Your Road Map to the Best-Paying Shipyard Jobs in 2025
5/13/2025
Introduction: Why Shipyard Work Matters Now More Than Ever
What you'll learn in this guide:
- The top shipyards hiring in 2025 (and what they pay)
- What certs and paperwork speed up your onboarding
- Which lesser-known yards are worth relocating for
You just wrapped up a three-week turnaround. Showed up every day. Cranked out the work. Earned your rate. And now? You’re stuck at home, waiting on a call that may never come. No hours. No per diem. Bills piling up.
That’s the cycle—and it’s broken.
There’s a better path. Right now, shipyards across the country — from Bremerton to Norfolk to Pascagoula — overflow with work. The U.S. Navy plans to commission 75+ ships in the next decade. They need welders, pipefitters, riggers, electricians — fast. Shipyard jobs are available and growing fast.
Let’s break down where to go, what to expect, and how to land steady, high-paying work—so you can write your own Carlos story.
Why Shipyards Are a Lifeline for Tradesmen in 2025
What you'll take away: Understand how shipyard jobs beat short-term gigs in pay, stability, and predictability.
Is shipyard work really better than shutdowns or refinery gigs?
Let’s break it down:
| Outage Work | Shipyard Work |
Duration | 3–6 weeks (sometimes less) | 6–24 months or longer |
Hours | 50–60/wk (if site stays open) | 55–70/wk with consistent OT |
Stability | Uncertain — work can end early | Contracts awarded years in advance |
Housing | Often self-funded, last-minute | Many yards offer stipends or dorm-style |
Benefits | Rare | Union or contractor-backed health, dental |
Next Steps | Start over every time | Stay in the system or move yard to yard |
Shutdowns are risky. A 21-day job might dry up on day 11. You pay out-of-pocket for a motel and gas, then hope another project comes your way before the money runs out.
Shipyards change the game. When you lock in a spot at a major yard, you’re on multi-month projects that pay well, offer predictability, and treat you like a professional — not just a name on a dispatch list.
Inside Tip: Bremerton cycles vessels through drydock year-round. Crews at Norfolk have worked straight through since 2021 with no gap between jobs.
And it’s not slowing down. With FY2024's $842B defense budget and contracts issued into 2027, the pipeline is stacked.
Quick Win: Shipyards aren’t just another job. They’re a system you can plug into and work consistently — month after month, year after year.
Inside Tip: Bremerton rotates ships in drydock nearly year-round. Norfolk crews have stayed on for years without a break.
Defense funding is locked. With FY2024's $842B defense budget and contracts flowing into 2027, demand climbs — not shrinks.
Quick Win: Shipyards offer dependable, high-hour work to anchor your year.
What you'll take away: Why Bremerton’s pay rates and fast onboarding make it one of the best shipyards to target right now.
Name & Location: Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) — Bremerton, Washington
What They Build: PSNS services and overhauls nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. It's one of the largest ship maintenance facilities in the U.S. Navy and plays a critical role in extending the life of the fleet.
Trades in Demand: Pipefitters, structural welders, marine electricians, riggers, machinists, and planners. 3G/4G or TIG-certified welders are especially needed. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Jobs can be found on USAJOBS.gov.
Typical Pay & Hours: $28–$34/hour with 55–60 hour workweeks common. OT available almost year-round.
Onboarding Timeline: Contractors can start within 7–10 days once paperwork and background checks clear. Some hiring events offer conditional offers on the spot.
Housing & Per Diem: Housing around Kitsap County is available, with some contractors offering per diem or shared lodging for travelers. Expect $100–$150/day per diem depending on contract.
Union or Contractor Info: Most jobs are through federal contractors or the IBEW Local 46 and UA Local 26. Check with Trident Refit Facility contractors for marine electrician needs.
Pro Tip: Target estimating, QA/QC, and planning roles if you're looking for hybrid or remote-first work. Search "shipyard jobs Bremerton remote" to find postings that don’t require relocation.
Quick Win: PSNS combines fast onboarding, steady OT, and housing support — making it one of the most reliable long-term plays in the industry.** Fast onboarding, strong OT, and high wages make Bremerton a prime move.
Naval Base Kitsap: Civilian Jobs with Serious Benefits
What you'll take away: A shortcut around federal delays — how to get hired fast through contractors at Naval Base Kitsap.
