How to Get a Shipyard Job

The short answer: To get a shipyard job, build relevant trade skills, earn the right certifications, and connect with a staffing agency that specializes in industrial hiring.

Required Skills

Employers filling shipyard jobs look for candidates with hands-on experience in trades like welding, pipefitting, electrical work, rigging, and structural steel. Many naval shipyard jobs also require mechanical aptitude, blueprint reading, and the ability to work safely in confined spaces and at heights. Employers also value strong attention to detail, the ability to read technical diagrams, and a solid understanding of maritime safety protocols.

Common in-demand roles include:

• Welder / Pipefitter
• Marine Electrician
• Shipfitter / Structural Welder
• Rigger / Crane Operator
• Quality Control Inspector
• Painter / Blaster
• Marine Machinery Mechanic

What Certifications Do You Need?

Most shipyard jobs require OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification. Naval shipyard jobs with government contractors may also require a security clearance and drug screening compliance. Welding certifications (AWS D1.1 or similar) give candidates a strong competitive edge. Some employers also value first aid/CPR training, forklift operator certification, and confined space entry training. The more certifications you bring to the table, the more attractive you become to hiring managers looking to fill roles quickly.

Pay Outlook

Pay varies by trade and experience, but shipyard jobs consistently offer strong hourly wages and steady work. Entry-level positions often start between $18–$25/hour. Skilled tradespeople in naval shipyard jobs can earn $30–$50+/hour depending on specialty and location. Many positions also offer overtime, per diem, and benefits packages that increase your total compensation significantly. For experienced tradespeople, shipyard work represents one of the strongest earning opportunities in the industrial sector.

Locations

There are jobs heavily concentrated along the Gulf Coast, East Coast, and Pacific Northwest — with major hubs in cities like Norfolk, VA, Bremerton, WA, Pascagoula, MS, and San Diego, CA. Naval shipyard jobs in particular cluster near major U.S. Navy installations. However, commercial shipyards operate across the country, so opportunities exist in more regions than most job seekers expect.

How a Staffing Agency Can Help

You don’t have to search alone. NCW connects skilled trade workers with top employers offering shipyard jobs across the country. We match your skills to the right opportunity, help you prepare for interviews, and support you through every step of the hiring process — from application to first day on the job.

Ready to find your next role? Visit teamncw.com and apply today.