The qualifications to work in a shipyard vary depending on the type of work you do. Jobs are largely related to the maintenance, repair, and building of ships. Marine surveyors are often engineers who have an extensive background in some aspect of nautical design, such as mechanical, electrical, or civil engineers, as well as naval architects. Welding and fabrication workers need to have a high school diploma and advanced training, either through job experience or a formal apprenticeship. The same is true for other skilled laborers like plumbers and electricians. In addition to these qualifications, you need to have technical skills, strong verbal communication, and the ability to maintain a safe work environment.

If you are interested in a job related to Shipyard, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Shipyard Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Shipyard positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Shipyard Welder
Salary range: $46,000 - $58,000
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.
Nassco Shipyard
Salary range: $46,000 - $58,000
Nassco Shipyard is a typical job search query Most salaries for Nassco Shipyard jobs pay between $46,000 (25th percentile) and $58,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Nassco Shipyard job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Shipyard Helper
Salary range: $31,000 - $32,500
Shipyard Helper is a typical job search query Most salaries for Shipyard Helper jobs pay between $31,000 (25th percentile) and $32,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Shipyard Helper job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
1 Million A Year
Salary range: $50,500 - $62,500
1 Million A Year is a typical job search query Most salaries for 1 Million A Year jobs pay between $50,500 (25th percentile) and $62,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for 1 Million A Year job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Entry Level Shipyard
Salary range: $31,000 - $43,000
Entry Level Shipyard is a common job search query. Most salaries for Entry Level Shipyard jobs pay between $31,000 (25th percentile) and $43,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Shipyard job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Shipyard Contractor
Salary range: $46,000 - $58,500
Shipyard Contractor is a typical job search query Most salaries for Shipyard Contractor jobs pay between $46,000 (25th percentile) and $58,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Shipyard Contractor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Navy Shipyard
Salary range: $42,000 - $53,500
Navy Shipyard is a common job search query. Most salaries for Navy Shipyard jobs pay between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $53,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Navy Shipyard job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Newport News Shipbuilding
Salary range: $36,000 - $36,000
Newport News Shipbuilding is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Newport News Shipbuilding jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $36,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Newport News Shipbuilding job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Per Diem Welder
Salary range: $47,000 - $63,500
Per diem welders have the same job as salaried welders; they fuse metal together using intense heat. The main difference is per diem welders receive an additional daily stipend to be used for food, travel, and other expenses incurred while on the job. As a per diem welder, you must understand the details of different welding metals, including stainless steel, aluminum, and brass, and be able to read blueprints and follow technical instructions. Per diem welders work in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to aerospace to oil drilling. Other industries that use welders include automobile, manufacturing, construction, or maritime. Certification is not required, but becoming certified by national agencies such as the American Welding Society (AWS) may make you more competitive in the job market.
Ship Fitter
Salary range: $45,500 - $56,000
A ship fitter is a part of a team of shipbuilders. As a ship fitter, your responsibilities and duties include cutting and attaching large sheets of metal that make up the hull, or exterior, of a ship. You must be skilled in riveting and welding in this job. You work in a shop environment, cutting and welding sheets of metal to blueprint specifications. You also work on the vessel itself, often at great heights, moving these sheets into place and riveting them to the frame of the ship.

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