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Shipyard Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$23 - $24/hr

Follow all shipyard and company safety requirements Shipyard Helper Duties * Assist skilled tradespeople with daily work assignments * Move tools, materials, and equipment as needed * Maintain clean ...

Shipyard Helper Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking Shipyard Helpers for work in Norfolk, VA, Chesapeake, VA, and Portsmouth, VA shipyards. Candidates with an Active Secret Security Clearance are ...

Shipyard Helper Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking Shipyard Helpers for work in Norfolk, VA, Chesapeake, VA, and Portsmouth, VA shipyards. Candidates with an Active Secret Security Clearance are ...

Shipyard Helper Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking Shipyard Helpers for work in Norfolk, VA, Chesapeake, VA, and Portsmouth, VA shipyards. Candidates with an Active Secret Security Clearance are ...

Be Seen First

Experience as Fire Watch, Welder Helper, or general Shipyard Helper. * Firewatch and OSHA 10 certifications preferred * Must be a US citizen. For Local candidates US Citizenship Required CTR Group ...

Shipyard Labor

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22/hr

Perform firewatch duties in support of hot work, monitoring work areas to help maintain a safe environment. * Set up work sites by gathering materials, tools, and equipment needed for shipyard tasks.

Showing results 21-40

Shipyard Helper information

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$12

$15

$17

How much do shipyard helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipyard helper in the United States is $15.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a shipyard helper?

Shipyard Helpers are entry-level workers who assist skilled tradespeople in shipyards with various tasks such as cleaning, moving materials, and preparing equipment for repairs or construction. They often support welders, electricians, and other technicians by providing tools, maintaining work areas, and helping with the assembly and disassembly of ship components. This role requires physical stamina, a willingness to learn on the job, and the ability to follow safety procedures. Shipyard Helpers play a vital part in ensuring the efficiency and safety of shipbuilding and repair operations.

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

To thrive as a Shipyard Helper, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety procedures, and sometimes OSHA safety certification are commonly required. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and attention to detail help individuals stand out in this role. These skills ensure safe and efficient support for shipbuilding and repair operations in a demanding environment.

What are some common challenges shipyard helpers face during daily operations, and how can they prepare for them?

Shipyard helpers often work in physically demanding environments, exposed to weather, noise, and heavy equipment. Common challenges include handling bulky materials, adhering to strict safety protocols, and coordinating with various skilled trades. To prepare, candidates should focus on developing physical stamina, learning basic safety procedures, and being ready to work as part of a diverse team. Demonstrating adaptability and a willingness to learn on the job can help overcome these challenges and contribute to successful performance.

What is the difference between Shipyard Helper vs Shipyard Laborer?

AspectShipyard HelperShipyard Laborer
Required CredentialsMinimal certifications, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, possibly basic certifications
Work EnvironmentShipyards, docks, construction sitesShipyards, docks, construction areas
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in shipbuilding and repairOften used interchangeably with Helper, in shipbuilding and repair
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing entry-level roles in shipyardsPeople seeking similar entry-level shipyard roles

Both Shipyard Helper and Shipyard Laborer are entry-level positions in shipbuilding and repair, often requiring OSHA safety training. While the terms are frequently used interchangeably, 'Helper' may imply a slightly more supportive role, assisting skilled workers, whereas 'Laborer' can encompass a broader range of manual tasks. Both roles work in similar environments and are essential for shipyard operations.

More about Shipyard Helper jobs

What cities are hiring for Shipyard Helper jobs?

Cities with the most Shipyard Helper job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Shipyard jobs?

The most popular types of Shipyard jobs are:

What states have the most Shipyard Helper jobs?

States with the most job openings for Shipyard Helper jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Shipyard Helper jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Shipyard Helper jobs are:

Infographic showing various Shipyard Helper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,273 per year, or $15 per hour.

Fire Preventers & Shipyard Helpers

Tidewater Staffing

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Fire Preventers & Shipyard Helpers

Pay: $23–$24 per hour

Tidewater Staffing is hiring Fire Preventers and Shipyard Helpers for immediate opportunities in the Hampton Roads shipyard industry.

We are looking for dependable candidates who are ready to work and currently have the credentials needed to access the worksite.

Requirements
  • Secret Clearance OR qualifying shipyard badge required
  • Red badge holders are highly encouraged to apply
  • Green badge holders may also qualify for available opportunities
  • Ability to work safely in an active shipyard environment
  • Reliable transportation and dependable attendance
  • Ability to follow safety procedures and work as part of a team
  • Previous shipyard, military, industrial, construction, or general labor experience is a plus
Fire Preventer Duties
  • Monitor hot work areas for fire hazards
  • Maintain awareness of sparks, slag, and other ignition hazards
  • Keep work areas clear and follow established fire prevention procedures
  • Remain at assigned station during hot work operations
  • Immediately report unsafe conditions or signs of fire
  • Follow all shipyard and company safety requirements
Shipyard Helper Duties
  • Assist skilled tradespeople with daily work assignments
  • Move tools, materials, and equipment as needed
  • Maintain clean and safe work areas
  • Perform general labor and material-handling tasks
  • Follow instructions from supervisors and skilled trade personnel
  • Follow all required PPE and shipyard safety procedures
Why Tidewater Staffing?

Tidewater Staffing has been connecting people with opportunities throughout Hampton Roads since 1992. We support our shipyard workforce with ongoing training, safety requirements, certifications, and access credentials while helping employees build experience for future opportunities.

Pay: $23–$24/hour

If you have a Secret Clearance or qualifying shipyard badge, we want to hear from you.

Contact Tidewater Staffing’s Portsmouth office at 757-391-0100 or stop by today.

We’d love to put you to work!


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