilled trades personnel with shipboard and industrial work.
• Move materials, tools, and equipment throughout work areas.
• Maintain safe and organized work environments.
• Follow customer safety procedures, security requirements, and shipyard regulations.
• Work aboard ships, submarines, in dry docks, industrial facilities, and other maritime environments.
• Perform general labor and support tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Active Secret Security Clearance preferred.
• Candidates with previous Secret Security Clearance or other security clearance experience are encouraged to apply.
• Military experience is highly valued.
• Previous shipyard, industrial, manufacturing, construction, warehouse, or labor experience preferred.
• Ability to work in physically demanding environments.
• Ability to lift, carry, climb, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods.
• Reliable transportation and dependable attendance.
• Strong commitment to safety, security, and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Fire Preventer or Fire Watch experience.
• Shipyard Helper experience.
• Material Handling experience.
• OSHA certifications.
• TWIC card.
• Experience supporting Navy, defense, shipbuilding, or maritime projects.

Why Work With Tidewater Staffing?

• Opportunities with leading Hampton Roads shipyard and defense industry employers.
• Competitive pay based on position, experience, and qualifications.
• Long-term and project-based assignments available.
• Access to multiple cleared and security-sensitive positions as they become available.
• Work with a staffing company that understands the shipyard and defense workforce.

Apply today to learn more about current and upcoming Secret Clearance shipyard opportunities throughout Hampton Roads.

Company Description

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.”
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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