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Shipyard Work Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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This is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking work in the shipbuilding, ship repair, defense, and maritime industries. Key Responsibilities โ€ข Support shipyard operations in a variety of ...

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Marine Painter/Powertooler

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$16 - $20/hr

This role is ideal for dependable tradespeople with shipyard or industrial surface preparation experience who are ready for steady work and long-term opportunity. This is a safety-driven position ...

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Marine Painter/Powertooler

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$16 - $20/hr

This role is ideal for dependable tradespeople with shipyard or industrial surface preparation experience who are ready for steady work and long-term opportunity. This is a safety-driven position ...

Laborer

Chesapeake, VA ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

We're an unbeatable combination of onsite leadership and veteran industrial and ship scaffold specialists, with an extensive equipment inventory optimized for industrial and shipyard work at our ...

Venture Dynamics is seeking Marine Insulators for current shipyard work opportunities. Job duties include but are not limited to: Apply insulation and covering to piping/machinery for water systems ...

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Shipyard Work information

See Virginia salary details

$18

$25

$40

How much do shipyard work jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipyard work in Virginia is $25.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Shipyard Work, and why are they important?

To thrive in shipyard work, you generally need mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by trade school or apprenticeship training. Familiarity with welding equipment, power tools, cranes, and safety protocols, as well as OSHA or similar safety certifications, is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality construction or repair of ships and marine structures.

What is shipyard work?

Shipyard work involves the construction, repair, maintenance, and overhaul of ships and other marine vessels. Employees in shipyards may perform tasks such as welding, metal fabrication, painting, electrical work, and mechanical repairs. Shipyard workers often specialize in trades like shipfitting, pipefitting, or marine engineering, and work in environments that require strict safety protocols. The job is physically demanding and can involve working outdoors in various weather conditions, sometimes with exposure to hazardous materials. Shipyard work is crucial for supporting commercial shipping, naval defense, and offshore industries.

What are some common challenges faced by shipyard workers, and how can they be managed?

Shipyard workers often face challenges such as exposure to harsh weather conditions, heavy physical labor, and strict safety regulations. Managing these challenges includes proper use of personal protective equipment, adherence to safety protocols, and ongoing safety training. Additionally, effective communication and teamwork are crucial for coordinating tasks and minimizing risks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Many shipyards also provide support resources and regular briefings to help workers stay informed and safe.

What is the difference between Shipyard Work vs Marine Technician?

AspectShipyard WorkMarine Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in welding, rigging, safetyHigh school diploma, certifications in marine systems, electrical, engine repair
Work EnvironmentShipyards, docks, construction sitesMarinas, repair shops, on-site at vessels
Industry UsageConstruction, repair, and maintenance of ships and boatsRepair and maintenance of marine engines and systems

Shipyard work involves constructing, repairing, and maintaining ships in shipyards or docks, focusing on structural and assembly tasks. Marine technicians specialize in diagnosing and repairing marine engines and systems, often working directly on vessels or in repair facilities. Both roles require technical skills and certifications but differ in their specific focus and work environments.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Shipyard Work jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Shipyard Work job openings:
Infographic showing various Shipyard Work job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,372 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Hiring Pipefitters for Shipyard Work

Hiring Pipefitters for Shipyard Work

Labor One Staffing

Norfolk, VA โ€ข On-site

$24.50 - $31.25/hr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Labor One is Now Hiring Pipefitters for San Diego, CA Shipyard

Job Description

A pipefitter journeyman is responsible for removing, repairing, targeting, laying out, fabricating, installing, and testing marine piping systems such as Auxiliary Salt Water, Fire Main, Potable Water, Hydraulic, Compressed Air, Fuel Oil, Lube Oil, Engine Exhaust etc. in accordance with work item specifications.

The Pipe Fitter journeyman is also responsible for providing direction to improvers and helpers as directed by the supervisor.

The qualifications and general capabilities listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability desired by the shipyard.

Long term project

Housing assistance available

Per-diem available for those that qualify

Se Habla Espaรฑol โ€“ Pipe fitters para proyecto en San Diego, CA

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE


1. Must be able to comprehend instructions, drawings, and general correspondence.
2. Must have a comprehensive knowledge of ship construction.
3. Must be physically and medically capable to wear 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.)
4. Must be able to effectively confer job related information such as conditions found reports in writing that include recommended corrective action.
5. Must have a thorough knowledge of experience with P-73 joint fit-up.
6. Must be able to interpret drawings, specifications, and Navy/MSC/ABS standard items and manuals.
7. Must possess a comprehensive knowledge of equipment and work processes used in marine pipe fabrication, repair, and targeting.
8. Must be able to operate and care for equipment, portable power tools, and hand tools used to accomplish assigned work.
9. Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Must understand the US customary and metric measurement systems.
10. Must at have at least Three (3) years of pipefitting shipyard experience.


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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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