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How to hire a shipfitter helper

Shipfitter helper hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring shipfitter helpers in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a shipfitter helper is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new shipfitter helper to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a shipfitter helper, step by step

To hire a shipfitter helper, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a shipfitter helper:

Here's a step-by-step shipfitter helper hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a shipfitter helper job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new shipfitter helper
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the shipfitter helper you need to hire. Certain shipfitter helper roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A shipfitter helper's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, shipfitter helpers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list presents shipfitter helper salaries for various positions.

    Type of Shipfitter HelperDescriptionHourly rate
    Shipfitter Helper$10-30
    Labour WorkerA labour worker is responsible for performing high-quality operations, depending on the chosen industry. In most cases, construction businesses employ labor workers to do physical tasks that involve utilizing machinery, carrying materials, inspecting sites, analyzing blueprints and plan specifications, and ensuring the structures' safety and security... Show more$11-18
    Production InternshipA production internship is a program for a college student who works as a support person and seeks experience in the film or television set. An intern will research topics using various sources such as the internet, assist production staff in developing relevant stories for the television, film, and social media and run errands for a particular project... Show more$12-19
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Tack
    • Tack Welding
    Responsibilities:
    • Check water Softner (PHP).
    • Tighten turnbuckles of guy wires to hold bulkheads and stanchions in position for welding.
    • Repair and insulate pipes on vessel using temp mats, rubber, wool, and fiberglass cloth.
    • Use a hydraulic trim press then use forklift to carry metal bins with forge product to QC.
    • Help forger with shaping product for Halliburton oil co.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your shipfitter helper job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A shipfitter helper can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, shipfitter helpers' average salary in new mexico is 45% less than in connecticut.
    • Seniority. Entry-level shipfitter helpers 65% less than senior-level shipfitter helpers.
    • Certifications. A shipfitter helper with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a shipfitter helper's salary.

    Average shipfitter helper salary

    $38,064yearly

    $18.30 hourly rate

    Entry-level shipfitter helper salary
    $22,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 15, 2025
  4. Writing a shipfitter helper job description

    A shipfitter helper job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a shipfitter helper job description:

    Shipfitter helper job description example

    Fitters must have strong math skills and a good mechanical aptitude. Fitters build in-place all interior structures, hatches, doors, bulkheads, etc., to complete all the steel work in the ship. Fitters are expected to climb and work in high areas or crawl and work in cramped confine spaces and perform tasks with all kinds of working conditions in-between. A fitter will apply their skills in the shops, platens, dry-docks and onboard ships in support of, ship repair and ship overhauls. Master, 1st, 2nd and 3rd class levels are based on proficiency, knowledge, skills and abilities. This job description applies to all positions listed below:

    • Structural Shop


    Duties and responsibilities

    (Duties and responsibilities, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is illustrative ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned.)

    1. Fitters must have strong math skills and a good mechanical aptitude

    2. Fitters build in-place all interior structures, hatches, doors, bulkheads, etc., to complete all the steel work in the ship

    3. Fitters are expected to climb and work in high areas or crawl and work in cramped confine spaces and perform tasks with all kinds of working conditions in-between

    4. will apply their skills in the shops, platens, dry-docks and onboard ships in support of, ship repair and ship overhauls

    5. Performs safe and effective use of craft related tools and equipment, including but not limited to: millers, sanders, grinders, burr motors, band saws, skill saws, saws all, come along and chain falls etc.

    6. Obtain GMAW ABS ‘B’ Class Weld Certification for aluminum applications.

    7. Performs basic layout of plates, materials and weldments using basic engineering sketches, drawings, and diagrams with minimal supervision.

    8. Performs shipfitting functions such as but not limited to fit up of structure, cutting, sniping, sanding, grinding, prepping, tacking and the fit up of plates with minimum supervision.

    9. Performs fitting operations with limited supervision using standard shipfitting equipment to accomplish fabrication and ship repair duties.

    10. Monitors working environment for compliance with quality, safety, environmental and health regulations.

    11. Must be willing to work with and train lower-skilled workers.

    12. Knowledge in burning basic use of torch/light torch); make up plating (align, fit) and knowledge of plating material (CuNi- Copper nickel, Aluminum, stainless steel) ; blueprint (reading, interpret) including sketching; tack welding; portable plasma arc; lay out access cuts and inserts; tank inspections/testing; certifications in SMAW, FCAW or FCA

    13. Receives instructions, prints, and work orders for the job.

    14. Plans details of working procedures and tools and material requirements.

    15. Fabricates equipment by cutting, burning, and tack welding various metals.

    16. Cleans and prepares surfaces to be welded. Sets up, assembles, and tacks weld parts.

    17. Uses burning equipment to dismantle assemblies and to cut material to size and shape.

    18. May be assigned to dismantle or cut up obsolete machinery, setting aside parts for scrap dealer.


    Competencies

    1. Technical Capacity.

    2. Communication Proficiency.

    3. Problem Solving/Analysis.

    4. Initiative.

    5. Results Driven.

    6. Thoroughness.

    Work Environment

    Work is regularly performed in outside weather conditions, including rain and extreme heat, near moving mechanical parts and includes occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and to vibration.

    Physical Demands

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

    The employee is required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

    Position Type/ Expected Hours of Work

    This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. This position periodically requires long hours and weekend work. Regular and predictable on-site attendance is an essential function and a prerequisite to perform other essential functions of the position.

    Travel

    Travel is primarily local during the business day, although periodic out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.

    Required Education and Experience

    1. High school degree or equivalent.

    Preferred Education or Experience

    Education based on requirements that are job-related and consistent with the business necessity.

    1. Experience in a Shipyard/ Military setting.

    Additional Eligibility Qualifications


    • None


    AAP/EEO Statement

    Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and continues to be, a fundamental principle at Lyon Shipyard, Inc. It is the company's policy that opportunities be available to all persons without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, citizenship status, or any other category protected under state or local law. This policy applies to employees and applicants and to all phases of employment including hiring, promotion, demotion, and treatment during employment, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and termination of employment.

    Lyon Shipyard is proud to be a drug free workplace.


    Other Duties

    Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right shipfitter helper for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your shipfitter helper job on Zippia to find and recruit shipfitter helper candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit shipfitter helpers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new shipfitter helper

    Once you've decided on a perfect shipfitter helper candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new shipfitter helper. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a shipfitter helper?

Before you start to hire shipfitter helpers, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire shipfitter helpers pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $38,064 per year for a shipfitter helper, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for shipfitter helpers in the US typically range between $10 and $30 an hour.

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