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Shipyard Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shipyard Welder

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp is seeking a dedicated and safety-conscious Shipyard Welder to support the construction of high-quality, new-build cruise ships. The ideal ...

Shipyard Welder

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp is seeking a dedicated and safety-conscious Shipyard Welder to support the construction of high-quality, new-build cruise ships. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a ...

Luhr Crosby, LLC is seeking Experienced Shipyard Welders! The Welder is responsible for measuring and cutting components to specified dimensions using hand tools, plasma cutters, and metal cutting ...

Luhr Crosby, LLC is seeking Experienced Shipyard Welders! The Welder is responsible for measuring and cutting components to specified dimensions using hand tools, plasma cutters, and metal cutting ...

Luhr Crosby, LLC is seeking Experienced Shipyard Welders! The Welder is responsible for measuring and cutting components to specified dimensions using hand tools, plasma cutters, and metal cutting ...

Structural Shipyard Welders Work Location: In and around Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam. Pay: $25-$32 dependent on weld test and interview. Must be eligible to get DBIDS and TWIC, clean background ...

Welder-Shipyard

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

We're seeking talented Shipyard Structural Welders who are passionate about their craft and eager to contribute to meaningfulprojects in a supportive environment. *Candidates may need to pass a weld ...

Pipe Welder-Shipyard

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Complete welding in confined spaces, elevated areas, and shipboard environments * Conduct pipe repairs, replacements, and new installations according to NAVSEA and shipyard standards * Operate hand ...

Welder-Shipyard

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Minimum 5+ years of welding experience in a shipyard environment. * Certifications: Proficiency in various welding techniques with required certifications. * Blueprint Reading: Ability to interpret ...

1st Class Structural Welder

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Follow all shipyard safety policies, including proper use of PPE, fire prevention, and confined space protocols. * Work in various positions, including overhead, vertical, and flat welding, often in ...

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Shipyard Welder information

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$18

$25

$41

How much do shipyard welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipyard welder in the United States is $25.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Shipyard Welder, you need strong welding skills, knowledge of metal fabrication, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often complemented by welding certifications such as AWS or NCCER. Familiarity with welding equipment, blueprints, and safety systems like OSHA standards is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work in physically demanding and sometimes hazardous environments are standout soft skills. These skills ensure high-quality, safe construction and repairs of ships, directly impacting structural integrity and project efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by shipyard welders and how can they be addressed?

Shipyard welders often encounter challenges such as working in confined or elevated spaces, handling heavy materials, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. To address these, it's essential to prioritize safety by consistently using personal protective equipment and following strict safety protocols. Additionally, strong communication with team members and supervisors helps ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely, especially when coordinating complex shipbuilding or repair projects. Continuous training and staying updated on welding techniques can also help welders tackle new materials and evolving industry standards.

What is the difference between Shipyard Welder vs Underwater Welder?

AspectShipyard WelderUnderwater Welder
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS)Commercial diving and underwater welding certifications
Work EnvironmentShipyards, fabrication shops, dry docksUnderwater, marine environments, offshore sites
Industry UsageShipbuilding, repair, maintenanceOffshore oil rigs, ship hull repairs, subsea structures

While both roles involve welding, Shipyard Welders work primarily in dry, industrial environments focusing on ship construction and repair. Underwater Welders perform specialized welding tasks beneath the water surface, requiring additional diving certifications. The key differences lie in the work environment and required credentials, with underwater welding demanding more advanced training for marine conditions.

What Does a Shipyard Welder Do?

As a shipyard welder, your job is to help build and repair ships. In this role, you may replace or repair metal parts of a ship’s structure. You weld various types of metal, following blueprints and ensuring that the structure can withstand the pressure of the ocean. A shipyard welder can work on a ship of any size, ranging from small yachts to aircraft carriers or cruise ships, but many specialize in a specific type of vessel. You may work in elevated areas as well as tight or cramped regions. Some welders also work underwater, which may require additional training and certification.

What are shipyard welders?

