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Wooden Boat Building Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Safe Harbor Marinas

Marine Carpenter (Technician)

Hampton, VA · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

SHM teammates are committed to thinking critically, providing outstanding service and building ... Knowledge of wooden boat construction and repair techniques * Ability to assess the quality of ...

Safe Harbor Marinas

Marine Technician (Carpenter)

Belfast, ME · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

SHM teammates are committed to thinking critically, providing outstanding service and building ... Knowledge of wooden boat construction and repair techniques * Ability to assess the quality of ...

SAFE HARBOR MARINAS

Marine Technician (Carpenter)

Belfast, ME · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

SHM teammates are committed to thinking critically, providing outstanding service and building ... Knowledge of wooden boat construction and repair techniques * Ability to assess the quality of ...

SAFE HARBOR MARINAS

Marine Carpenter (Technician)

Hampton, VA · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

SHM teammates are committed to thinking critically, providing outstanding service and building ... Knowledge of wooden boat construction and repair techniques * Ability to assess the quality of ...

SAFE HARBOR MARINAS

Marine Carpenter - Full Time

ME · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

SHM teammates are committed to thinking critically, providing outstanding service and building ... Knowledge of wooden boat construction and repair techniques * Ability to assess the quality of ...

Crew NY

Shipwright

New York, NY · On-site

$26 - $50/hr

... wooden vessels in New York City. Desired Characteristics: * Attention to detail * Able to work ... Time spent in formal Boat Building Programs may replace up to three years' experience * Possess a ...

Master Boat Builders, Inc

First Class Joiner

AL · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description For over 40 years, Master Boat Builders, Inc. has built and ... Key Responsibilities: - Construct and assemble Joiner and wooden components for boats, ensuring ...

Gage Marine

Wood Restoration Technician

Delavan, WI · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

... boat restoration * Knowledge of materials; including being able to identify wood by type and knowledge of the best application of each type * General knowledge on the process of building new wooden ...

TAS Concrete

Carpenter

Metairie, LA

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

... Boat Captain, Laborers, and other skilled or semi-skilled crafts persons. The incumbent must ... the wooden structure or form that is being worked on. * Receives building and construction ...

TAS Concrete

Carpenter

North Charleston, SC

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

... Boat Captain, Laborers, and other skilled or semi-skilled crafts persons. The incumbent must ... the wooden structure or form that is being worked on. * Receives building and construction ...

Orion Marine Group

Carpenter

Livingston, AL · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... Boat Captain, Laborers, and other skilled or semi-skilled crafts persons. The incumbent must ... the wooden structure or form that is being worked on. * Receives building and construction ...

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All JobsWooden Boat Building Jobs

Wooden Boat Building information

See salary details

$28K

$98.1K

$148K

How much do wooden boat building jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for wooden boat building in the United States is $98,146.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in a wooden boat building role and how can I prepare for them?

One of the most common challenges in wooden boat building is maintaining precision and craftsmanship while working with natural materials that can vary in grain and moisture content. You may also face tight deadlines, especially when working on custom projects or restorations. Being able to read and interpret boat plans accurately, as well as collaborating effectively with a team—often including designers, finishers, and other builders—is essential. Gaining hands-on experience with woodworking tools, understanding marine construction techniques, and developing patience for problem-solving will help you thrive in this role.

Is boat building a good career?

Wooden boat building is a specialized craft that can offer fulfilling work for those skilled in woodworking, design, and craftsmanship. It often involves working in workshops or on-site, with opportunities for custom projects and restoration. However, it is a niche industry with limited job availability and may require apprenticeships or certifications to advance.

What do you call someone who builds wooden boats?

A person who builds wooden boats is called a boat builder or shipwright. They typically work with woodworking tools, marine-grade materials, and may require knowledge of boat design, craftsmanship, and sometimes certifications in boat construction or safety standards.

How much do wooden boat builders make?

Wooden boat builders typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, skill level, and location. Skilled craftsmen with certifications or specialized tools may earn higher wages, especially in custom or luxury boat construction environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wooden Boat Builder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wooden Boat Builder, you need strong craftsmanship, woodworking skills, a good understanding of boat design, and often an apprenticeship or vocational training in boat building. Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, marine adhesives, and sometimes CAD design software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and patience are vital soft skills that help ensure quality and safety. These skills and qualities are crucial because they ensure the structural integrity, seaworthiness, and aesthetic value of each handcrafted vessel.

What is wooden boat building?

Wooden boat building is the craft and process of constructing boats primarily from wood and its derivatives. This traditional trade involves techniques such as joinery, planking, and caulking to create durable and functional watercraft. Wooden boat builders use both hand tools and modern equipment to shape, assemble, and finish boats ranging from small canoes to large sailing vessels. The process often includes selecting appropriate wood types, designing or following plans, and applying protective finishes. Wooden boats are valued for their beauty, craftsmanship, and unique handling characteristics on the water.

How to get a job building boats?

To get a job building boats, gain experience in woodworking, carpentry, or boatbuilding through apprenticeships, vocational training, or technical schools. Developing skills in fiberglass, epoxy, and marine hardware, along with a strong understanding of safety standards, can improve employment prospects in boat construction shops or custom boatyards.

What is the difference between Wooden Boat Building vs Boat Repair?

AspectWooden Boat BuildingBoat Repair
CredentialsCarpentry certifications, maritime skillsCarpentry, marine repair certifications
Work EnvironmentShipyards, boatyards, workshopsMarinas, repair docks, workshops
Industry UsageNew boat construction, custom buildsMaintenance, restoration, damage repair

Wooden Boat Building involves constructing new boats from raw materials, focusing on craftsmanship and design. Boat Repair centers on restoring or fixing existing boats, often requiring specialized skills to address damage or wear. While both roles require carpentry skills and work in maritime environments, Wooden Boat Building emphasizes creating new vessels, whereas Boat Repair focuses on maintenance and restoration.

