Shipwright
SOC 51-2011.00 · ESCO 7115 · OSCA 399938
Role snapshot
Overview
Shipwrights are skilled craftspersons who construct, maintain, and repair the structural components and hulls of various watercraft, from small boats to large naval and commercial vessels. They work with a diverse range of materials including steel, aluminum, timber, and composite materials, often in demanding environments such as dry docks, shipyards, and slipways. Their work is critical for ensuring the structural integrity, seaworthiness, and longevity of marine vessels.
Ensures the safe and efficient operation of marine vessels by maintaining their structural integrity, contributing to maritime transport, defense, and leisure industries.
On the job
- Interpret blueprints, schematics, and engineering drawings to plan construction or repair work.
- Cut, shape, and assemble metal plates, timbers, or composite materials to form hulls, decks, bulkheads, and superstructures.
- Perform welding, riveting, bolting, and other fastening techniques to join structural components.
- Inspect vessels for damage, wear, or defects, and determine the necessary repair procedures.
- Maintain and repair existing vessel structures, including patching holes, reinforcing weakened sections, and replacing corroded parts.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
Apprenticeship, vocational training, or a certificate in shipbuilding, marine technology, or a related trade like welding or carpentry.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
low
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
AI can assist with structural analysis and defect detection, but the hands-on cutting, shaping, and specialized repair of vessels are largely unexposed.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
AI cannot autonomously construct or repair a complex vessel from initial design to final seaworthy condition, requiring extensive human intervention and judgment.
Adoption pressure
low
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
The bespoke nature of vessel construction and repair limits the ROI for broad AI implementation, with human expertise remaining critical for quality and safety.
Human dependence
strong
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Deep knowledge of marine engineering, complex material manipulation, damage diagnosis, custom repairs, and adherence to maritime regulations are paramount.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
strong
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The role adapts to new vessel designs, materials (e.g., composites), and evolving construction or repair techniques.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Structural integrity analysis and design optimization for vessel components
- Advanced defect detection in hull inspections using visual data
- Optimizing material usage for custom cuts of steel, aluminum, or timber
- Simulating hydrodynamic performance for new hull designs
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Interpreting complex engineering drawings for unique builds or damage assessment
- Precise cutting, shaping, and assembly of diverse materials (metal, wood, composite)
- Specialized welding, riveting, and fastening for structural components
- Diagnosing damage and planning intricate repair procedures
- Ensuring seaworthiness, stability, and adherence to maritime regulations
- Custom fitting and finishing of interior and exterior elements
How the role may evolve
Vessel construction: Optimizing design through AI, ensuring quality through craft.
Shipwrights will increasingly use AI for structural optimization and predictive maintenance of vessels, allowing them to focus their deep craft knowledge on the physical execution of complex builds, repairs, and meticulous quality assurance.
Strengthen your future fit
- Proficiency in marine CAD software and structural analysis tools
- Advanced welding and fabrication skills for diverse materials
- Expertise in maritime regulations and safety standards
- Diagnostic problem-solving for vessel damage and performance issues
- Skills in traditional craftsmanship combined with modern construction techniques
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- High
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Shipwright
Skilled Trades
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RCI
People who enjoy hands-on, practical work, solving technical problems, and systematically building or repairing complex structures tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Practical
Enjoys working with tools and materials to build and repair physical structures, preferring concrete tasks over abstract concepts.
Conscientious
Highly organized, disciplined, and pays close attention to detail and safety protocols in construction and repair tasks.
Analytical
Likes to diagnose problems, understand how things work, and find systematic solutions based on technical drawings and inspections.
Cooperative
Works effectively and harmoniously with colleagues and other tradespeople on large, interdependent projects.
Resilient
Handles demanding physical conditions, challenging weather, and occasional tight deadlines without undue stress or frustration.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy physical work and seeing tangible, functional results from their efforts.
- Those who are meticulous, detail-oriented and committed to high-quality craftsmanship and structural integrity.
Watch out for
- The work can be physically demanding and often takes place in challenging outdoor or industrial environments.
- Requires strict adherence to safety protocols and technical specifications, leaving less room for creative freedom.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Shipwright — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Shipwright roles
What does a Shipwright do?
A Shipwright shipwrights are skilled craftspersons who construct, maintain, and repair the structural components and hulls of various watercraft, from small boats to large naval and commercial vessels. They work with a diverse range of materials including steel, aluminum, timber, and composite materials, often in demanding environments such as dry docks, shipyards, and slipways. Their work is critical for ensuring the structural integrity, seaworthiness, and longevity of marine vessels. Ensures the safe and efficient operation of marine vessels by maintaining their structural integrity, contributing to maritime transport, defense, and leisure industries.
How much does a Shipwright earn?
A Shipwright earns a median of $65,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $45,000 to $85,000.
What qualifications do you need to become a Shipwright?
To become a Shipwright, apprenticeship, vocational training, or a certificate in shipbuilding, marine technology, or a related trade like welding or carpentry. OSHA 10/30-hour certification.
What personality suits a Shipwright?
Shipwright roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 82/100) and steady under pressure — deadlines and setbacks do not rattle them easily (Emotional Stability 72/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Practical, Conscientious, Analytical and Cooperative. Enjoys working with tools and materials to build and repair physical structures, preferring concrete tasks over abstract concepts. On interests, Shipwright maps to a RCI Holland Code profile — people who enjoy hands-on, practical work, solving technical problems, and systematically building or repairing complex structures tend to thrive in this role.
Who does a Shipwright role suit?
A Shipwright role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Realistic (R) interest for hands-on, practical construction and repair. High Conscientiousness (C) is crucial for precision, accuracy, and safety in shipbuilding. Involves systematic problem-solving and technical analysis (Investigative interest) to diagnose and fix structural issues.
What are the downsides of being a Shipwright?
Shipwright roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. The work can be physically demanding and often takes place in challenging outdoor or industrial environments. Requires strict adherence to safety protocols and technical specifications, leaving less room for creative freedom.
What is the work environment like for a Shipwright?
Work as a Shipwright is mostly mixed-based with onsite arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and low exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 85% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be a Shipwright?
Core skills for a Shipwright include Structural fabrication, Welding, Blueprint reading, Material cutting and shaping, Marine carpentry and Safety protocols.
How do you become a Shipwright?
Common entry routes into Shipwright roles include Shipbuilding Apprentice, Vocational Welder and Marine Carpentry Trainee.
What career progression is there for a Shipwright?
From a Shipwright role, common next steps include Lead Shipwright, Shipbuilding Foreman and Marine Surveyor; lateral moves include Welder and Marine Mechanic.
What is the job outlook for Shipwright roles?
The outlook for Shipwright roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Will AI replace Shipwright roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Shipwright roles at 21 out of 100, which is low. While AI can enhance structural analysis and defect detection, the shipwright's expertise in bespoke fabrication, complex material handling, and critical damage repair remains human-driven. AI is most likely to take on structural integrity analysis and design optimization for vessel components, advanced defect detection in hull inspections using visual data and optimizing material usage for custom cuts of steel, aluminum, or timber. Interpreting complex engineering drawings for unique builds or damage assessment, precise cutting, shaping, and assembly of diverse materials (metal, wood, composite) and specialized welding, riveting, and fastening for structural components stay with people. Vessel construction: Optimizing design through AI, ensuring quality through craft. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.