Position
Salary

How much does a Shipfitter make?

The average salary for a Shipfitter is $63,873 per year in the US.

Shipfitters play a crucial role in the maritime industry. Their work involves installing, repairing, and maintaining ship equipment. Many find this career rewarding, both professionally and financially. The average yearly salary for a shipfitter stands at $63,873. This figure reflects the skill and expertise required in this field.

Earnings for shipfitters can vary based on experience and location. Those new to the field often start lower, around $40,000 annually. As they gain experience, salaries can increase significantly. Some experienced shipfitters earn more than $100,000 per year. This potential for growth makes shipfitting a lucrative career choice for many.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Shipfitter?

Shipfitters find some of the best pay in cities like Charleston, SC, and Seattle, WA. These cities offer high average salaries that can make a significant difference. Look to these areas for excellent opportunities in this trade.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Shipfitter jobs, highlighting Charleston, SC with the highest at $69,158 and Tampa, FL with the lowest at $51,743.
  1. Charleston, SC
    Average Salary: $69,158
    In Charleston, a strong maritime industry means plenty of work for skilled tradespeople. Shipyards thrive here, and companies like BAE Systems are always looking for dependable workers.
    Find Shipfitter jobs in Charleston, SC


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $67,392
    Seattle offers a bustling job market for those in the maritime trade. With major shipyards and a growing tech industry, there are many opportunities. Companies like Vigor Industrial are hiring skilled workers.
    Find Shipfitter jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $66,931
    San Diego's sunny climate and vibrant economy make it a great place for maritime jobs. Shipyards here are busy, and with major companies like Huntington Ingalls, there are plenty of openings.
    Find Shipfitter jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $66,049
    Philadelphia's rich maritime history supports a strong demand for skilled workers. The city's shipyards are busy, and local companies are always looking for reliable tradespeople.
    Find Shipfitter jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  5. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $63,357
    Houston's economy is booming, and the maritime industry is no exception. Shipyards in the area are hiring, and major companies like Brown & Root are looking for skilled hands.
    Find Shipfitter jobs in Houston, TX


  6. Mobile, AL
    Average Salary: $61,807
    Mobile's port is a major hub for maritime activity. The city's shipyards are always in need of skilled workers. Companies like Austal USA are frequently hiring.
    Find Shipfitter jobs in Mobile, AL


  7. Jacksonville, FL
    Average Salary: $58,348
    Jacksonville's strategic location makes it a key player in the maritime industry. Shipyards here are always looking for skilled tradespeople to keep the business running smoothly.
    Find Shipfitter jobs in Jacksonville, FL


  8. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $58,227
    New Orleans' rich maritime culture and port activity offer many opportunities for skilled workers. Shipyards are busy, and companies like Bollinger Shipyards are always on the lookout for talent.
    Find Shipfitter jobs in New Orleans, LA


  9. Corpus Christi, TX
    Average Salary: $54,000
    Corpus Christi's port is a vital part of the region's economy. Shipyards here are always in need of skilled workers. Companies like Western Fabrication are hiring.
    Find Shipfitter jobs in Corpus Christi, TX


  10. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $51,743
    Tampa's maritime industry offers many job opportunities. With a busy port and several shipyards, there are plenty of openings. Local companies are always looking for skilled tradespeople.
    Find Shipfitter jobs in Tampa, FL

What are the best companies a Shipfitter can work for?

Shipfitters can earn attractive salaries by joining top companies in the industry. General Dynamics Information Technology and BAE Systems USA lead the way with average salaries of $88,210 and $80,220, respectively. Craft and Technical Solutions, LLC and Chipton-Ross Staffing also offer competitive wages for their shipfitters, ensuring a stable and rewarding career.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Shipfitter jobs, highlighting General Dynamics Information Technology with the highest at $88,210 and Ameri-Force with the lowest at $64,094.
  1. General Dynamics Information Technology
    Average Salary: $88,210
    General Dynamics Information Technology offers Shipfitter jobs with a strong emphasis on technology integration in shipbuilding. They have locations across the United States, including Virginia, Maryland, and Texas.


  2. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $80,220
    BAE Systems USA provides Shipfitter positions with opportunities to work on large defense projects. They operate in several locations, including Virginia, Pennsylvania, and California.


  3. Craft and Technical Solutions, LLC
    Average Salary: $76,629
    Craft and Technical Solutions, LLC offers Shipfitter jobs with a focus on precision and quality. They have multiple locations, including Alabama, Texas, and California.


  4. Chipton-Ross Staffing
    Average Salary: $75,083
    Chipton-Ross Staffing provides Shipfitter roles with a dynamic work environment. They are located in several states, including Louisiana, Virginia, and Washington.


  5. Aerotek
    Average Salary: $71,337
    Aerotek offers Shipfitter positions with a variety of opportunities in shipbuilding and maintenance. They operate in many states, including Florida, California, and Texas.


  6. CTR Group
    Average Salary: $70,405
    CTR Group provides Shipfitter jobs with a focus on technical expertise. They have offices in Virginia, California, and Alabama.


  7. General Dynamics NASSCO
    Average Salary: $65,888
    General Dynamics NASSCO offers Shipfitter roles with opportunities to work on new ship construction. They are located in Mississippi and California.


  8. General Dynamics Electric Boat
    Average Salary: $65,449
    General Dynamics Electric Boat provides Shipfitter positions with a strong focus on submarine construction. They have locations in Connecticut and Virginia.


  9. A.E USA
    Average Salary: $64,364
    A.E USA offers Shipfitter jobs with opportunities in ship repair and maintenance. They operate in several locations, including Florida and Texas.


  10. Ameri-Force
    Average Salary: $64,094
    Ameri-Force provides Shipfitter roles with a focus on both civilian and military projects. They are located in various states, including California and Virginia.

How to earn more as a Shipfitter?

Becoming a highly skilled shipfitter can lead to many opportunities for higher pay. This profession involves working with ship structures, installing, and repairing piping, electrical systems, and other equipment. Job seekers can boost their earning potential through various strategies. Gaining experience and certifications can increase both skills and salary.

Several key factors can help a shipfitter earn more. First, obtaining additional certifications can open the door to higher-paying jobs. Employers often seek workers with specialized skills, and certifications can prove competence. Secondly, gaining experience in different environments, such as offshore or inland, can make a shipfitter more versatile and valuable. Additionally, working during peak seasons can provide bonuses and higher hourly rates. Networking within the industry can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay. Lastly, continuous learning and skill development can ensure a shipfitter remains competitive in the job market.

Investing in education and training pays off in this field. Here are five key factors to consider:

  • Obtain relevant certifications
  • Gain diverse work experience
  • Work during peak seasons
  • Network with industry professionals
  • Keep skills up-to-date through continuous learning

Currently 73 Shipfitter job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Shipfitter in the US?

Learn what a Shipfitter does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Shipfitter today.
Position
Overview
Shipfitter
73 Job Openings