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Wooden Boat Building Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Carpenter

Tampa, FL · On-site

$20.50 - $28/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 ...

Carpenter

Mobile, AL · On-site

$21.75 - $29.25/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 ...

Carpenter

Charleston, SC · On-site

$20.25 - $27.50/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 ...

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 ...

Carpenter

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/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 ...

Carpenter

Metairie, LA · On-site

$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 ...

Carpenter

Houston, TX

$18.75 - $25.25/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 ...

Carpenter

Metairie, LA · On-site

$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 ...

Carpenter

Tampa, FL · On-site

$20.50 - $28/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 ...

Carpenter

Tampa, FL · On-site

$20.50 - $28/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 ...

Carpenter

North Charleston, SC · On-site

$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 ...

Showing results 21-39

Wooden Boat Building information

See salary details

$28K

$98.1K

$148K

How much do wooden boat building jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wooden boat builder?

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Wooden Boat Building job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,146 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

$20.50 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is accountable for providing carpentry skills at marine project locations for Orion. Incumbents are responsible for constructing, erecting, installing, and repairing concrete forms, scaffolds, tunnel supports, frame building, and shelters according to sketches, blueprints, or oral instructions. Typically, they will work closely with a Project Superintendent, Barge Foreman, Crane Operator, Boat Captain, Laborers, and other skilled or semi-skilled crafts persons.

The incumbent must support the guiding beliefs and core values of Orion which are centered on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Teamwork, most importantly with each built upon the all-important foundation of Integrity.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Works as assigned by the Project Superintendent or Barge Foreman to ensure the successful completion of on-going or new marine construction projects.
  • Secures and maintains basic tools to perform carpentry duties including hammer (framing and trimming), nail bag, tape measure, utility knives, chisel assortment, level, framing square, screwdriver assortment, nail set, etc.
  • Returns carpentry tools to Marine Yard or secured location on the job site once the project is complete.
  • Interprets plans and specifications to build, construct, or repair the wooden structure or form that is being worked on.
  • Receives building and construction materials and offloads these materials in a safe and proficient fashion.
  • Lays out foundation, building lines, and anchor bolts.
  • Shoots elevations and grades as may be required by the project.
  • Erects forms and monitors pour regarding depressed areas, building lines, anchor bolts, etc.
  • Performs wood framing and metal stud framing as dictated by the project.
  • Inspects and makes minor repairs to wooden structures as required.
  • Picks up needed materials and supplies to complete the project.
  • Works closely with the Barge Foreman, Crane Operators, Helpers, and other skilled crafts persons to complete current projects in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Ensures participation in Safety and Environmental initiatives that will contribute to compliance with State/Federal regulations and improve existing Company programs.

EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

  • Responsible and accountable for incumbent's own personal safety.
  • Responsible and accountable for the safety of all co-workers and any others incumbent comes in contact with.
  • Authorized and obligated to stop work on any task or series of tasks whenever an unsafe condition or situation is anticipated or is observed.
  • Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and Company policies and procedures and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action (including dismissal) for failure to do so.
  • Reports any and all violations of applicable laws, regulations, or Company policies and procedures promptly and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action (including dismissal) for failure to do so.
  • Performs other related administrative and technical duties as may be assigned or requested by immediate supervision (such as certification training, safety training, procedure review, etc.).
  • All employees, current and former, must maintain confidentiality by not disclosing to others any confidential, proprietary, or trade secret information belonging to the Company.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of two (2) years carpentry experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the necessary carpentry skills, knowledge, and abilities is required. The incumbent must also be able to communicate well and have good knowledge of:

  • Practices and materials of the carpentry trade related to concrete forming for reinforced concrete structures.
  • Operation of various types of marine equipment and devices.
  • Importance of safe work practices in a marine construction environment.
  • Carpentry craft and be capable of demonstrating proficiency to perform the job.
  • General knowledge of concrete forming systems.

The Company expects and requires incumbent and each of its other employees to observe and fulfill the above and all other safety responsibilities and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation.

The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This includes hard hat, safety glasses, respirators, ear plugs, steel-toed shoes, or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

This individual must also have the ability to identify critical issues and formulate action plans with all levels of management, including corporate.

The incumbent must possess the ability to remain calm during emergencies and respond appropriately as dictated by the circumstance of the incident and as directed by the Safety Representative or other management personnel. Must be capable of evacuating the work area in a timely manner should an emergency situation arise.

In addition, Carpenters must be capable of:

  • Walking, stepping, climbing, or otherwise moving from one location on the job site to another, which normally involves physically getting onto and off of work barges, boats, vessels, or dock facilities of varying heights and access parameters.
  • Standing, stooping, kneeling, squatting, climbing, or sitting for long periods of time.
  • Repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, and back in performance of work.
  • Climbing vertical ladders to heights of 40'-50'.
  • Working in confined spaces and working at elevated heights.
  • Lifting objects up to 50 lbs. as required.
  • Carrying objects up to 50 lbs. as required.
  • Adapting to extreme temperature changes, outdoor conditions, and prolonged exposure.
  • Remaining calm during emergencies and responding appropriately as dictated by the circumstance of the incident.

Compensation & Benefits:

An excellent compensation and benefits package is offered. Benefit plans include:

  • Medical, including Prescription Drugs
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Short Term and Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off for Vacation, Sick, Holidays, Jury Duty and Bereavement Leave
  • Pre-Tax Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Career Growth & Development

Candidate Response:

Qualified applicants should apply through the company career page: https://www.oriongroupholdingsinc.com/about-us/careers-at-orion

Candidates that do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered. The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), age, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other category protected by law.