Name & Location: Naval Base Kitsap — Bremerton, Washington
What They Build: NBK supports submarines, aircraft carriers, and other naval vessels as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet maintenance strategy. While PSNS focuses on ship work, NBK houses the support and logistics functions that keep it moving.
Trades in Demand: Marine electricians, inside wiremen, sheet metal workers, pipefitters, and HVAC techs.
Typical Pay & Hours: $30–$36/hour with 50–60 hour weeks common depending on contractor and job function.
Onboarding Timeline: Faster through private contractors — typically 1–3 weeks. USAJOBS roles can take 3+ months.
Housing & Per Diem: Local housing options are available with some employers offering travel stipends or contractor-arranged housing.
Union or Contractor Info: IBEW Local 46, UA Local 26, and Trident Refit Facility subcontractors are top hiring pathways.
Pro Tip: Skip the government site if you want to work soon. Apply directly to contractors already approved to staff NBK projects.
Quick Win: Contractors can get you working in days, not months — and still pay top-dollar for your time.
Forget slow federal apps. "Bremerton naval base civilian jobs" often link to USAJOBS — a 3–6 month drag. Instead, target local contractors who skip the clearance grind and hire fast.
Who to Contact: IBEW Local 46, UA Local 26, Trident Refit subcontractors.
You’ll pull $30–$36/hour, 1.5x OT, and benefits within 60–90 days.
Quick Win: Skip government delays. Apply to contractors and start working faster.
What you'll take away: The job roles, pay, and credentials you need to get hired quickly at the largest naval base in the world.
Name & Location: Norfolk Naval Shipyard & Naval Station Norfolk — Norfolk & Portsmouth, Virginia
What They Build: Norfolk is the hub for maintenance and modernization of the Atlantic Fleet. The public yard (Norfolk Naval Shipyard) handles nuclear subs and carriers, while private yards and contractors refit destroyers, support ships, and amphibious craft.
Trades in Demand: Structural welders, pipefitters, marine electricians, scaffolders, and riggers are consistently in high demand.
Typical Pay & Hours: $27–$36/hour depending on shift and certs. OT and night differentials common. 50–65 hour weeks are typical.
Onboarding Timeline: Contractor jobs can start in 5–10 days with valid TWIC and OSHA-10. Public yard roles via USAJOBS can take 1–3 months.
Housing & Per Diem: Affordable housing available in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach areas. Some contractors offer per diem or lodging assistance.
Union or Contractor Info: Roles are filled by private contractors like BAE Systems, HII, NSC Technologies, and union locals such as IBEW 1340 and UA 110.
Pro Tip: Bring certs with you when applying in person. Norfolk hiring events often offer interviews and weld tests on-site.
Quick Win: Norfolk offers high volume hiring, fast starts, and multiple contractor options — perfect for tradesmen who want to hit the ground running.
More ships. More trades. More urgency.
Norfolk supports 75+ vessels. BAE Systems, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), and NSC Technologies post constant openings.
Fast Start Tip: Have TWIC + OSHA-10? Land a job in under a week.
Pay runs $27–$36/hour. Night shifts push rates even higher.
Quick Win: Norfolk offers speed, steady hours, and solid pay.
What you'll take away: Where to plug into union-backed work in the Northeast without having to travel far from home.
Name & Location: Philadelphia Navy Yard — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What They Build: Once a U.S. Navy facility, the yard now hosts commercial shipbuilding, offshore wind retrofit projects, and vessel maintenance operations.
Trades in Demand: Structural welders, painters, industrial electricians, riggers, pipefitters, and carpenters.
Typical Pay & Hours: $30–$36/hour. Union scale jobs often include guaranteed minimums. 40–55 hours per week typical with OT available.
Onboarding Timeline: Union locals typically place tradespeople within 2–3 weeks. Some private firms may onboard faster depending on project urgency.
Housing & Per Diem: Philly-area work is typically local hire only. No per diem, but public transportation and city housing are accessible.
Union or Contractor Info: IBEW Local 98, Ironworkers Local 401, and UA Local 690 all dispatch to projects within the Navy Yard.
Pro Tip: If you're based in the Northeast and want union stability without hitting the road, this yard is a solid home base.
Quick Win: Steady union work, big city access, and strong benefits make Philly a smart play for East Coast tradesmen.
