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Shipyard Laborer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Laborer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Laborer American Scaffold has the expertise and the experience to solve even the most challenging ... and shipyard work at our fingertips. It means being able to provide the best solutions for ...

Laborer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Laborer American Scaffold has the expertise and the experience to solve even the most challenging ... and shipyard work at our fingertips. It means being able to provide the best solutions for ...

Showing results 21-40

Shipyard Laborer information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$20

$22

How much do shipyard laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipyard laborer in Virginia is $20.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $20.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a shipyard laborer?

Shipyard laborer is an umbrella term for someone that works at a dock and completes a variety of duties related to boats and shipping. Your main responsibilities in this career revolve around helping the shipping process to run smoothly. You may use loading equipment or a vehicle like a forklift to move cargo like lumber from trucks to a boat, or your responsibilities may be more in maintenance, like cleaning the dry dock or assisting with construction projects. Experience with hand tools is crucial for this career, as you may be responsible for completing a wide range of tasks.

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

To thrive as a Shipyard Laborer, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with power tools, forklifts, cranes, and adherence to OSHA safety regulations are commonly required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to follow instructions set outstanding laborers apart. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining safety, efficiency, and productivity in demanding shipyard environments.

What are some common challenges faced by shipyard laborers and how can they be managed effectively?

Shipyard laborers often work in physically demanding environments, frequently exposed to varying weather conditions, loud noise, and heavy machinery. One of the main challenges is maintaining safety while performing tasks such as welding, lifting, or working in confined spaces. Effective management involves following strict safety protocols, wearing appropriate protective equipment, and participating in regular safety training. Additionally, collaborating closely with team members and supervisors helps ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Shipyard Laborer vs Shipyard Welder?

AspectShipyard LaborerShipyard Welder
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic OSHA 10 or 30Welding certifications (e.g., AWS certification), OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentGeneral shipyard, assisting with materials, cleaning, and support tasksWelding stations, metal fabrication areas, ship construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in shipyards, construction, and maintenanceSpecialized in metal welding, shipbuilding, and repair projects

Shipyard Laborers perform general support tasks in shipyards, while Shipyard Welders focus on welding and metal fabrication. Both roles are essential in shipbuilding and maintenance, but Welders require specialized certifications and work in more technical areas.

How much do entry level shipyard laborers make?

Entry-level shipyard laborers typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on location and experience. Starting wages may increase with skills such as welding or operating heavy machinery, and some positions offer overtime pay due to the physical and demanding nature of the work.

How to get hired at the shipyard?

To get hired as a shipyard laborer, applicants should have physical stamina, basic safety knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include familiarity with hand tools and safety procedures, and some positions may require certifications such as OSHA training. Applying through local unions, staffing agencies, or directly to shipyard companies is common practice.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Shipyard Laborer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Shipyard Laborer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Shipyard Laborer jobs in VA?

For Shipyard Laborer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Shipyard Laborer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,877 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Labor One - Florida - Hiring Shipfitters for Florida Shipyard

Labor One Staffing

Chesapeake, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Labor One Staffing is NOW HIRING for the following position:
Shipfitter - 1st Class

-Project is in Florida


Contact: Clara (850)252-3345 or Edna (281) 965-2749

LLAME HOY!!!

If you feel you meet the following qualifications and can comply with the Duties Responsibilities, APPLY today!
Shipfitter 1st Class
This position is responsible for performing, with minimal supervision, steel and aluminum structural work in all stages of repair and modernization of marine vessels.
The position requires a working knowledge of procedures, strong mechanical aptitude and ability and be able to follow directions.
The individual must possess experience in the trade, knowledge of ship terminology, blueprint reading, measurements, and the ability to interpret job specifications and drawings.
The qualifications and general capabilities listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability desired by the shipyard.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Ability to comprehend instructions, drawings, and general correspondence.
  • Comprehensive understanding of ship repair terminology and ship compartment location nomenclature.
  • Be physically and medically capable of wearing all required personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the job as prescribed under OSHA standards. PPE includes hard hat, safety glasses, steel toe shoes, goggles, respirator, safety harness, safety line, flotation gear, etc.)
  • Ability to write comprehensive Condition Found Reports (CFR) describing the material condition of the ship as it pertains to the assigned work item, and provide recommended corrective action.
  • Ability to effectively confer job related information to the structural supervisor and small groups.
  • Ability to read and interpret structural drawings (including weld symbols), sketches, specifications, and NavSea standard items and Navy damage control diagrams.
  • Experience fabricating templates, squaring plates, scribing in structures, and installing perpendiculars on ships in accordance with drawings, specifications, or sketches.
  • Experience using oxy-acetylene torch and Plasma for cutting and washing.
  • Welding experience: SMAW (S-11A) (fillet) FCAW (S-1) (fillet) GMAW (S-25) (fillet)

Experience using hand and power tools safely including but not limited to mauls, grinders, circular and reciprocating saws, and hand and magnetic drill.

  • Understand the proper use and operation of structural shop fabrication equipment, including shears, punches, and brakes.
  • Possess a working understanding of the aluminum 5XXX process.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, fractions, and decimals using US customary measurement system.
  • Possess a working knowledge of, and be able to take measurements using the metric system.
  • Five (5) years of related experience.
  • Must comply with OSHA standards and Shipyard best safety practices.
  • Appropriate PPE must always be worn.

Labor One Staffing logo

About Labor One Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Labor One specializes in matching skilled craft laborers with marine and industrial services needs throughout Texas, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia and California. We ensure our clients receive the right candidates they need, while providing reliable work to our wide network of talent. At Labor One, our mission is to create partnerships between clients and staff within the marine and industrial services fields in order to create greater productivity and satisfaction for both. By utilizing a unique recruitment process, our mission is to create a wide network of vetted and qualified talent from which we can draw in order to create these mutually beneficial relationships. We envision, and are implementing, staffing solutions that deliver skilled, timely, and affordable labor to our clients. We also envision, and are implementing, a recruitment process that prepares job candidates for placement in jobs where their skills and training are useful, valued, and rewarded.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Brownsville, TX, US

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