Yachting · Entry
Junior Deckhand Salary
Compensation benchmarks from 255 verified sources including industry surveys, published reports, and market intelligence.
National Compensation Range
P25
$30,000
25th percentile
P50
$45,000
Median
P75
$65,000
75th percentile
CANDIDATE MARKET
Available
Scarcity: 2/10
EST. CANDIDATE POOL
500+
Active candidates globally
DEMAND TREND
Stable
3% year-over-year
RETENTION
0.8 yr avg tenure
69% annual turnover
Junior Deckhand Salary by City
Median (P50) adjusted for metro cost of labor.
Market Trends
Highest-turnover yachting position; strong pipeline from maritime schools and travel-seekers
Also Known As
Green Deckhand, Trainee Deckhand, Entry-Level Deckhand, Deckhand (Junior), Junior DH, Green DH, Deck Cadet
What Does a Junior Deckhand Do?
The Junior 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 0 to 1 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 Junior Deckhand Compensation?
The median (P50) compensation for a Junior Deckhand is $45,000, with the 25th to 75th percentile range spanning $30,000 to $65,000. The 78% spread between P25 and P75 reflects significant pay variation 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.
Junior Deckhand Career Path
Professionals who move into Junior 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 0.8 years, with an annual turnover rate of 69%.
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