How to Get a Job in Marine Construction
Marine construction offers exciting and rewarding career paths for individuals who enjoy hands-on work, outdoor environments, and building infrastructure that supports coastal communities. Whether you’re working on ports, bridges, seawalls, or offshore energy platforms, the field of marine construction—also referred to as naval construction—offers strong job security, competitive salaries, and opportunities to work in unique locations.
So, how do you break into this field? Let’s explore the job description, required skills, and tips for landing your first role in marine construction.
Understanding the Role
Marine construction involves building, maintaining, and repairing structures that are either in or around water. That includes docks, piers, marinas, bulkheads, underwater pipelines, oil platforms, and coastal defense systems.
While some jobs are land-based, many naval construction projects require crews to work on barges or platforms over water—making this a specialized branch of the construction industry that values adaptability and technical skills.
Marine Construction Job Description and Responsibilities
Marine construction roles vary based on your experience level and the scope of the project. However, many positions share core job description elements such as:
- Operating heavy equipment like cranes, pile drivers, and excavators on or near water
- Assembling and securing structures such as docks and breakwaters
- Diving or assisting divers for underwater construction work
- Reading blueprints and understanding coastal and marine engineering plans
- Following safety procedures, especially related to water hazards and weather conditions
In many cases, the work is physically demanding and involves long hours in various weather conditions. That said, for individuals who enjoy being outdoors and building impactful infrastructure, this field can be highly satisfying.
Required Skills and Certifications
If you’re interested in entering the marine construction field, here’s what you’ll typically need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Experience or training in general construction or heavy equipment operation
- Willingness to work in marine environments and sometimes travel for projects
- OSHA safety certification or maritime safety training
- Specialized skills (e.g., welding, commercial diving, marine carpentry) are a plus
Apprenticeships or trade schools focused on naval construction can also help you gain the practical experience employers look for.
What’s the Salary Like?
Marine construction jobs offer competitive wages. Entry-level workers can expect to earn around $18–$25 per hour, depending on location and employer. Skilled tradespeople and supervisors may earn $30–$45 per hour, while specialized roles such as underwater welders or marine crane operators often command even higher rates.
The average salary for full-time marine construction workers ranges from $45,000 to over $90,000 annually, depending on experience, certification, and project type.
Ready to Dive into a Marine Construction Career?
Marine construction is more than just a job—it’s a way to contribute to essential infrastructure and work in a dynamic, rewarding field. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level in naval construction, NCW is here to help.
Reach out to NCW today and connect with a recruiter who understands the industry and can match you with the right opportunity. Let’s build your future, one wave at a time.