Shipyard welders are skilled tradespeople who specialize in welding metal components used in the construction, repair, and maintenance of ships and marine structures. They work with a variety of welding techniques, such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding, to join steel and other metals. Shipyard welders play a crucial role in ensuring the structural integrity and safety of vessels, often working in challenging environments like confined spaces or at heights. Their work is essential for building new ships and keeping existing ones seaworthy.
What cities are hiring for Shipyard Welder jobs? Cities with the most Shipyard Welder job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Shipyard Welder jobs? The most popular types of Shipyard Welder jobs are:
What states have the most Shipyard Welder jobs? States with the most job openings for Shipyard Welder jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Shipyard Welder jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Shipyard Welder jobs are:
Infographic showing various Shipyard Welder job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% As Needed, 76% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,834 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
Shipyard Welder

$21 - $30/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description

Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp is seeking a dedicated and safety-conscious Shipyard Welder to support the construction of high-quality, new-build cruise ships. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong work ethic, technical welding skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment focused on high production standards


WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?

  • Competitive Pay - $21.00 - $30.00 depending on experience and weld test
  • Single and Family Medical + Dental + Vision! Full-time employees are eligible for benefits the 1st of the month proceeding start date
  • $20,000 in AD&D life insurance + short term disability at no cost
  • Additional supplemental life insurance available
  • $1,000 signing bonus for full-time positions! Paid in two increments after 60 and 180 days of continuous employment
  • Referral program that pays $500 for each referred employee hired
  • 401(K)! Eligible to contribute after 1st paycheck and company match after 1 year
  • Six paid company holidays
  • Paid sick and vacation! New employees receive 40 hours of sick and 40 hours of vacation time after 90 days of employment. Combined sick and vacation of 96 hours at year 1, 144 hours at year 5, and 168 hours at year 10
  • Health Savings Account
  • An opportunity for career advancement within the department or others on the yard, while working as part of an empowering workforce
  • Overtime available after 40 hours
  • $2.00 shift differential for evening and night shifts

ABOUT THE JOB: This opportunity is a full-time and benefits-eligible position.

Posted 03/17/2026


REPORTS TO: Welding Supervisor/On-Site Foreman/Shipyard Superintendent


MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Safely and efficiently perform welding labor to complete construction associated with building cruise ships.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & TASKS:

  • Welding " to 1" steel using FCAW and occasionally SMAW
  • Plasma cutting
  • Tack welding with stick and semi-automatic welding equipment (preferred)
  • Follow instructions from foreman/supervisors on-site and keep the job site clean
  • Operate industrial welding torches and handle sharp pieces of metal for prolonged periods of time
  • Operate in isolation within the skeleton of ships, wearing heavy protective gear and carrying equipment weighing 40 to 75 lbs
  • All other duties as assigned based on operational needs


KNOWLEDGE:

  • Knowledge of proper safety practices.
  • Certification in FCAW/SMAW processes or equivalent industry credentials (preferred, but not required)
  • Experience operating forklifts and working in confined spaces
  • Familiar with industry codes and regulations
  • Knowledge of safe use of tools and equipment
  • Work independently and with teams


Requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • All types of physical movement are required for this position to successfully perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to use upper and lower extremities
  • Ability to work outside in heat, inclement weather, and cold
  • Ability to crawl, kneel, crouch, climb, and bend around and under equipment, on ladders up to 24' at heights up to 70', stairs, scaffolds, through small accesses, enter inside of tanks, and confined spaces, through hatches, and manholes throughout much of the work shift
  • Occasionally lift/move up to 75 pounds
  • Able to work over bodies of water


MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Normal level of visual acuity needed. Must be able to understand and follow directions. Normal hearing level needed. Hand-eye coordination required.


HAZARDS: Weather, fumes, high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, equipment, and vibration.



SHIFT:

  • Monday - Friday
  • Day Shift: 6:00am - 2:30pm
  • Evening Shift: 3:00pm - 11:30pm

Overtime and Weekend required based on business needs.

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