How to become a Shipwright

Constructs, fits out and repairs ships.

Main tasks

• Studies and understands detailed design drawings and specifications for ships
• Chooses appropriate materials for constructing various parts of ships considering strength, durability and weight
• Constructs ship frameworks, hulls and decks using hand and power tools and advanced machinery, ensuring accurate alignment and fitting
• Fits and installs parts of ships such as engines, propellors and navigation equipment in compliance with design specifications
• Repairs and maintains ships to ensure they are seaworthy
• Inspects and tests ships structures and systems for quality and functionality

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Boating Services (MEM40222); Certificate III in Boating Services (MEM30919); Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction (MEM30719); Certificate II in Boating Services (MEM20322)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $114,244 a year
• About 3,900 people work in this job group now, and about 4,100 are projected by 2035. (+3.6%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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• Boat Builder and Repairer
• Diver
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• Gas Network Technician
• Optical Mechanic
• Plastics Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Shipwright?

Ways in include: Certificate IV in Boating Services; Certificate III in Boating Services.

How much does a Shipwright earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $114,244 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Shipwright a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 3,900 to about 4,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Shipwright?

Usually not. Only 6% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate IV in Boating Services; Certificate III in Boating Services.

Will AI change the work of a Shipwright?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04