Also called: Shipbreaker, Ship Dismantler
Takes apart old ships piece by piece, cutting steel with torches so it can be recycled.
At a ship recycling yard in Brownsville, Texas, workers remove hazardous materials, then torch-cut huge steel sections that cranes lift away. Retired Navy ships often end up here.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. On-the-job training; cutting and safety certifications.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Welding/Cutting (trade school).
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 51-4121: Slower than average (1% to 2%).
Low risk for 10 years. Removing hazardous materials and torch-cutting old ships is heavy, messy work that stays human.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to ship recycling yards; they give maritime safety and torch training First: OSHA maritime safety and torch-cutting training
Classes: Welding CTE class, Chemistry, Physical education.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-4121.
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