New contracts in offshore wind and clean-tech ships boost demand for skilled welders, painters, and riggers.
Union Connect: IBEW Local 98, Ironworkers Local 401, UA Local 690.
Earn $30–$36/hour, get full benefits, and rack up OT.
Quick Win: Union wages, urban access, and regular hours without the travel grind.
What you'll take away: The fastest-growing opportunities at Ingalls, and how even entry-level tradespeople can cash in.
Name & Location: Ingalls Shipbuilding — Pascagoula, Mississippi
What They Build: Ingalls builds U.S. Navy destroyers, amphibious assault ships, Coast Guard cutters, and more — with active contracts through 2030 and beyond.
Trades in Demand: Combo welders (TIG/MIG), shipfitters, marine electricians, pipefitters, and production helpers. Entry-level roles open regularly.
Typical Pay & Hours: Helpers start at $22/hr. Experienced trades earn $32–$36/hr. 50–60 hour weeks with consistent OT.
Onboarding Timeline: Many candidates start within 7–10 days. Ingalls regularly runs hiring events and offers conditional offers on-site.
Housing & Per Diem: Relocation bonuses, short-term lodging stipends, and shared housing arrangements available. Some positions include $500–$1,000 sign-on bonuses.
Union or Contractor Info: Ingalls is a division of HII and hires directly. No union halls — all hiring through the company.
Pro Tip: Ingalls has its own training program. If you're newer to the trades, this is one of the best places to learn and get paid while doing it.
Quick Win: Entry-level or experienced, Ingalls will get you onboarded quickly — with OT, relocation help, and upward mobility baked in.
It’s Mississippi’s top manufacturing employer, backed by $8B+ in Navy/Coast Guard contracts. Ingalls Shipbuilding is building destroyers and amphib ships through 2030.
Rates: Helpers start at $22/hr. Experienced welders, fitters earn $32–$36/hr. Bonuses + relocation offered.
Ingalls adds housing stipends, bonuses, and training that helps you climb fast.
Quick Win: Earn while you learn — grow fast, earn faster.
How to Win at Job Fairs & Hiring Events
What you'll take away: A tactical game plan to turn job fair conversations into actual job offers.
How do you turn a job fair into a job offer?
Treat it like an interview. Bring 5–10 résumés, TWIC/OSHA-10 cards, certs. Search “psns job fair”, “shipyard hiring event,” or “naval base jobs near me.”
Talk to: Site superintendents or QA leads — not just HR.
Quick Win: Show up sharp, speak to the right person, and get hired fast.
Clearances, Certs & Red Tape: How to Skip the Bottlenecks
What you'll take away: The 3 documents that can either speed up or stall your job offer — and how to get ahead of them now.
What slows hiring — and how can you dodge it?
Three roadblocks stall most hires:
Checklist Tip: Clear these early = faster starts, more offers.
Most contractor jobs don’t need clearance — just proof you’re ready.
Quick Win: Prep now. Beat the queue later.
Other Major Yards Worth a Look
What you'll take away: Five lesser-known yards hiring hard in 2025 — great options if you're open to relocating.
Comparison Table: Key Details at a Glance
Shipyard | Location | Pay Range | Typical Hours | Union | Per Diem/Relocation | Onboarding Time |
Newport News Shipbuilding | Newport News, VA | $30–$38/hr | 55–60 hrs/wk | No | Relocation help | 1–2 weeks |
Bath Iron Works | Bath, ME | $28–$34/hr | 50–60 hrs/wk | Yes | Relocation support | 1–3 weeks |
Electric Boat | Groton, CT / Quonset, RI | $24–$34/hr | 45–55 hrs/wk | Yes | Limited | 1–2 weeks |
Austal USA | Mobile, AL | $20–$30/hr | 45–60 hrs/wk | No | Affordable housing | < 1 week |
Marinette Marine | Marinette, WI | $26–$34/hr | 50–60 hrs/wk | Mixed | Yes | 1–2 weeks |
Name & Location: Newport News Shipbuilding — Newport News, Virginia
What They Build: Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the U.S. Navy, including the Gerald R. Ford-class carriers.
Trades in Demand: Welders (TIG/MIG), pipefitters, marine electricians, and NDT techs.