More about Wooden Boat Building jobs
What cities are hiring for Wooden Boat Building jobs? Cities with the most Wooden Boat Building job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wooden Boat Building jobs? The most popular types of Wooden Boat Building jobs are:
What states have the most Wooden Boat Building jobs? States with the most job openings for Wooden Boat Building jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wooden Boat Building jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wooden Boat Building jobs are:
Wooden Boat Building jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wooden Boat Building job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,146 per year, or $47.2 per hour.
PT Boat Building and Boat Manufacture and Service Instructor

PT Boat Building and Boat Manufacture and Service Instructor

Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, NC • On-site

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Location : Wilmington - Downtown Campus, NC
Job Type: Adjunct Faculty
Job Number: 25-00095
Division: Career & Technical Education
Opening Date: 06/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Description
DEFINITION:
The Boat Building and Boat Manufacture and Service Instructor is responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating instruction within the Boat Building and Boat Manufacture and Service program, including curriculum development and student assessment. This role involves collaborating with program leadership to set goals, maintain instructional quality, and ensure alignment with industry standards. The instructor also supports recruitment and retention efforts, manages instructional materials and equipment, and upholds safety and operational efficiency. Ongoing coordination with faculty, student services, and industry partners is essential to the program's success.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
  • Receives general supervision from Program Director, Boat Building and Boat Manufacture and Service
  • Exercises no supervision

Duties & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
ESSENTIAL AND OTHER IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS STATEMENTS:
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
  • Plan, direct, and participate in the instruction for the Boat Building and Boat Manufacture and Service program; develop supplemental materials and tests; maintain accurate records of student attendance and performance.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Boat Building and Boat Manufacture and Service program including curriculum development and instructional coordination.
  • Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and review with the program director.
  • Develop and draft materials necessary for instruction with the direction and approval of the program director.

Other Important Functions:
  • Upholds student policies per catalogue and policy guidelines (ie. attendance)
  • Be able to work within a team management system
  • Maintains current and accurate inventory of all equipment, tools, and supplies necessary for projects
  • Assess material, supply, and equipment needs for the Boat Building and Boat Manufacture and Service program; submit requests for the ordering of supplies to the program director. Help maintain an inventory of equipment and supplies.
  • Participate in the academic program efforts to recruit and retain students; coordinate the development, review, and revision of program publications, publicity and other community relations' activities.
  • Work with industry partners and faculty to ensure our programs are teaching the most up to date techniques and the latest industry trends.
  • Coordinate activities with student services in the implementation of CFCC Boat Building and Boat Manufacture and Service program admission, progression, and graduation policies.
  • Ensure the adherence to safe and appropriate work practices and procedures.
  • Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
  • Safe working practices in a modern boat building shop
  • Terminology and techniques used in the construction of both wooden and fiberglass boats
  • Possess computer skills with experience in Microsoft office and Google Suite
  • Possess positive interpersonal skills along with professional and creative written and oral communication skills

Ability To:
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals
  • Provide assistance regarding subject matter to students
  • Operate and demonstrate the correct methods, practices and techniques of tools, materials and equipment used in modern boat building
  • Maintain accurate records
  • Work independently in the absence of supervision
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
  • Interpret and apply CFCC goals, objectives, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
  • Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
    1. Making observations
    2. Reading and writing
    3. Communicating with others
    4. Operating assigned equipment
    5. Handling varied tasks simultaneously
  • Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:
    1. Working in confined spaces
    2. Standing or sitting for extended periods of time
    3. Working under harsh weather conditions
    4. Working at sea
    5. Working in high places
    6. Operating assigned equipment
    7. Handling varied tasks simultaneously
    8. Bending, stooping, climbing, or lifting up to 75 pounds
    9. Presenting instruction materials
    10. Effectively deal with personal danger which may include exposure to:
    11. Working in high places
    12. Dealing with air contamination
    13. Difficult working conditions involving high noise levels, confined spaced, improper illumination and vibration
    14. Working with machinery
  • Maintain mental capacity, which allow the capability of:
    1. Making sound decisions
    2. Responding to questions
    3. Demonstrating intellectual capabilities

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Minimum Education/Training:
  • Diploma in Boat Building, Boat Manufacture and Service or related field from an accredited college or university or equivalent training.
  • ABYC Certification or ability to become ABYC certified

Minimum Experience:
  • Two years industry relevant combined education and work experience in boat building trade specific to program (ie. marine systems, marine composites, wooden boat building, marine spray finishes, etc.)

Preferred Education/Training, Experience, Skills:
  • Teaching or training experience or certification preferred

Supplemental Information
Special Instructions to Applicants:
  • This position REQUIRES UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND/OR TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS be submitted in addition to the application. Please have these documents ready to upload when applying.

  • Candidates are required to submit OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS for all degrees obtained prior to their first day of work or hire date. If highest level of education is High School diploma or equivalent, proof of completion is required.

  • Candidates who have obtained their education outside of the US and its territories must have their academic degree(s) validated, at their own expense, by an outside credential evaluation service as equivalent to the Baccalaureate or Master's degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.

  • To claim veterans' preference, all eligible persons shall submit a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to Human Resources during the application process. Human Resources will verify eligibility.

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
Cape Fear Community College, its faculty and staff, and the Board of Trustees are fully committed to the principles and practice of equal employment and educational opportunities. The College does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees in any programs and activities provided on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), gender (including gender identity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), disability, religion, age, genetic information, veteran status or any other protected status as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and any other applicable statutes and CFCC policies.

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