HTHull Maintenance Technician(HT Navy Rating)
Performs welding, pipefitting, and structural repairs on Navy ships.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Normal color perception
- ✓No speech impediment
Security Clearance
No Clearance — Open to Permanent Residents
This rate does not require a security clearance and is open to lawful permanent residents (green card holders) as well as U.S. citizens.
ASVAB Requirements
Who This Is Best For
Best for skilled welders and fabricators who enjoy working with their hands and want certifications that transfer directly to shipyard, construction, and industrial welding careers. If you take satisfaction in keeping things operational through structural repair and metalwork, this rate provides strong trade skills with consistent civilian demand.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Significant sea duty
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Engineering rates get a bad rap but the job security and trade skills are legit. I went straight into a union job.”
“A fast-paced learning environment that can teach you new things. The culture of the Navy is like no other organization that can teach and mold leaders from nothing.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Underway life in engineering is hot, loud, and exhausting. You will stand watch in some miserable conditions.”
“You weld in spaces that are too hot, too small, and too awkward for the job. Shipboard welding is nothing like a shop environment.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Engineering rates are always in demand and you will learn a valuable trade!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchThe trade skills are real but underway life in engineering spaces is hot, loud, and physically demanding. Watch rotations can be exhausting, especially on older ships.
🫡 Recruiter says
“HT is one of the best-kept secrets in the Navy.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsHT welding and fabrication skills are genuinely valuable. Many HTs leave for six-figure civilian welding careers. The downside is the working conditions aboard ship can be cramped and dirty.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“"Black Hole Theory": Everywhere you go, everyone talks about how great the command used to be, you yourself could probably see remnants of the glory days when you checked in. Unfortunately, some arbitrary thing(s) happens and over time, the place gets worse and worse. The jist of it is, it may suck now, but it will only continue to suck more, and more, and more, like a black hole. Until you finally get to leave that place, go somewhere else, and start it all over again. And the new place will be amazing to you, because of how much the last place sucked. But those around you will talk about how it used to suck less.”
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0 charsRelated Reading
Guides on picking a rate, ASVAB, bonuses, promotion, and life after the Navy.
Getting Started
How do you choose the right Navy rate for you?
Choosing a Navy rate means weighing your ASVAB scores, lifestyle preferences, civilian career goals, and willingness to deploy or go to sea. Start by identifying which ratings you qualify for, then narrow the list by what matters most to you.
Getting Started
What is the ASVAB and what scores do you need?
The ASVAB is a multi-aptitude test that determines which Navy ratings you qualify for. Your sub-test scores combine into line scores, and each rating has minimum line-score requirements. Higher scores open more options.
Career & Pay
Which Navy rates have the biggest enlistment bonuses in 2026?
Active Component (Active Duty) only. Per the CNRC GENADMIN dated 24 July 2026, the biggest source-rate bonus is $40,000 — Nuclear Field on FY26 ship dates ($75,000 EB cap). Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) follows at $35,000, then EOD and SEAL (SO) at $30,000, and Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR) and Cryptologic Technician Maintenance (CTM) at $25,000. Special Operations Future Sailors who clear the elevated PST standards add a flat $20,000 EBPST. Most rates cap at $50,000 total EB. The Loan Repayment Program adds up to $65,000 on top, separately. Reserve component (SELRES) bonuses are governed by a different message and are not covered here.