Typical Pay & Hours: $30–$38/hour with 55–60 hour weeks. OT is standard.
Onboarding Timeline: 1–2 weeks for contractor roles. Direct HII roles vary.
Housing & Per Diem: No per diem for local hires, but relocation assistance and on-site housing options are often available.
Union or Contractor Info: Hiring is done directly through HII, a non-union employer.
Pro Tip: This is one of the few yards where NDT techs and nuclear certs offer significant pay bumps — prioritize those certs if you have them.
Quick Win: A top-tier, long-term option with career advancement built in — especially for welders and inspectors.
What They Build: Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and future DDG(X) class ships for the U.S. Navy.
Trades in Demand: Riggers, combo welders, pipefitters, and shipfitters.
Typical Pay & Hours: $28–$34/hour. 50–60 hour workweeks standard. Union pay scales apply.
Onboarding Timeline: Union hall placements may take 1–3 weeks. Some contractor roles start faster.
Housing & Per Diem: Low cost-of-living area. Some relocation support for out-of-state hires.
Union or Contractor Info: General Dynamics-owned, unionized facility. Affiliated with IAMAW and IBEW locals.
Pro Tip: BIW prefers tradespeople who commit for at least 6–12 months — it's a good long-term home base.
Quick Win: Union wages, small-town living, and massive government contracts create a steady, well-paying setup.
What They Build: U.S. Navy submarines, including the Virginia-class and Columbia-class.
Trades in Demand: Structural welders, machinists, riggers, pipefitters, and entry-level helpers.
Typical Pay & Hours: $24–$34/hour. OT common. 45–55 hour workweeks.
Onboarding Timeline: Apprenticeship roles start monthly. Experienced trades onboard in 7–14 days.
Housing & Per Diem: Housing in Rhode Island is more affordable; Connecticut options pricier. No per diem unless contracted.
Union or Contractor Info: Unionized under various local trade unions depending on facility.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of their apprenticeship program — EB is known for upskilling green hands into high earners.
Quick Win: A rare mix of long-term security and formal career growth for tradespeople open to learning.
What They Build: Aluminum high-speed Navy vessels and autonomous ship platforms.
Trades in Demand: Aluminum welders, fitters, and structural fabricators. Entry-level positions open frequently.
Typical Pay & Hours: $20–$30/hour. Overtime available. 45–60 hour workweeks.
Onboarding Timeline: Fast. Some applicants start within 5 days of interview.
Housing & Per Diem: Affordable area. Per diem not common but short-term housing options available.
Union or Contractor Info: Non-union. All hiring done through Austal USA.
Pro Tip: Aluminum welding experience gives you a major edge — and faster promotions.
Quick Win: A great entry point for newcomers with room to grow in a high-tech shipbuilding environment.
What They Build: New Constellation-class guided missile frigates for the U.S. Navy.
Trades in Demand: Welders, fitters, electricians, and QA inspectors.
Typical Pay & Hours: $26–$34/hour. Steady OT available. 50–60 hour workweeks typical.
Onboarding Timeline: 1–2 weeks. Local contractors may onboard even faster.
Housing & Per Diem: Housing assistance and relocation help available for travelers. Per diem varies by contract.
Union or Contractor Info: Most hiring done through Fincantieri directly, though some local union hiring may apply.
Pro Tip: A new $300M expansion has opened up hundreds of roles — now is the time to get in.
Quick Win: If you’re Midwest-based or open to relocating, Marinette offers major project stability and career upside.
Relocation Ready? These yards offer big upsides — travel, full-time hours, and growth.
Quick Win: Open to moving? These yards can level up your career.
Conclusion: You’ve Got the Skills. Now Land the Job That Respects Them
You’ve worked shutdowns. You’ve chased paychecks. Now it’s time for something better.
Shipyards across the U.S. are desperate for skilled tradesmen like you — not in a month, not next quarter — but right now. Whether you’re a seasoned welder or just picked up your OSHA card, there’s a high-hour, high-pay role out there waiting for you.
Ready to land one of these roles?
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Shipyard Job in 2025 — your insider guide to:
- How much work is available in the coming years
- What each trade in a shipyard can expect to earn
- The necessary certifications and clearances to work at a shipyard
Don’t wait. These roles fill fast. Get your name in before the next crew mobilizes.
Stay Ready. Stay Paid. Stay Booked.