Deckhand Salary

National Compensation Range

Deckhand Salary by City

Median (P50) adjusted for metro cost of labor.

Market Trends

Entry point for many crew; rapid wage gains in busy charter seasons

Also Known As

Yacht Deckhand, Deck Crew, AB Deckhand (Yacht), Junior Deck Crew, DH, Deck Crew Member, Exterior Crew

What Does a Deckhand Do?

The Deckhand operates aboard private and charter yachts, managing vessel operations, crew, and guest experiences for yacht owners and charter clients. Professionals in this role typically bring 2 to 8 years of relevant experience. Classified at the Entry level, this position draws from a available candidate pool, though specialized qualifications and sector-specific experience remain key differentiators in hiring.

What Drives Deckhand Compensation?

The median (P50) compensation for a Deckhand is $65,000, with the 25th to 75th percentile range spanning — to —. Pay variation across this range is primarily driven by vessel length and type (motor vs. sailing), charter vs. private program, crew size, operating region, and required certifications (MCA, STCW, ISM). Demand is holding stable, with compensation levels expected to track broader market adjustments.

Deckhand Career Path

Professionals who move into Deckhand roles most commonly come from commercial maritime, cruise line operations, naval service, or hospitality management with maritime crossover. From this position, the typical trajectory leads toward larger vessel commands, fleet management, yacht management company leadership, or shoreside marine operations director roles. The average tenure in this role is approximately 2.9 years, with an annual turnover rate of 31%.

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