Salaries for skilled tradespeople at major submarine manufacturers like Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GD-EB) have risen significantly in 2024–2025 due to new union contracts and high demand for labor.
Executive Summary
• Entry-Level / Trainees: generally start between $21 – $24 per hour ($43k–$50k/year).
• Experienced Journeymen: typically earn between $32 – $42+ per hour ($66k–$87k+/year), with top-tier specialists and foremen earning significantly more.
• Overtime: consistently pushes total annual compensation well over $100,000 for motivated workers.
1. Huntington Ingalls Industries (Newport News Shipbuilding)
Located in Newport News, VA, HII is the sole builder of U.S. aircraft carriers and a partner in building Virginia-class submarines.
Apprentice & Entry-Level Pay
• Apprentices: The prestigious Apprentice School has a set pay scale. For 2025, starting pay is approximately $22.39/hour.
• Pay Progression: Rates increase annually or by term. By the time an apprentice completes the program (typically 4–5 years), the "completion rate" is approximately $33.38/hour.
• Trainees (Non-Apprentice): Entry-level hires in roles like shipfitting or welding often start around $21.00 – $22.00/hour.
Experienced Journeyman Pay
• Skilled Trades (Welder, Electrician, Pipefitter): Once fully qualified (journeyman status), base wages typically range from $28 to $35+ per hour.
• Shift Differentials & Overtime: Second and third shifts usually carry a premium (often $1.00–$2.00/hour extra). Extensive overtime availability is standard, often referred to as "7-12s" (7 days a week, 12 hours a day) during critical project phases.
Bonuses
• Sign-On: Recent postings list sign-on bonuses ranging from $1,000 for trainees to $3,000+ for experienced roles (e.g., Shipwrights, experienced blasting/coating).
• Relocation: Relocation stipends of roughly $2,500 are frequently offered to skilled workers moving from more than 50 miles away.
2. General Dynamics Electric Boat (GD-EB)
Primary operations are in Groton, CT (Engineering & Assembly) and Quonset Point, RI (Hull Fabrication). Salaries here recently saw a major boost following a new contract ratified in May 2025.
Recent Contract Highlights
• Wage Increase: A historic contract secured a 30.6% wage increase over 5 years for union members.
• New Minimums: The starting wage floor for many roles has been raised to $22.00/hour or higher.
Pay Rates by Location & Experience
• Groton, CT (Main Shipyard):
• Skilled/Experienced (Welder/Pipefitter): Currently hiring in the range of $31.60 – $41.60 per hour.
• Entry-Level: Starts around $23.12 – $28.70 per hour depending on prior applicable skills.
• Quonset Point, RI (Manufacturing):
• Rates here can be slightly lower for entry-level "process" roles but catch up quickly. Entry-level welders/fitters often see postings around $17.50 – $24.00/hour, but rapid progression is expected as you qualify for specific processes.
Bonuses
• Retention & Sign-On: Bonuses of $1,000 – $5,000 have been used recently to attract talent in critical shortages (e.g., machinists and nuclear-certified welders).
3. Key Factors That Increase Your Rate
• Security Clearance: An active DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance can fast-track your hiring and sometimes justify a higher starting step.
• Specialty Certifications:
• Nuclear Welding: This is the highest-paid tier. Passing the rigorous X-ray tests for nuclear piping often comes with a specific "premium" or higher labor grade.
• Nondestructive Testing (NDT): Inspectors with UT/MT/PT certifications often earn top-of-scale wages due to the critical nature of their sign-offs.
• Travel/Road Jobs: Both companies occasionally send teams to other shipyards (e.g., San Diego, Guam, or Pearl Harbor) for maintenance. These "road jobs" pay massive per diems and overtime rates, often doubling a worker's weekly take-home pay.
